John Du Plessis
Strategic And Operational Security, Intelligence And Close Protection Specialist
Summary
FirstRand Banking Group:
- 5 years strategic and governance related corporate security management experience.
- Created and implemented a security Framework and various Security Policies for the Group.
- Currently overseeing the Strategic Security Governance, the Executive Protection and Security Portfolio and the TSCM portfolio of the FirstRand Group that consists out of 50 000 employees and that has a footprint in 18 countries.
South African National Deference Force:
- 17 years military strategic and operational security and intelligence management experience.
- Highly skilled and experienced in various fields.
- Extensive strategic and operational management experience within the military and intelligence services.
- Deployed in various UN missions within crisis and post-conflict countries.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Head Group Executive Protection and Security
FirstRand Bank Limited
04.2022 - Current
- Head of Executive Protection and Security for the Group and its various franchises.
- Continued managing the Group Security Manager portfolio for the FirstRand Group.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation for maximum impact.
- Ensured protectors, medical equipment, firearms, training and vehicle requirements were sufficient and of the highest standard.
- Implemented innovative solutions to address complex security challenges, driving positive change across the organization.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
Group Physical Security Manager
FirstRand Bank Limited
03.2019 - 03.2022
- Managed strategic security governance and operation security oversite for the Group.
- This included Enterprise Risk Management , Security Risk Management and Business Continuity functions.
- Technical Surveillance Counter Measure lead.
- Security Group Communications Lead.
- Completed vulnerability scans to identify at-risk systems and remediate issues.
- Managed budgets effectively while procuring necessary equipment or resources to uphold strict standards in maintaining a secure environment.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and implement strategies to mitigate security risks.
- Established strong relationships with local law enforcement, facilitating collaboration during critical events or investigations.
- Oversaw contract negotiations, budget implementation, disciplinary reviews, training and manpower work schedules.
- Continuously updated knowledge on evolving security trends and best practices, incorporating relevant strategies to maintain a safe facility.
- Managed a team of security personnel, providing regular training for improved performance and professional growth.
- Managed security policies and procedures to promote safety and security of personnel and assets.
- Determined security budgets and identified opportunities to optimize resource utilization.
- Conducted regular security audits and assessments to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
- Organized successful large-scale events, coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure optimal safety conditions for attendees and staff members alike.
- Verified excellence in regards to security programs, strategies and plans within fast-paced and high-risk environments.
- Served as liaison with public officials, company negotiators and other departments to maintain big picture understanding of security needs covering all corporate assets.
- Implemented comprehensive security plans to provide highest levels of protection for facilities.
- Evaluated existing security infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement and recommending cost-effective solutions.
- Delivered regular security awareness programs to educate personnel on security measures and protocols.
- Enhanced overall security by conducting comprehensive risk assessments based on people, processes and infrastructure, and implementing tailored security plans.
- Kept team compliant with security protocols and appearance standards.
- Worked in fast-paced and high-risk environments while maintaining exceptional standards of excellence for security programs, strategies, and plans.
- Investigated incidents and wrote reports.
Special Operations Officer, Dir Special Ops
Defence Intelligence
01.2011 - 02.2019
- Senior Special Operations Officer within the Directorate Special Operations.
- Specialized in all advance covert disciplines which included Special Operations, Technical services, Surveillance, Counter-surveillance, Source Handling, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures and Collection.
- Conducted various highly sensitive special operations locally and abroad over this 8 year period. (can elaborate more where required)
- Acted as a course leader for various of the above specialist course.
- Conducted various specialist courses abroad in China, Romania, Spain, Greece, France and Germany.
European Military Attaché and Advisor
Directorate Defense Foreign Relation
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Managed the SANDF's European Defence Foreign Relations desk.
- Was the key liaison between all European countries that had diplomatic ties to the SANDF.
- Ensured that existing relationships were maintained and was responsible for establishing relationships where required.
- Anticipated responses and prepared clear and articulate answers.
Surveillance Regiment Commander
1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Appointed as Regimental 2IC/Squadron Commander at 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment. During this time I commanded and deployment various highly specialized mechanized surveillance, motorized surveillance and small infiltration team surveillance capabilities.
United Nations Sector Intelligence Officer
DRC, North-Kivu
01.2008 - 12.2008
- Sector Intelligence Officer for the United Nations Mission (Operation Mistral) in DRC.
- Conducted various tactical area studies, threat analysis, and collection and processing of information into intelligence.
- Also acted as the liaison between UN civil sections and various NGO's in the area.
- Responsible for all surrendered and confiscated weapons.
Surveillance Squadron Commander
1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment
01.2007 - 12.2007
- Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
- Managed budgetary resources responsibly, ensuring proper allocation of funds for mission-critical tasks while reducing unnecessary expenses.
- Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment.
Company Commander
South African Border control Operation (Mozambique)
07.2006 - 12.2006
- Company Commander at Ndumu military base.
- Conducted questioning of illegals and was responsible for the apprehension of illegals and illegal goods
- Participated in joint operations between the military and police forces.
United Nations Sector Intelligence Officer
Sudan's Darfur Region
11.2005 - 06.2006
- Sector Intelligence Officer for the United Nations Mission (Operation Cordite) in Sudan.
- Conducted various tactical area studies, threat analysis, and collection and processing of information into intelligence.
Battlefield Surveillance Training Branch Commander
School Of Tactical Intelligence
04.2005 - 10.2005
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Company Commander
South African Border control Operation (Zimbabwe)
01.2005 - 03.2005
- Company Commander at Madimbo military base.
- Conducted questioning of illegals and was responsible for the apprehension of illegals and illegal goods
- Participated in joint operations between the military and police forces.
Battlefield Surveillance Instructor
School Of Tactical Intelligence
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Developed and clearly presented classroom rules, guidelines and objectives.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
SANDF Officers Formative
SANDF
06.2002 - 12.2002
- Selected as an Offerer Candidate and conducted the SANDF Officers Formative course.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Basic Training & Junior Leaders
South African National Defence Force
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Conducted SANDF Basic Training, Junior Leaders course and Special Weapons training.
- Selected as an Offerer Candidate and conducted the SANDF Officers Formative course.
Manager
JAVA Group
- 2000 - 2001
- Responsible for financial, staff, administrative and management functions.
Education
ISO 18788 -
PECB
Elite Level 5 International Close Protection -
Highfield
London 04.2001 -
Private Security Officer Studies (Mod A-E) -
PSIRA
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures Advanced Course -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
Advanced HUMINT And Source Handling -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
04.2001 -
Advanced PSIRA and SASSETA qualified Weapon Instructor -
SASSETA
PASA Parachute Jump Master and Coach -
Parachute Association South Africa
Offensive And Defensive Driving -
PASE Advanced Training Solution
Tactical Questioning -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
Surveillance Operator -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
04.2001 -
Surveillance Troop Commander -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
04.2001 -
Surveillance Squadron Commander -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
04.2001 -
Integrated Sub-Unit Commanders (ISUC) -
SANDF - War College
04.2001 -
Junior Command And Staff Duties Course (JCSD) -
SANDF - War College
04.2001 -
Advanced Intelligence Collection -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
04.2001 -
Advance Surveillance And Counter Surveillance -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
04.2001 -
Advanced Small Tactics And Survival -
SANDF - 5 Recce
04.2001 -
Platoon Weapons And Fireteam Commander -
SANDF
04.2001 -
French Level 4 -
DIRCO Directorate Language
Close Protection Certificate -
SASSETA
04.2001 -
Skills
Security Specialist
Close Protection Specialist
Intelligence Specialist
TSCM Specialist
Firearm Specialist
Security Risk Specialist
Excellent Management Skills
Problem-Solving
Excellent Communication
Innovation and Creativity
Vehicle Licenses
Sedan, Motorcycle, Sedan, Mamba 4x4, Samil 20+50
School Qualifications
STD 10\Gr 12 Academic, 1999, Pro Arte Alphen Park Pretoria (S.A), Management
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 10/09/81
Timeline
Battlefield Surveillance Instructor
School Of Tactical Intelligence
01.2024 - 12.2024
Head Group Executive Protection and Security
FirstRand Bank Limited
04.2022 - Current
Basic Training & Junior Leaders
South African National Defence Force
01.2022 - 06.2022
Group Physical Security Manager
FirstRand Bank Limited
03.2019 - 03.2022
Special Operations Officer, Dir Special Ops
Defence Intelligence
01.2011 - 02.2019
European Military Attaché and Advisor
Directorate Defense Foreign Relation
01.2010 - 12.2010
Surveillance Regiment Commander
1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment
01.2009 - 12.2009
United Nations Sector Intelligence Officer
DRC, North-Kivu
01.2008 - 12.2008
Surveillance Squadron Commander
1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment
01.2007 - 12.2007
Company Commander
South African Border control Operation (Mozambique)
07.2006 - 12.2006
United Nations Sector Intelligence Officer
Sudan's Darfur Region
11.2005 - 06.2006
Battlefield Surveillance Training Branch Commander
School Of Tactical Intelligence
04.2005 - 10.2005
Company Commander
South African Border control Operation (Zimbabwe)
01.2005 - 03.2005
SANDF Officers Formative
SANDF
06.2002 - 12.2002
Elite Level 5 International Close Protection -
Highfield
04.2001 -
Advanced HUMINT And Source Handling -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
04.2001 -
Surveillance Operator -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
04.2001 -
Surveillance Troop Commander -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
04.2001 -
Surveillance Squadron Commander -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
04.2001 -
Integrated Sub-Unit Commanders (ISUC) -
SANDF - War College
04.2001 -
Junior Command And Staff Duties Course (JCSD) -
SANDF - War College
04.2001 -
Advanced Intelligence Collection -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
04.2001 -
Advance Surveillance And Counter Surveillance -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
04.2001 -
Advanced Small Tactics And Survival -
SANDF - 5 Recce
04.2001 -
Platoon Weapons And Fireteam Commander -
SANDF
04.2001 -
Close Protection Certificate -
SASSETA
04.2001 -
Manager
JAVA Group
ISO 18788 -
PECB
Private Security Officer Studies (Mod A-E) -
PSIRA
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures Advanced Course -
SANDF - Defence Intelligence College (SADIC)
Advanced PSIRA and SASSETA qualified Weapon Instructor -
SASSETA
PASA Parachute Jump Master and Coach -
Parachute Association South Africa
Offensive And Defensive Driving -
PASE Advanced Training Solution
Tactical Questioning -
SANDF - School of Tactical Intelligence
French Level 4 -
DIRCO Directorate Language
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