Simon Ashenden

Simon Ashenden is an associate managing director and APAC head of the Security Risk Management practice of Kroll, a division of Duff & Phelps, based in Singapore. Simon is a highly accomplished security professional, who over the course of a 35-year career translated the skills and experience gained from leading high-pressure missions with the British Special Forces to delivering a wide range of security services for diverse firms in the private sector.

Prior to Kroll, Simon was at Caterpillar Singapore, where he was Regional Security Manager for South East Asia. Simon’s responsibilities included staff security throughout the region and leading strategic planning for related issues such as crisis and emergency management, workplace violence, high-risk travel and kidnap/ransom threats. Simon designed, implemented and audited risk assessments for new offices, customer locations and countries with new business opportunities. Additionally, he developed and delivered training to staff to create awareness of security and safety standards. During this time, Simon expanded his already strong network of security-related sources across the region, including with government agencies.

Before Caterpillar, Simon was Senior Consultant, Brand Protection for VT Consulting. In this role, he worked on security planning with clients in diverse industries, including finance, pharmaceutical, technology, apparel, FMCG and motor industries, with a strong focus on regional security and anti-counterfeiting strategies. Simon earlier served as a managing director in the firm, providing clients with tailored security and brand protection solutions. Prior to that, Simon gained security and brand protection experience in roles at Shell Asia-Pacific/Middle East (APME) and Cisco.

Simon has spent the last 18 years in Singapore, focused on successfully resolving clients’ security needs across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. In addition to crisis management, high-risk travel, workplace violence and the protection of people and physical assets, Simon has particular expertise in helping clients manage issues with fraud and compliance, cyber security, brand protection and counterfeiting.

Simon transitioned to the private sector in 1993 after 10 years of service as a Commissioned Officer with H.M. Royal Marines. Simon commanded a troop of British Special Forces operators in theaters of operations around the world, including the Arctic, Central America, Asia, Middle East and Africa. He was also involved in active service operations in Northern Ireland, Southeast Asia and Central America. During this time, he gained critical experience in making decisions under extreme pressure and leading the team to successful missions. Simon’s service included planning and liaising with U.S. and Australian Special Forces on successful joint operations.

Simon received an MBA with a focus on marketing and management from City University in London. He can speak Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malayu with professional working proficiency, and Mandarin with limited working proficiency.