In Action

Co-founder and Group CEO of Priavo Group, Pete has over 30 years expertise across the global security sector, marked by a commendable career with the Special Boat Service and Royal Marines. Leveraging extensive operational experience, Pete has led high-profile security operations for private, corporate, and government clients worldwide.

Under his leadership, Priavo Group has grown into a global provider of risk management solutions, recognised for its innovative approach to executive protection, risk management and corporate security.

Pete is a true leader in the risk management field and his extensive global network of contacts and liaisons allows Priavo to be continually resourceful, wherever we operate.

Celine Shabbas is Co-founder and Group Managing Director of Priavo Group, where she has driven corporate growth and strategic vision for over a decade. With extensive experience in commercial strategy, Celine has been instrumental in expanding Priavo Group’s global footprint, delivering innovative partnerships across diverse sectors.

Her experience in driving effective development strategies at Board level has equipped Celine with a unique skill set that blends collaborative leadership with a disciplined, results-driven approach.

Celine’s market insight and clear communication style has fostered sustainable growth, strengthened client trust and enhanced industry recognition. Her efforts ensure that Priavo’s growth trajectory aligns seamlessly with evolving client needs.

As Global Operations Director at Priavo Group, Riz Omar leverages his extensive expertise in security and operational strategy. His career includes pivotal roles at the UK Home Office and Policing Crime Reduction Group, where he advanced national security initiatives and crime prevention efforts.

At Priavo, Riz directs global operations, coordinating comprehensive protective services throughout the USA, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. His strategic, hands-on approach is enriched by his role as associate lecturer on the Security Risk Management MBA, imparting knowledge on risk mitigation and traveller safety.

As CEO of subsidiary, Locate Global, Riz drives innovative technological advancements within the Priavo Group, reinforcing his dedication to effective, global risk management.

James joins Priavo in the newly created position of Commercial Director. He brings a wealth of relevant experience to our business from a range of board level positions in Sales, Marketing, Digital, Transformation and Customer roles. Latterly, he has spent the last couple of years helping multiple start-ups find product-market fit and commercial viability. 

His skillset, experience, entrepreneurial mindset and fresh perspective are incredibly valuable for Priavo at this stage in our growth journey. 

His key focus is to build on the existing strengths of the business whilst also refining, enhancing and future-proofing the core aspects of who we are, what we do and how we go to market. This enables us to sustainably continue our group growth drive whilst also delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients, employees and partners alike.

Tom Stilwell is the Head of Global Operations at Priavo Group, where he leads global operational strategy, performance and service delivery across the organisation. He oversees the planning and execution of complex international security operations, ensuring resources, risk and operational standards are managed effectively across every assignment.

With over a decade of experience in logistics, supply chain management and freight forwarding, Tom brings strong commercial awareness and operational expertise to the Group. He works closely with senior leadership, clients, partners and cross-functional teams to strengthen processes, optimise resources and translate complex requirements into scalable, effective solutions.

Tom’s focus on operational resilience, continuous improvement and strategic growth ensures Priavo Group can scale confidently, respond rapidly and consistently deliver reliable, high-quality security solutions worldwide.

Karin is the Finance Manager at Priavo Group, where she leads financial strategy, reporting and performance across the organisation. She oversees budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, compliance and financial controls, ensuring the Group maintains strong governance, accurate reporting and a clear financial foundation for sustainable growth.

With extensive expertise in financial management and commercial decision-making, Karin works closely with senior leadership to provide insight, strengthen planning and improve business performance. She translates complex financial data into clear, actionable guidance, helping the Group manage risk, allocate resources effectively and make informed strategic decisions.

Karin’s focus on financial discipline, operational efficiency and continuous improvement strengthens Priavo Group’s ability to grow confidently, respond to changing business needs and deliver long-term commercial value.

Sam Ackland-Jones is our Global Marketing Manager at Priavo Security Group, where he leads the global marketing strategy across the Group and its affiliated brands, strengthening market position and supporting commercial growth.

With expertise spanning global marketing strategy, brand portfolio management, integrated campaigns, creative direction, budget management and performance analysis, Sam develops strategic initiatives that align marketing activity with wider business objectives. He works closely with senior leadership, manages team priorities and ensures consistent, effective brand communication across international markets.

Sam’s combination of strategic leadership and creative insight brings a distinctive approach to how the Group communicates its expertise, services, ethos and values – strengthening brand identity and creating meaningful impact across its global portfolio.

Romano Betts is the Commercial Account Manager at Priavo Group, responsible for developing client relationships and ensuring commercial accounts are supported with responsive, effective security solutions. With 16 years of military service and a strong background in close protection and frontline operations, Romano combines extensive operational experience with a clear understanding of client needs and service delivery.

His experience in demanding, high-pressure environments has shaped a practical and solutions-led approach, allowing him to support clients with professionalism, precision, and attention to detail. Romano is committed to building trusted partnerships and helping clients navigate evolving security requirements with confidence.

Lucy Pope serves as Senior Operations Coordinator at Priavo Group, where she works with the operations team in coordinating logistics for global security projects. Leveraging her background in project management and communications within the public sector.

Lucy plays a key role in operational planning, briefing, and administrative support across executive protection, journey management, and event security. Her expertise extends to site surveys, threat assessments, contingency planning, and post-operation analysis, all critical for effective risk mitigation.

Lucy manages Priavo’s relationships with global security partners, suppliers, and operatives, ensuring seamless collaboration and robust security solutions worldwide.

James Biggs is a Global Operations Team Leader at Priavo Security Ltd, bringing a wealth of expertise from his 30-year career with Sussex Police. With a strong background in law enforcement, crisis management, and airport security, James plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of complex security operations.

Having led teams in high-pressure environments, including Gatwick Airport, James has extensive experience managing critical incidents and overseeing large-scale security initiatives. As a former Critical Incident Inspector and CAA-approved Aviation Security Manager, he has successfully coordinated high-profile operations, from Royal and VIP visits to major public safety events.

James’s strategic approach to operational planning, combined with his leadership in security logistics, reinforces Priavo’s commitment to delivering precision-driven, resilient security solutions worldwide.

Charlotte is a Finance Assistant at Priavo Group, providing essential support to the finance department with diligence and professionalism.

With a strong attention to detail and a methodical approach, Charlotte ensures the accuracy and efficiency of day-to-day financial operations. She plays an important role in maintaining financial records, supporting compliance processes, and assisting in the preparation of insightful management reports.

Eager to develop her expertise and contribute to team success, Charlotte brings enthusiasm and precision to every task. Her proactive attitude and growing financial knowledge make her a valued member of Priavo Group’s finance team, supporting the continued strength and integrity of the company’s financial function.

Patrick is a dedicated and experienced security professional with over a decade of frontline and strategic experience in law enforcement and private security.

As Priavo’s Head of Security for Luxury Events, he oversees protective operations for high‑profile functions, gala dinners, VIP launches, and premium brand activations, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional client care. His background as a former Covert Officer in Jamaica, including specialist training with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has equipped him with strong capabilities in covert operations, intelligence gathering, tactical analysis, and air and sea interdiction.

Now based in the UK, Patrick has become a trusted leader within the private security sector, managing teams and delivering safe, controlled environments for clients operating in the public eye. His skill set includes overt and covert surveillance, firearms and baton handling, and confident leadership under pressure.