OPTIMUMPD - Key Persons


Dr Sundar Thavapalasundaram

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate

Mr Michael Forteath

Job Titles:
  • Company Director
Michael has over twenty-five years' experience in leading teams in high-risk, highly pressured operating environments within UK Law Enforcement. He is an experienced strategic commander and investigator operating within high-risk operations across a range of threat groups. His extensive operational experience includes tackling organised crime, counter terrorism intelligence and investigations and covert policing. Michael has also managed diverse teams within public protection and criminal justice. He has led national interoperability projects considering physical and doctrinal improvements within Command Platforms. Michael's current role involves working as an SME within a large and complex integration project. As a dynamic senior leader, Michael has extensive experience selecting, mentoring, training and leading large multi-disciplinary teams. He is recognised for his ability to deliver on tasks at the highest level and his emotional intelligence while doing this. Michael holds a Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders and is a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. Michael holds a Masters' degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

Mr Tom Manson

Job Titles:
  • Company Director
Tom has thirty years experience leading, individuals and teams in high risk environments and delivering complex organisational change projects across law enforcement. He has completed a number of executive programs which focus on situational leadership in Counter Terrorism, Building Powerful Partnerships and the cross Sector Leadership Exchange. Tom understands the complexity and cultural challenges of local, regional and national collaboration programs and has developed a personal style which others have identified as being, engaging, energetic, infectious, and practical. His extensive operational experience includes tackling organised crime, building counter terrorism capability and leading a wide range of murder and serious crime investigations. Tom has balanced this operational experience with a proven track record of effectively managing large public sector budgets and developing high performing teams from a range of diverse backgrounds. Tom holds a Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders and is a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. Having operated in a range of complex situations he uses his experience to develop talented people through mentoring and coaching. Tom is passionate about supporting others to overcome personal and professional challenges and keen to share his practical experience of how to remain resilient to cope with crisis despite intensive internal and external scrutiny.