OCTO - Key Persons


Charles Anson

Job Titles:
  • Adviser and Coach in Reputation Strategy and Management in Crisis
Formerly director of corporate communications group for Diageo and Hilton Group plc; Downing Street Press Officer for two Prime Ministers and Press Secretary to the HM The Queen (1990-97) Previous 21-year career in the British Diplomatic Service included a spell as Deputy Head of the FCO department coordinating counter-terrorism policy, Tehran Embassy during the Iranian Revolution, two periods in Washington and Head of Communications for the European Broadcasting Union

Elaine Birch-Ruffell

Job Titles:
  • Director and Fellow, Institute of Statecraft, Oxford National Security, Foreign Affairs and Leadership Specialist

Elaine Semple

Job Titles:
  • Client Manager
  • Controller
  • Head of Research
Principal OCTO client manager, schedule controller and Head of Research. Direct client work focuses on scenario management and support Formerly PA to CEO of Engineering Employers' Federation, following posts as PA in Ernst & Young and Operations Manager for a sales and distribution company

Helen Glanville

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Editor
  • Senior Producer

Helen Shannon

Job Titles:
  • Business Director since 1998 Tutored over 800 Managers and Executives

Jack Fallow

Job Titles:
  • Experienced Senior Director and Company Chairman Who Is Particularly Interested in Matters of Corporate Ethics, Governance and Sustainability
Advised the Insurance Brokers Alexander & Alexander (later Aon) and their clients on crisis management and terrorism. He is a Visiting Professor at the Department of War Studies, King's College London Previous career in the Royal Marines commanded on operations at every level, including the Falklands War - where he commanded the first phase of the land operations and the majority of key land engagements Responsibilities in last appointment in the rank of Major General included commanding and training the Special Forces tasked with providing the UK's response to maritime terrorism

James Stamp

Job Titles:
  • IT Manager / Development of Bespoke OCTO Software Products to Support Crisis Training, Exercising, Simulation and Management Support
Development of bespoke OCTO software products to support crisis training, exercising, simulation and management support Significant previous experience of IT reporting and developing in a wide range of sectors including construction, health and social service

Julian Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Idarat Maritime Limited and a Consultant With Exploration Logistics Group Plc

Laurie Emerson

Job Titles:
  • Project Officer / Coventry University

Tony Melville

Experienced in media training and media management Supported disaster scenario exercises in Europe, providing the broadcast element and post-exercise analysis Accomplished team leader and Managing Director of Glanville Production Limited