Simon Waddington

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SIMON WADDINGTON

A Proven Strategic Leader with a Technical Edge. I have spent the last two decades operating at the Strategic Level in appointments in the USA (3 times), Pakistan (3 times) and Australia. I have also undertaken shorter assignments in Rwanda, Angola, Bosnia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Diplomat on behalf of (as was) Her Majesty\'s Government, I led the repatriation of over Afghans through Pakistan and on to the UK after the fall of Kabul. This required the simultaneous planning and implementation of strategy, operational effect and tactical detail. I have negotiated £100M+ commercial contracts in a highly competitive market. My commercial legacy is the delivery of rapid results in a no nonsense manner at better than anticipated cost. I have extensive experience of Change Management and have the drive to see through the most complex organisational initiatives. My leadership of a 1,500+ person training delivery organisation created lasting cultural change which in turn significantly transformed outputs. My foundations are in Mechanical Engineering and Defence Technology. I proudly led the personnel who in turn delivered the armoured deployable forces of the British Army. I am a proud Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and interview for prospective Chartered engineers. Having enjoyed a successful career, not least due to the many people who have invested in me, I am also passionate about giving something back. I have been a Member of GRIT\'s Independent Advisory Panel since 2015. Their transformation effect is motivational and deeply emotional. I am equally inspired by the many children who I helped to evacuate from Afghanistan. Their passion and love of life has resulted in me joining an Afghan based Charity focussed on the delivery of Girl\'s education as a Trustee. I am also a Senior Ministry of Defence Mentor. The experience of mentoring is deeply rewarding. I have a proven track record of delivery. I gravitate to the Strategic level, but am equally comfortable planning, implementing and adapting. My key trademarks are Leadership second to none; Simplifying Complexity & Ambiguity; Strategy formulation and the cradle to grave Translation of Strategy into action. All of this is Values Based. My experience, education and training, combined with my personal values & standards are best harnessed at the CEO/COO Level.