Henig announces Butler as new SIA chief

21 May 09

By Brian Sims, Anthony Hildebrand

Baroness Ruth Henig has named the new SIA chief executive – Bill Butler, currently director of corporate services at the Gambling Commission.

Butler starts his new role in July. At present Andy Drane is acting chief executive of the Security Industry Authority.

Former SIA chief executive Mike Wilson was asked to step down in the wake of last year's Independent Delivery Review, which was critical of aspects of the SIA.

SIA chairman Henig said she was “both pleased and excited “ by the appointment. The announcement was made at the SIA’s Stakeholder Conference today in Manchester.

Baroness Henig said: "I am delighted to welcome Bill Butler as the new Chief Executive of the SIA. The Board and I look forward to working with Bill, and are confident that he will lead the SIA forward as we strive to build on achievements that have been made so far this year. Bill will work closely with government, industry and other stakeholders to ensure the SIA continues to improve services for our customers, undertake enforcement activity, and meet forthcoming challenges facing the security industry.”

Bill Butler said: “I have enjoyed being part of the team that has led the successful establishment of the Gambling Commission and am very pleased to be joining the SIA. These are challenging times for the private security industry and I look forward to meeting and working with the industry and stakeholders. With my team, I will be building on their achievements to deliver effective regulation for the industry and leading the SIA forward.”

Butler joined the Gambling Commission in 2006, and as director of corporate services he was responsible for the finance, HR and IT and facilities departments. He was part of the team that led to the successful establishment of the new regulator.

Prior to that he was head of finance at the Healthcare Commission, and has extensive experience with the Audit Commission.

A member of the Chartered institute of Public Finance, Butler studied Law at the University of the West of England.

Readers' comments

Nick Evans 22 May 09
Surely its about time that we were treated with a little more respect by the Home Office who appear to have appointed yet another serial leader of government quango’s. Mike Wilson led the Gangmasters before entering the security market and Bill Butler was a gambler, great grounding for security!

The recent SIA conference was shocking and quite frankly I hope (but doubt) that those involved hang their heads in shame. The unsubstantiated claims of improvement coupled with speakers giving party (or should I say SIA) political lectures insulted those present and did little to enhance the reputation of a shady governing body.

Bill might do 2 years before moving on to something greater and in the meantime, nothing and read these lips, nothing of any substance will change.

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Henig announces Butler as new SIA chief

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