Our Team

Simon James Hilliard is a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience in the Military and Commercial sectors, specializing in diverse and challenging environments. With over two decades of expertise in private security, Simon has developed a reputation as a leading authority in Close Protection training and operations.

As the Chief Instructor and Head of Training for Iraq, Fiji, and new market entry areas, Simon has personally trained over 200 Close Protection personnel in the last two years alone, equipping them with the skills and resilience required to succeed in high-pressure, complex environments. His exceptional training capabilities are matched by his ability to identify, secure, and develop new business opportunities across industries including logistics, oil and gas, mining, telecommunications, and more.

Simon’s extensive international experience spans regions such as Iraq, Indonesia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Uganda, and the UAE. His strategic insight and operational leadership continue to drive Foster Hill’s growth and success in emerging markets.

James Cadbury is a former British Army Officer with over 18 years of experience operating in the Middle East and Africa. He has worked extensively with family-owned businesses and family offices, focusing on the Oil & Gas support services sector. James specializes in navigating complex operating environments, with expertise in Security, HR, and Logistics within Iraq. Additionally, he is a partner in an oil trading group based in Dubai.

Zlatan Despot is a highly skilled and experienced instructor with over 15 years of close protection expertise, primarily in Iraq. As the Head of Bosnian Operations and Training, Zlatan brings a wealth of knowledge in a diverse range of close protection strategies, including mobile foot drills and complex vehicle-based missions. His leadership and operational experience ensure the delivery of world-class training, equipping personnel with the skills required to excel in challenging environments.

Waleed Award Kadhim is an experienced local national trainer with over 12 years of expertise in training private security companies across Iraq. As the Head of Iraq Training, Waleed is a fully qualified instructor and holds Advanced Level 3 certifications in Close Protection and Medic on Scene. Fluent in both Arabic and English, he brings a unique ability to bridge cultural and operational gaps, ensuring his trainees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in demanding security roles.

Hakim has been a cornerstone of Foster Hill’s success since its inception, providing invaluable expertise in medical training for our Ugandan courses. As an experienced Close Protection Officer with over 10 years of operational experience across the Middle East and Africa, Hakime brings a wealth of knowledge from the private security sector. His commitment to excellence and his deep understanding of both close protection and medical training ensure that trainees are thoroughly prepared for the challenges of the field.

Branislav is a highly experienced professional with over 15 years in the Private Security Industry. As a Global Instructor, Branislav plays a vital role in delivering expert training across all Foster Hill centers, including Iraq, Bosnia, Uganda, and Fiji, working closely with the Chief Instructor to ensure the highest standards of instruction.

A Subject Matter Expert in Close Protection (CP) and First Medic on Scene (FMOS), Branislav is renowned for his ability to adapt and deliver specialized training tailored to diverse operational environments. His commitment to excellence and his hands-on approach empower trainees with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to excel in high-stakes scenarios. Branislav’s expertise is a cornerstone of Foster Hill’s global training operations.