David Holley

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Company Founder & Director

David has spent the last 15 years advising various media groups working in fragile environments.  

Before setting up HP, David worked for the BBC High-Risk Team and as International Security Manager at National Public Radio (NPR).

David retired as Lt. Colonel from the British Army, having served in Iraq and Bosnia. He has an MA in War Studies from King's College London.

Colin Pereira

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Director

In addition to being a Director of HP Risk Management, Colin serves as the Journalist Safety Strategist for the Committee to Protect Journalists.

He was previously the Head of High-Risk Security for ITN News and Deputy Head at the BBC High-Risk Team. Colin was also a producer for BBC Newsnight, Radio 4, and World TV, and has an MA in Modern History and International Relations from St. Andrews University

Tom Bacon

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Head of Strategy

Tom has more than eight years’ experience working in the risk management sector. He was previously the Geopolitical Director at Protection Group International and Head of Risk Analysis at G4S Risk Management.

Tom has managed risk consultancy services for varied global organisations, including several international media organisations and NGOs.

He has an MSc in International Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and a BA in International Politics from the University of Warwick.

Ela Stapley

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Digital Safety Expert

Ela Stapley is a print journalist and specialist in media digital security. Ela previously worked in Latin America as both a journalist and digital safety consultant for local media workers in Mexico.

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Ela communicates complex technical information to journalists in a clear manner and focuses advice to journalists on account of their sources, location, type of assignment and threat faced.

Ela focuses on user behaviour and protecting against threats, including protecting hardware, protecting data, secure communications, passwords, digital security and social media, protecting against online attacks, secure hosting, encryption and metadata.

Joel Whittaker

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Security & Medical Expert

Joel is the head of high risk at ITN where he works to ensure the safety of staff on assignment abroad and in the UK.

He has 14 years of experience keeping journalists safe in the field.

He has previously worked with CNN, BBC and CBS where he was in charge of emergency response procedures and psychological well-being.

David Oades

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High Risk Media Advisor

David has 15 years industry experience working in a variety of roles for Overlanding West Africa, Dragoman Overland and Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel. 

In addition to being High Risk Media Advisor at HP Risk Management, David continues to manage operations and marketing at his own company, Overlanding West Africa, and advises on safety and logistics for a number of charity expeditions and African documentary productions.