John Benton, one of the founder members of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC) and its first chairman for the initial five years from 1991, was unanimously appointed Life President of the Association at its recent ASC board meeting.
The ASC reports that it was in recognition of his commitment to the security industry and particularly the ASC over many years.
John has had a long and interesting career in the security industry. Coming out of the RAF where he was a Flt/Sgt Air Gunner, he obtained his security and management training with Chubb, for whom he was subsequently responsible for Western Hemisphere business. Later he became Managing Director of John Tann Ltd. and member of the Boards of Tann International and Killby Tann Ltd. for many years. He later turned to consultancy after a spell with Schroders.
A holder of the ATM Industry Association Global Trophy for "Lifetime Achievement", John was present at the opening ceremony of the installation of the world’s first ATM, in 1967. A member of the British Standards Institution Committee on Physical Security (GW/2), he was chairman for six years and was awarded a "Distinguished Service Certificate".
He is a Freeman of the City of London (for services to financial institutions) and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. The late Lord Bethel (MEP for NW London) became a Patron of the ASC after being introduced by John.
A great character and true gentleman, John Benton remains a director of the ASC, giving full support to all activities and the benefit of wise counsel, and remaining a practicing consultant.
