meet the team
Gary Lincoln-Hope – CEO
Gary’s professional career commenced in 1997 as he completed training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, culminating with the presentation of the Sword of Honour and a commission into the Parachute Regiment.
In 2004, he co-founded The Xfor Group with Steve Gillespie, another ex member of Parachute Regiment. Initially, the company specialized in Surveillance and Intelligence acquisition, offering Private Investigation services to the Corporate and Public sectors. Over the last 6 years, the company has grown in strength to deliver Close Protection and Security Services alongside its Specialist Private Investigation and Local Authority Support Services divisions.
As CEO, Gary is responsible for the strategic development and direction of the Xfor Group and is also responsible for the Board of Directors alongside the MD and Non-Exec Chairman.
Michael Fisher – Group Operations Director
Early in 2009, Michael joined Xfor and is responsible for the Local Authority and Investigations Division of the company. Michael served in the Greater Manchester Police for 30 years attaining the rank of Detective Inspector. He specialised in the Investigation of Serious and Organised Criminality on a National and International basis by directing Covert Investigations in particular Infiltration and Test Purchase Operations in addition to Surveillance and Technical Equipment deployment.
Michael now deploys undercover operatives into Company’s who may be suffering from dishonesty and other issues in the workplace, also surveillance operators on behalf of Local Authority Environmental Crime Teams in partnership with Police Forces. As Group Operations Director, Michael ensures that the tactics and methodology employed by Xfor Investigations Division are ethical and always on a strong legal footing.
Lara Jezeph- Head of Strategic Development
Lara completed a BSc degree in Entrepreneurship in Technology, IT and Business having a year working in London as a marketing assistant for a large international construction company. Lara moved to Australia and then New Zealand to gain knowledge and experience working with different people and in different environments in the marketing arena.
After 2 years, she returned back to the UK and in November 2009 she started working for Xfor where she heads up the marketing department. Lara gained the CIPR qualification in July 2010 in London and is now working towards the CMI Qualification in Strategic Management & Leadership.
Steve Gillespie – Chief Operations Officer
In 1988, Steve’s professional career began as he completed his basic Military training at the depot of The Parachute Regiment. He ended his first professional career after 16 years exemplary service in order to develop his personal goals and start a second career.
In 2004, Steve co-founded The Xfor Group with Gary Lincoln-Hope, another ex member of Parachute Regiment.
As Chief Operations Officer, he is responsible for the everyday operational requirements of the Xfor Group and ensures that the company meets all the service level agreements and high standards across the board of all the departments.
Steve is also responsible for the Board of Directors alongside the CEO and Non-Exec Chairman.
Josh Cocklin – Group Operations Manager
Having read Security & Risk Management at the University of Leicester, Josh commenced with The Xfor Group in early 2010. Accumulating a wealth of experience in Loss Prevention and Security Risk Analysis, Josh broadened his skill set across the Private Investigation and Enforcement operations before moving on promotion into a management role within the Head Office.
As Group Operations Manager, Josh is responsible for the strategic direction, operational management and service delivery across a portfolio of security contracts throughout the UK.
Nicola Hope – HR Manager
After Leaving School in 1995, Nicky began immediate training with a Highly acclaimed Military based Leisure Training Establishment namely Premier Training International. Having spent over 6 years within the Leisure Industry she worked her way up to Fitness Manager and then pursued a round the World Travelling trip for a year.
Returning back to the UK, Nicky changed career paths working as Senior Account Manager and then as a Group Project Manager for a Corporate Mobile Management Company.
In November 2008, Nicky began working for Xfor as Operations Manager handling Operational Projects and ensuring the smooth running of the Operations Team.
