Story and Letter by Michal Fábera

Story by Michal Fábera, former Managing Director of G4S Czech Republic

When Philip appointed me Managing Director of Group 4 Securitas Czech republic in 1994 my knees were shaking. We did not know much about private security in Central Europe in that time and I - Human Resources Mmanager - did not feel much fit to run the fast growing business.

Philip looked at me and said "Don´t be worry, chap. Ex teachers are the worst possible material for COOs. But I have a feeling you could be an exception". I tried so hard for next thirteen years to prove that he was right - because I knew he trusted me.

I am a little bit affraid that trust in people started to dissappear and become old fashioned and numbers, not people become our business God. Be the business days good or bad, I always felt I owe much to this great man whose trust I have got.

He used to come to Czechie for board meetings regularly and always insisted "letś make some sales, Michal, let's go to see some of your Clients". He was an excelent salesman, the best I know.

He always wanted to meet the guards : it did not matter they spoke Czech and he spoke English - they understood each other. He appreciated their work and they felt he knows very well what he speaks about.

I have lost a great teacher - what I know I have learnt from Philip and from his than partner in Central Europe John Miller. I was privileged to work for people of their moral, knowledge a humanity.

Dear Mr Chairman, Private security in Czechie owes you a lot (even if, as the life is, most of the market players do not know about it). Without your support and help we would never build in a post communist country a serious guarding and CIT and Alarms business. Thank you for this.

It is hard to believe, that I would not be able to see you again. You will never again tell me your famous sentence, which I heard so often before you boarded your plane at the airport: "And, Michal, do not forget it is my f**king money you are here looking after!!!"

Rest in peace, Philip. You will not be forgotten and believe me, there are still people like me and my wife Veronika in our business who try to do things in Group 4 way - Your way. Even if Group 4 does not need our services anymore.

God Bless you Philip, hope to meet you in Security heavens.