Simon Hardern Joins Kenyon International as CEO-Elect

Houston, TX, July 27, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Kenyon International Emergency Services, the global leader in disaster management, announced today the appointment of retired Rear Admiral Simon Hardern to the role of Chief Executive Officer effective 1 January 2019. In the interim, Simon will serve as Vice President, Operations based out of Kenyon’s Bracknell, UK, office.

Simon recently retired from the Royal Navy after 34 years on active service in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. His early years were spent almost exclusively at sea, including periods in the Caribbean supporting the British Overseas Territories with disaster relief operations. Mid-career, he drove two warships, deploying with both across the globe focusing on defense diplomacy activities and operational missions.

Since 2004, Simon has been engaged at the joint service and civilian interface; this included a period of overseeing support to injured military personnel and the families of those killed in action. For much of the past eight years, he has been based in either Belgium or the Netherlands working in high profile appointments in NATO. He is a specialist in the development of strategy, the shaping of coherent policy and the efficient conduct of complex operations. Important for Kenyon, he has a reputation for effective leadership, an energetic spirit, strong planning credentials and the ability to think and act on his feet. Notably, Simon has gained the respect of others by demonstrating integrity, discretion, and a passion for diversity.

“I had the goal of finding a meaningful second career in a dynamic organization with a purpose-driven culture. It is obvious to me that all those associated with Kenyon really do care about delivering an unsurpassed service to help those affected by any type of life-changing incident,” said Simon of his new role. “I look forward to adding value to the company that already has a very clear vision, mission and set of objectives.”

Kenyon’s current CEO, Robert A. Jensen, will transition to the active role of Chairman on 1 January 2019. Robert joined Kenyon in 1998 and has held multiple leadership positions. He has served as CEO since 2003. As Chairman and majority shareholder, his focus will be on active incident response, continued improvement of training materials and professional development of staff, and supporting clients around the globe. Additionally, recruitment for a new Vice President, Operations, will begin in early fall 2018.

“I’m very happy to have found someone of Simon’s caliber and experience to help lead Kenyon,” said Jensen. “No one person makes a company. By ensuring that we have a cadre of excellent leaders at every level and opportunities for professional development baked into our culture, we can both safeguard and guarantee Kenyon’s future for the next 112 years.”