Focus on a Security Officer: Evans Tumasi Account manager
I met Account Manager Evans Tumasi at Dior’s flagship store in New Bond Street – an impressive location to have coffee and find out more about this security professional.
Evans’ career in the world of security began following the recommendation of a friend, by working as a store detective in branches of the supermarkets Safeway, Asda, and Kwik Save in London.
Evans then had the opportunity of working in luxury retail with Assist Services Group as a security officer, was then promoted to supervisor and in 2016 became Account Manager for the seven Dior stores/outlets in the UK.
I asked about the best thing regarding his job and Evans explained that it is every aspect of his role: “Looking after the security and welfare of my clients’ staff and clients, my team of seventy officers and, of course, the overall security and loss prevention of the company’s assets.”
We discussed the most important skills for a role in security in this environment and Evans began by saying: “Good communication skills are key, with the ability to engage with a wide variety of people – also to have the ability to profile and assess people.”
Secondly, he believes: “Technology is also an important part of our provision through CCTV and personal communications between the officers in combatting theft. This is mostly through the sharing of information from known shoplifters/fraud gangs that share information through WhatsApp groups. This reflects the changes in my role over the years and how loss prevention has evolved from traditional shoplifting to fraud through various payment platforms (including payment by mobile phones).”
I asked Evans about the highlight of his career and not surprisingly (being the humble person he is) he says: “the recognition and being given the opportunity by Assist and Dior in my current position. Also, during COVID, it was a very demanding time whereby we managed to fulfil online orders/deliveries and retain a full complement of staff across all locations. Everyone pulled together under what were difficult circumstances, and I was immensely proud. I also enjoy helping others in their career development and seeing them progress.”
What advice would Evans give someone wanting to get into security? “You must have the love and the passion for the job and what you do, and you must also have integrity.” And how would he like to progress in his role? He replies with a smile: “To be a partner within the company.”
And why not? Evans has made the switch from high street supermarkets and worked his way up to luxury retail management. He is one of the good ones, and no doubt a great ambassador for the business.
Troy Hewitt, CEO at Assist Services Group, says of “Evans is a very dedicated hardworking person who shies away from the limelight and doesn’t like to take credit for the work he has done. He has had many successes over the years with changing people’s perceptions of security as he has (deservedly) gained promotions leading to his current position in the company.
Evans is a trustworthy, honest, loyal person who I hope I will continue to work with for many years to come.”
Followed with equal sentiment from Evans’ client, Geoffrey Bailey (Dior UK FM Manager): “I have not met a more knowledgeable retail security professional. His breadth of experience in luxury retail makes him an impressive operator, with a skill for handling any level of situation.”
Graham Bassett
City Security magazine
Editorial Committee
