GCS has taken on board one of Mine Action's recognized experts to further strengthen its operations: Ashley Williams (62), former CEO of Mechem, has joined the GCS team as Head of Operations as of October 1st 2018. Williams' expertise and track record will serve to develop new business opportunities and establish GCS as a full solution provider in the EOD and mine action sphere.
Philipp von Michaelis, CEO of GCS, confirms: "Ashley adds more than 40 years of experience in dealing with explosive remnants of war to our team and he has been involved in a huge number of mine action projects all over the world. He perfectly complements our organization and culture, we share the same values and are convinced that this will produce tangible and sustainable results."
The greatest challenge will be to increase the recognition of GCS in this market, adds Williams. "The GCS brand is not yet well known but successful projects are delivered by people. The people behind GCS have a long track record in developing mine clearance technologies, as most of them used to work for MineWolf Systems, one of the pioneers in mechanical mine clearance. This know-how has been applied to develop the GCS range of products and the result speaks for itself. The extensive competence in implementing complex projects in some of the most hostile environments on this planet underlines our ambition to set a new standard in this industry."
Williams has been involved in humanitarian and commercial mine action activities for 14 years. Prior to that he was active in the Engineering Corps of the South African Army for 28 years. His greatest motivation is to employ his know-how and experience to provide help to those that need it most. "It's not the sheer figures, it's not the number of mines that get cleared by our machines. It's the opportunity to provide a certain degree of normality to people's lives." He recites one of his memories from his long career: "A few years ago we cleared a mango field in Senegal which was heavily contaminated. We found 20 landmines – a great success! Still, the most rewarding result was to see the children playing in this field when we came back a year later."
Philipp von Michaelis (l) welcomes Ashley Williams (r)