Stories and Remembrance by Philip van Hilten

Stories From Philip van Hilten - Lawyer form Group 4 Securitas (International) BV

With some hesitation I will try to share a few of the many, many memories that I have of Jorgen. I have always called him Jorgen thinking that that was his first name (and maybe also because it seperated my first name from his). The first contact was over the phone early 1977 when his then secretary Anthea (Gaskell) connected me with JPS.

I was a (very) young lawyer in Holland in need of a clarification about Secom Investments BV of which company he was the sole director according the the Trade register in The Hague. Neither he nor I knew anything about the company which was to become after a few name changes and years Group 4 Securitas (International) BV. He was irritated that he knew nothing about "his" company and insisited on seeing me soonest in Holland. And so a few days later I drove in my 3rd hand Renault 12 to Zestienhoven, the airport of Rotterdam to pick him up. I looked in vain for a flight from the UK only to discover soon that my unknown client had come in his own jet!!!

That day he instructed me to hire an office and a secretary because his company should have a proper address and proper staff. For a 24 year old fresh out of university a daunting task, but in a few weeks I had found 3 properties and a few candidates and so Jorgen came over again and carefully selected the first (head) office of what was to become the holding of the group and BV's first employee Mrs Engel. The name of the company changed several times until Jorgen liked the name. The office moved from Catsheuvel to Haagweg and Emmapark and finally Prinsevinkenpark. Each time it was JPS who was personally involved as he seemed to be with everything in order to make sure that the right atmosphere was there.

He created not only the physical environment but also the very personal surroundings. He knew everyone by name and got the best out of you. For 20 years or so I was priviliged to be part of his team known as GCC, where all played their own role and tried to maximise their efforts. It was creative and adventurous and far from "standard also because Jorgen is and has a standard of his own.

What to tell more? Books can be filled with memories many sweet, some sour. I recall our first visit to Curacao in 1977 together with his lawyer Sten Sandell. On Take off from Schiphol the left engine of the (in)famous DC10 exploded and although we nearly crashed Jorgen and Sten sitting in front of me continued their Swedish language conversation. When we had safely returned an hour later to Schiphol Sten went to check on next flights to Curacao and JPS went looking for cigars. I thought and hoped that we would never fly again, but 6 hours later we were on our way to Curacao in a new plane. Upon arrival there it was so humid because of rainstorms that we got very damp and warm while going very late in the night in a taxi to the hotel recommended to me by our office there, the so-called colonial period Avila Beach Hotel.

Once we got our rooms JPS was nearly electrocuted because of open wire and Sten's airco in his room did not work. I slept like a baby only to meet to rather upset Swedes over breackfast the next morning who declared "we are leaving". And so we went in a taxi to a new hotel that I had to find quickly. Thankfully "my" hotel, the Hilton, was there and it met with the approval of Jorgen and his friend and adviser Sten.

Another time we were in the Mount Nelson in Capetown where I was invited in his suite for my birthday breakfast. He was there together with Tia and Mark, not realising that the (very late) night before I had been "forced' to celebrate my birthday with a group of musicians who had a very noisy after concert party in the room below mine. (I did not know that these Irish musicians were quite well known under the name U2. Tia and Mark did know them and were kind of jealous I believe). Anyway I managed a tiny part of the massive breakfast that Jorgen had ordered, because he was certainly a generous man.

Shall I tell about the time in Geneva when because of shopping on the airport we missed the slot and had to wait for hours until his plane could go on to Athens! Or the wonderful group executives meetings which were unique in all aspects thus creating a true family bond? For me that is Jorgen; a family man for not only for his 4 children and his grandchildren, but for many many more. I am forever in his debt by having been allowed to be part of his big family.

It was painful to see how he has been wrestling for many years with his health. His body made life difficult, for Jorgen who has had so many ideas and managed to realise them. He created with his often brilliant and incredible ideas wonderful companies and businesses which ultimately have resulted in the best company that I know in this field and that would certainly not have been the case without his leadership and vision.

It is difficult to think that we shall never sit together anymore in Broadway or Carlos Place, India, Greece, Paris or The Hague. There are so many places and faces connected with him that I will surely often see him again wherever I am in the world.

I pray that he will find peace and rest although I reckon that he will remain a busy, inspiring fun loving leader and family man also in the place where he surely is now

Remembrance by Arif Ishaque

Arif Ishaque from Pakistan - Ex G4S Employee Sri Lanka

Hello to Team G4S !!!

This was shocking to know this news about the great teacher of World Security Industry. I was in Sri Lanka with Ajantha Zoysa where he start first overseas office with are Dear Chairman. I had a chance to see and meet our Chairman once only in Sri Lanka but it was the great impact on me to keep my self in security industry as C.E..O for Sri Lanka.

I left G4S in 2003 and still I have the feelling to be a value added part of G4S any where in the world, and it's only because of JPS behavair with normal staff like me.

Still I feel to take targets from G4S in any country and give results.
Anyways...God Bless him and give support to his family in this hard time of there life...

With Regards
Arif Ishaque from Pakistan.

Remembrance by Rosie Green

Rosie Green Ex Group 4 and Cotswold Conference Centre Employee

Personally, I remember 'JPS' will a great deal of affection as I worked for Group 4 Court Services and then in Group 4 Security Training on the Farncombe Estate for just under five years and again worked as Assistant Manager for the Cotswold Conference Centre more recently (2006-7).

He was very highly regarded by the general staff - which I think is incredibly significant when one considers the enormous responsibilities he had and the number of personnel that were employed by his various companies.

Story From Brian Donnan

Story from Brian Donnan - Photographer

When I took my first photographs for Group 4 in 1977 it was just the start of over 30 years of thoroughly enjoyable assignments. I can thank JPS and Group 4 etc for introducing me to several Home Secretaries, Cliff Richard, and to many prisons - but not all at the same time.

During a private visit to Winchcombe by David Scott - the Commander of Apollo 15, and first man to drive a buggy on the moon - JPS laid on a ride in his Dormy House hot air balloon. Unfortunately, plans for the man who'd been to the moon and back, to enjoy a short flight over the Cotswolds had to be cancelled when it became too windy! We still got the photos though.

What a great man. I loved working all those years for him, and It was a privilege to also photograph family weddings and celebrations. One lasting happy memory I have of JPS is of him lobbing bottles of Champagne out to the Team Group 4 yacht as it came in first to Boston Harbour in the round the world race.

Happy days. He'll be greatly missed.

Stories and Remembrance by Manuel Conde

Stories and Remembrance by Manuel Conde - Ex Managing Director Group 4 Spain

I knew the last weekend, through Mark Tsaktanis, about the JPS`s death and I thought that it was to early for a man of his energy and spirit, and also a very sad new for me.

I met him for the first time, in the summer of 1982, as he was searching for a General Manager for Spain and after several interviews, I met him and asked, with some concern, about the plans and the project of Group 4 to be devoleped in Spain, and he told me: "Manuel, you will tell us what to do in Spain"

What was initialy a concerning answer for me, became the key stone of our profesional relation for 13 yars, untill Group 4 Spain was sold to Securitas.

During those years he gave to me full confidence and support, respect for my knowledge and opinions of my country and the consecuent strategy, adapting himself to the local conditions, and all the support of the group. It was for me the best and happiest period of my profesional life.

His respect and listening to any person, his emphaty and charming with everybody, his sense of humour and cleverness was unique and I could also enjoy life with him in his visits to Spain and in other international meetings, he liked to come to Spain and participate in our understanding of life, we used to tell him: "We work hard and we also enjoy life hard" he liked this type of passion.

Last time we met, was for a dinner that I organized for him in Madrid about 6 years ago, the previous day he was at home having "tapas" and the following night we were at the dinner with some friends and collegues, and he invited Pilar and me to travell with Sussie and him to visit Bilbao and the Gugenheim Museum, what we did and enjoy very much visiting the old city and the museum, and laughing frecuently with our mutual jokes and understanding. I was looking forward, for he to visit Madrid in the last years, but unfortunately never happen.

Philip, whatever you are now, I am sure that you are creating a good atmosphere between the people there and enjoying your life, and may be making some business, good luck and my best regards.

Manuel.

Remembrance by Mick Stubbs

JPS Memories from Mick Stubbs, Retired Pilot on JPS’s Group 4 Company Jet

I flew as Captain, along with Chris Holliday, on the Group 4 aircraft from 1987 to 2000, flying to such diverse destinations as Santiago in Chile to Paro in Bhutan.

I became the best baggage handler ever, following JPS’s remark that I might be OK as a pilot but “needs to do better with the baggage”.

Many of his trips were adventures to destinations I had never dreamt of, and involved the rapid expansion of his empire. The aircraft was a travelling office with each destination’s business contained within a black box.

He was a shrewd and avid collector of artifacts whilst on tour, but never learnt the meaning of excess baggage.

As for so many others, JPS opened up a whole new world of experiences to enjoy.
It was a pleasure to have played a small part in the life of this remarkable man who I greatly admired and whose company I sometimes shared.

His very full life will be retold in the memories of others who benefitted from his friendship.

Letter From Torsten Zuberbier

Last lines to Philip

Dear Philip,

In the last years I have made it a habit to write you my very personal Christmas cards. Now the time has come much too early for my last lines to you.

My lines are short but significant as were our meetings: frequently short but always very significant. I have told you often - and I am glad to repeat it here in public – that I am extremely grateful for the generosity you showed by supporting ECARF, the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation, and I am endlessly grateful for the impact you have had on my own life, seeding ideas which will keep on growing.

The impact of your personality will live on.

Thank you for all this.

Torsten

Prof. Dr. med. Torsten Zuberbier

Head ECARF European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation Dpt. of Dermatology and Allergy Allergy Centre Charité Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Charitéplatz 1 D-10117 Berlin

Remembrance from Mark P Tsaktanis

Remembrance  by Mark P Tsaktanis Ex VP Group 4 Securitas Int'L 

I met Phliip in 1979 through his brother Sven.

We became partners in Greece and for 18 years I worked with him and for him. I learned more than anyone would learn in a life 's time by listening, talking, argueing. "check,check double check,young Mark" , he used to say.

We travelled most of the world together (planes, boats, cars) and for those 18 years he was my boss, friend and partner. Being with Phillip was not easy but it was definately exciting.

I could write a book full of jokes and stories but I have to stop here. We parted in 1997 and it was very sad not to be able to see him again.

All my wishes to those in his family who remain behind.

Philip we will always remember you.
Your old friend Mark

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.

Story from John Meek

Story from John Meek - Retired Group 4 Total Security Employee

Forgive me, but my message is simple. JPS had the knack of making those around him to want to be successful. I have so many memories, but one in particular demonstrates the measure of the man. The occasion was a Regional Sales Meeting I was holding at Foxhill Manor in the late 80's.

There were around 18 Security Consultants sitting round the table in the dining room. John Bates was making a presentation about something or other, so I took the opportunity to slip out of the room. JPS was standing outside the main entrance, bags on both shoulders and holding even more bags trying to get in. Still managing to balance his cigar between his lips, he thanked me for letting him in.

I told him I had my sales team in the dining room for our meeting. He dropped the bags and made it clear that he would like to meet them. Credit to John Bates, he managed to continue his presentation without missing a beat as JPS entered the room. When John finished, JPS went round the table and spoke to all of the team individually.

He then related how the business started with him on a bike selling contracts so the team could understand his empathy with the daily issues they were facing. He also made it clear how important their roles were in the continued growth of the business.

After he left, the atmosphere in the room was electric - there were 18 individuals so motivated that we managed to smash our sales targets! He had taken time out from a hectic and demanding schedule for a spontaneous moment that he clearly enjoyed as much as the sales team.

Everything else about JPS has been said - all I will say is THANK YOU Jorgen Philip-Sorensen and of course, to offer my sympathy to his family and close friends at this time.

Story from Michael "Sumo" O'Regan

 Story from Michael "Sumo" O'Regan - Ex Team Group 4 Sailor

I had the pleasure of knowing Philip when I became a crew member on the yacht “Group 4 Securitas” in the original British Steel Challenge Race back in 1992. I remember our first meeting at the London Boat show when the Group 4 crew met Philip for the first time. His drive, passion and enthusiasm was there for me to see why he had been successful in life. It was infectious and made you want to win the race not just for yourself but for him too.

This was the start of a long love affair with sailing which I was very lucky to have been a part of for a few years. Towards the end of the race Philip decided to buy the boat as he could not bear the thought of of the Group 4 logo being stripped off the boat at the end of the race. He then therefore needed a crew to run the yacht and I was lucky enough to have been asked and therefore joined the Group 4 family.

I have a lovely family today thanks to my involvement with Philip, another match from the Challenge! There are so many memories with fun and laughter and I always smile when I think of them. If I had to pick one, it is most probably a week in the summer of 1994.

Philip wanted the yacht to go to Skagen to show us what a beautiful place it is. He joined us on the sail across the North Sea along with a number of people including Mark. I can picture Philip now walking around the deck with his cigar (we allowed him this luxury, it was his yacht after all!) and camera at the ready.

He was suppose to be off watch one afternoon but as Mark was on my watch he did not want to miss the opportunity of capturing Mark at work. So every move that Mark made to grab a winch was captured :-) (Sorry Mark, I still smile about it)

When we got to Skagen, Philip insisted on being our personal tourist guide. We were due to go to his house but could not all fit into his new convertible car on a beautiful sunny day. We had started to arrange for a taxi to take us all but he was having none of that. He told all of us to wait while he did a couple of round trips as our personal chauffeur.

We all had a great time that week and quickly appreciated how beautiful Skagen is and what a wonderful friend we had as a boss. I will always remember this and have been privileged to have known a great man.

Thanks Philip for helping me achieve my dreams and believing in me and thank you for the wonderful memories.

You will be greatly missed.

Story from Jonathan Hall

I am saddened to hear of the death of Jorgen Philip-Sorensen who was the sole sponsor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea's award-winning Ecover Chelsea Pensioners' show garden, "A soldier's dream of Blighty", which won all the main awards of the Royal Horticultural Society's 2005 Flower Show: Best Show Garden, Gold and the BBC Peoples' Award.

For the first time in the history of the Chelsea Flower Show the residents had their own show garden. At the time, I was the Lieutenant Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Together with the garden designer, Julian Dowle, I had the privilege of meeting Philip and some of his family and staff on several occasions.

From the moment that he agreed to back the project, he showed one hundred per cent interest and support throughout.

It was honour to have known him: a truly great man who inspired loyalty and respect.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and close friends.

Major General Jonathan Hall CB OBE

Stories from Peter Bloomfield

I first met Philip in 1968 when I was working for a Cheltenham ad agency tasked with creating and building a new corporate identity for Factoryguards Ltd. The first thing we did was have the name changed to Group 4 and create a logo whch lasted the best part of 30 years!

So these were early days and what fun they were. Others have spoken about Philip's extraordinary qualities, amazing energy, leadership, astute business and entrepreneurial skills and above all a unique understanding of people whatever their position in life. Whilst endorsing all these attributes I would like to refer to what I experienced of his more personal qualities over the 42 years I knew him.

For 24 of those years I advised him on a wide variety of public relations issues which gave me a unique insight as to what made him so special to work for. First he was a party man to beat all party men. A party at Winchcombe Abbey was memorable indeed, If it started sometime on Saturday it rarely finished until late on Sunday. Lunch or dinner or an evening at Annabel's in London with him were a great test of stamina and he truly earned the honour of being a legend in his own lunchtime.

Working hard and playing hard might seem to be somewhat outdated now but never with Philip. I believe the term could have been invented for him. One of the first issues I advised him on was his concern that the Broadway community did not understand or approve of "what was going on up the hill in Farncombe Housel". I suggested open days in the form of garden parties which seemed appropriate for the gentile Cotswold folk of the time. He readily agreed but said "I don't want tea and sandwiches. I want champagne". I don't know whether the good folk learned anything about Group 4 but they certainly left happy!

My second indelible memory of Philip was his compassion. When one of his guards was killed in a hold up his first thought was for the family not the effect on the company reputation. He immediately ordered that cash was taken to the family to ensure that at least one of their concerns was not being able to pay the bills.

Finally his need to always be a winner. Being a good loser was not for Philip. Two more anecdotes to illustrate this. On a visit to Winchcombe Abbey he proudly showed me his new golf clubs and other kit which must have cost a small fortune. On enquiring as to his sudden interest in golf he told me that Tony Jacklin had moved into a house close by and had offered to play golf with Philip. Sometime later I asked how is golf was progressing only to be told he had given it up. When I asked why he said because he couldn't beat Tony Jacklin!

I sold my consulting company in the late 80's and no longer worked for Group 4 but Philip would occasionally contact me when he felt I could offer some useful advice. Around that time I had a call to meet him with Charles Rice, his marketing manager, at the flat in Carlos Place. He told us he had been approached by someone called Chay Blyth to sponsor a yacht in a round the world race and that CB was due to arrive imminently.

We listened to a most impressive and persuasive presentation by the great sailing man and after he had gone we urged Philip to go for it, pointing out that it would identify Group 4 with a very good cause and raise the company profile in many of his international markets. We knew he was very tempted but he expressed one reservation. What if the Group 4 yacht doesn't win? 'We pointed out that taking part would be enough to achieve his corporate objectives but that was not good enough for Philip. "If I take part I am going to win" he said. The rest his history!

I kept in touch with Philip socially and saw him last at the 30th anniversary party of the Dormy House Hotel a couple of years ago, enjoying another party surrounded by his friends and family. Not much seemed to have changed over the last 42 years! .

Story From Christine Borg-Bartolo

Ex Group 4 Securitas Malta employee

I was but a small cog in the already large machine that was Group 4 Securitas at the time I was employed in Malta (‘88 – ‘94). But JPS gave me a sense of ownership that made me proud to be part of that group.

We were so small that he had commented that it was only in Malta that the ‘whole’ company greeted him at the airport on his arrival!

In 1988 we were that small, but he still made us feel as though we were a great contribution to his group.

I am extremely proud to have know him!

(Link to G4S Malta)

Story From Ian Thomas

Ian Thomas, ex-Group 4 Nightspeed employee.

In the late 1980's I was a sales representative for a divison known as Group 4 Nightspeed Ltd. During one weekend at the training center in Worcester, I was working as an organisor for an outdoor pursuits event. Lots of teams competing across a wet, muddy assult course up and down the hills of the training center.

As the day finished, I was alone packing up some markers flags and was covered from all the mud. Just I was trying to figure out how I was going to get all this stuff up the hill, along came Mr. Sorensen in a very expensive car, with beautiful beige leather upholstery. "Hop in", he shouted from the window.

I was shocked. Here I am am covered in mud with all this equipment not knowing what to do. He obviously saw the look on my face and continued; "Get in. It's only mud. It will wash off". So in I got and up the hill we went having a great conversation about the day's events.

It was a very simple gesture of kindness that I have never forgotten, and never will. May his spirit live on through us all who were fortunate to meet him.