Richard E. Widup, Jr., CPP, CFE, is an innovative and collaborative leader in Enterprise Security, boasting over 22 years of global security experience across private sector and federal law enforcement roles. As the President and Founder of The Widup Group, a Veteran-Owned security consultancy, Richard leads with an emphasis on strategic risk management and cross-functional collaboration to protect people, assets, and intellectual property. His consultancy has supported organizations of all sizes, providing expertise in areas including supply chain security, brand protection, critical incident management, and business continuity.

Throughout his career, Richard has leveraged his extensive experience to drive measurable, business-aligned security solutions. He has worked in diverse environments, from high-level executive security management for FTSE 15 companies like Reckitt to key roles in leading security efforts for pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Purdue Pharma. At Reckitt, Richard directed corporate security efforts for products such as Lysol®, Mucinex®, and Finish®, and successfully implemented comprehensive programs for crisis management, travel security, and brand protection.

Richard’s formative years in law enforcement, including his service with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), have honed his ability to work effectively in challenging environments with limited resources. His law enforcement experience includes international assignments, where he led investigative efforts related to counterfeiting, diversion, and tampering of food and medicine. Richard was also a representative on the Permanent Forum on International Pharmaceutical Crime, collaborating with global partners to combat pharmaceutical counterfeiting.

In the private sector, Richard’s leadership roles have spanned corporate security for large, multinational organizations. His areas of expertise are broad and include enterprise security risk management, global supply chain security, brand protection, food defense and crisis management/business continuity. At Pfizer, Richard’s security leadership extended across a region encompassing over 50,000 employees, with oversight of physical and cyber security initiatives that prioritized employee safety and product integrity.

Richard has also contributed significantly to security standards through his volunteer leadership with ASIS International, where he served as President, Chairman of the Board, and in multiple council roles. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping security practices and setting global standards, and he remains actively involved as a Peer Mentor and on the ASIS Standards and Guidelines Commission. His commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of security professionals reflects his dedication to continuous improvement in the field.

Education and professional certifications underscore Richard’s dedication to excellence. He holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Chaminade University of Honolulu, and is a graduate of the Advanced Detective Training program at Scotland Yard. Richard is also a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Richard’s skill set spans multiple domains, including risk management, enterprise security, crisis management, and internal investigations. His experience working with international partners across the UK, Germany, India, and South America demonstrates his adaptability and effectiveness in cross-cultural contexts. This breadth of knowledge enables him to offer tailored solutions that address each organization’s unique needs and challenges.

In addition to his consultancy work, Richard remains active in various professional organizations, including the Business Continuity Institute, the Disaster Recovery Institute International, and the National Council of School Safety Directors. Through these affiliations, he continues to advocate for resilience and best practices in business continuity, crisis management, and school safety.

Richard’s leadership approach is characterized by his collaborative nature, dedication to continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to ethical practices. His career reflects a consistent drive to foster organizational resilience, protect reputations, and ensure operational continuity in the face of evolving threats.

Character:
Richard is known for his integrity and dedication to advancing security excellence, consistently applying a mission-driven approach to his roles. He values ethical practices and strives to leave a meaningful impact in every professional endeavor.

Knowledge:
With a wealth of expertise across law enforcement, corporate security, and risk management, Richard offers a comprehensive understanding of complex security challenges. His experience in both global and local contexts enables him to deliver tailored, effective solutions for diverse organizations.

Strategic:
Richard’s leadership style is proactive and business-aligned, focusing on fostering resilience and adaptability within teams. He skillfully integrates security initiatives with organizational goals to mitigate risks and enhance operational continuity.

Communication:
Richard is a clear and effective communicator who engages with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring alignment on security objectives. His dedication to mentorship and knowledge-sharing reflects his commitment to developing future leaders in the security field.