Vice President – Investigations & Security Services India

This position is principally accountable for all activities of the Global Security Department in India and area Countries (Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka). These activities include the establishment and administration of security services as well as security policy and procedures concerning the protection of physical assets, financial instruments, key executives, key facilities, and employees of American Express throughout India and Area Countries. In addition, the position is responsible for directing Investigations of financial losses (Card, Stored Value, GNS, etc.). This position has a consultative relationship with Senior Business Leaders to understand their security needs and develop proactive and cost-effective security policies, procedures and programs.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.

Partial list of job duties:

• Ensure the integrity and safeguard the Company name, assets, financial instruments and personnel by maintaining cognizance of political trends, criminal activities and methods of operation that can have an impact on the Business or the employees. Provide policy and operational guidance to all Company divisions with respect to criminal and security matters (e.g. civil and political disturbances) in the region. 

  
  

• Direct, coordinate and conduct investigations of suspected cases of internal and external fraud against American Express and its products within the country of India and neighboring countries. Attempt the recovery of Company losses due to theft or fraud. 

  
  

• Develop and implement comprehensive security and investigations strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives and risk profile.

  
  

• Identify and assess security vulnerabilities, recommending preventive measures and controls. Develop policies, procedures and training programs to enhance organizational security. 

  
  

• Provide regular updates and reports to the executive team on investigation outcomes, risks and trends. 

  
  

• Lead and manage a team of security professionals responsible for physical security, cyber security, risk management, and investigations.

  
  

• Initiate liaison activities with law enforcement agencies regarding criminal activities against the Company. Secure access to criminal intelligence, as necessary, by overseeing the development of and closely supervising the use of confidential sources of information.

  
  

• Direct, and may personally conduct, significant and sensitive investigations, special project cases and key executive threat responses.

  
  

• Provide security for senior Company leaders traveling within the region by identifying security needs, assigning manpower and gaining support from local law enforcement agencies if necessary.

  
  

• Conduct periodic inspections of American Express facilities throughout the area of responsibility, including operating centers and field offices with Global Security staff.

  
  

• Serve as the Company’s primary spokesperson on security matters by conducting formal Card and Travelers Cheque fraud prevention presentations and seminars for local law enforcement and service establishment organizations. 

  
  

• Act as liaison and provide assistance to our new franchises, independent operators, network and co-branded partners within the region.

  
  

• Provide security oversight as part of due diligence of American Express external vendors and business partners.

  
  

• Contribute to the overall reduction and control of Card and TC losses by maintaining a working relationship with Management in developing and implementing improved systems, authorization controls, fraud control programs, etc.

  
  

Autonomy/Problem Solving & Decision Making:

Due to the size of the market and distance from NYHQ, the Vice President must be able to react quickly in providing direction to American Express facilities and/or employees in the event of natural disasters, terrorism, and other acts which might interrupt the Company’s ability to conduct business. In the event such situations arise, the incumbent may not have the time to wait for decisions from NYHQ and must determine the best approach to deal with a crisis.

A key challenge faced by the Vice President involves the development of policies and procedures adequate to protect the assets, employees and financial instruments of American Express, and the identification of security problems and problem resolution. Proper allocation of resources constantly needs evaluation due to the size of the region and limited staffing. The incumbent must identify and recommend procedural and/or policy improvements to mitigate fraud losses and protect the Company’s financial instruments.

The incumbent must determine when to initiate fraud investigations to ensure the proper allocation of resources and cost effectiveness in relation to the risk to the Company’s assets and strike a prudent balance.

Critical Challenges/ Unique Knowledge & Skills:

The incumbent must have a comprehensive and practical knowledge of the Company’s diverse financial businesses, including Card, Travelers Cheques, Travel, Regulatory mandates, etc. to be able to identify especially vulnerable areas of fraud and security risk, and to devise security programs and protection to mitigate these risks.

• Comprehensive knowledge of sophisticated investigative techniques and security procedures appropriate to meet the threats posed against the Company by such criminal activities as fraud, counterfeiting, extortion, theft, terrorism, kidnapping, etc.

  
  

• Strong management skills especially in the areas of organization, driving results, project management, innovation, motivation, cost effectiveness and diplomacy. Must be a strong manager of operations and people.

  
  

• Integrity of the highest level is essential to conduct investigations of fidelity cases and handling of special situations.

  
  

• Working knowledge of personnel policies and procedures, security policies and procedures and the physical layout of all American Express facilities in the market. Understanding of the implication of liability as it relates to security operations; experience in crisis and incident management.

  
  

• Strong public relation and communication skills, both oral and written, to be able to interact with all levels of American Express management, local law enforcement, business partners, etc.

  
  

• Ability to form partnerships and network with leadership in all facilities and be understanding of the business and its interaction with local cultures.

  
  

• Experience in providing protective security services; ability to identify security needs, assign manpower and gain support from local law enforcement agencies, if necessary, to ensure the safety of the Senior Management team during visits to the region.

  
  

• Applied knowledge of conflict resolution and crisis management, including VIW policies, Sexual Harassment training, etc. 

  
  

• Has experience in dealing with the LEAs and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and knowledge of criminal codes/offences relating to frauds and others that could be committed against the Company or our personnel 

  
  

• On-call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week

  
  

• Candidates should have minimum 15+ years of combined experience in one or more of the following: law enforcement, security management, investigations, and people leadership. With at least 10 years in a leadership role.

  
  

• In-depth knowledge of physical security, investigations, cybersecurity, and risk management principles.

  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

  
  

• Professional certification in security management or investigations is a plus.

  
  

• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

  
  

• Strong knowledge of investigative techniques, cyber security and risk management

  
  

• Good communication skills – should be able to converse, read, and write in English and Hindi

  
  

Additional Considerations:

• Experience of leading Security department in a multi-national company.

  
  

• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks

  
  

• Willing to travel (Domestic and International)

  
  

• Strong ethical and moral character.