BRUCE GEORGIAN,

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Coupling entrepreneurial and corporate experience, Mr. Georgian is an expert in executive management and recruitment. Throughout 20 years of executive recruiting and consulting he has forged long-lasting relationships within a wide range of organizations and industries, from established companies to startups. His deep understanding of the strategic links between organizational culture, executive chemistry, and business requirements position him as a leader who is able to serve with strength and insight.

In the corporate arena, Mr. Georgian worked in senior executive positions for a variety of Information and Technology companies. Serving as Vice President of Financial Services, Controller and V.P. of Operations Accounting, Georgian has directed all aspects of financial management. He has also been instrumental in staff development and training, human resources-related issues and legal negotiations, providing him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the business.

After learning the business and excelling at some of Boston’s top executive search firms, Mr. Georgian founded Wallace Associates, a professional recruiting firm, and spent over a decade as its President. At Wallace Associates he directs the firm’s work on both international and domestic recruiting assignments for clients in Content Information, consulting, publishing, and software.

Mr. Georgian holds a B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire where he graduated cum laude, and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University.

All of Asia, in our reach

Hong Kong

(Headquarters)

Hill & Associates Ltd.

Room 1701-08

Tower 2, Times Square

1 Matheson Street

Causeway Bay

Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2802 2123

Fax: +852 2802 2133

China

Hill & Associates (PRC) Ltd.

6A, Huamin Empire Plaza

No. 728 Yan An Road (W)

Shanghai 200050

China

Tel: +86 21 5238 5599

Fax: +86 21 5237 1693

India

Hill & Associates India Pvt. Ltd.

Tower A, 5th Floor

Unitech Cyber Park, Sector 39

122002, Gurgaon, Haryana

India

Tel: +91 124 454 5454

Fax: +91 124 406 0137

Indonesia

PT Hill Konsultan Indonesia

Gedung Setiabudi 2

Lt. 3A, Suite 3A05

Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 62

Karet Setiabudi

Jakarta Selatan, 12920

Indonesia

Tel: +62 21 522 8811

Fax: +62 21 522 1165

Malaysia

Hill Risk Consulting (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Lot 4 & 6, Jalan 225, Section 51A

46100 Petaling Jaya

Selangor

Malaysia

Tel: +603 7960 2988

Fax: +603 7960 5312

Singapore

Hill & Associates Risk Consulting (S) Pte. Ltd.

51 Cuppage Road #10-18

Singapore 229469

Tel: +65 6738 1278

Fax: +65 6738 0187

Thailand

Hill Risk Consulting (Thailand) Ltd.

11th Floor

Charn Issara Tower 2

2922/205-206, New Petchburi Road

Bangkok 10310

Thailand

Tel: +66 2020 2699

Fax: +66 2020 2690

Vietnam

The Representative Office of Hill Risk Consulting (Thailand) Ltd. in HCMC Vietnam

Unit 212, 2nd Floor

Harbour View Tower

35 Nguyen Hue Street

District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Tel: +84 8 3915 3353

Business Continuity with Full-Spectrum Problem Solving.

We don't make headlines. We make success.

Doing business globally means exposure to risk. Landing in Asia should not feel like stepping into a threatening landscape. Our Asia-based team knows the territory, the players and the pitfalls. We guide clients around the challenges and insulate them from the unforeseen. Your business will never miss a beat.

We work with complete confidentiality in world’s most difficult and opaque markets. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES

Local

We are positioned across Asia to act decisively to crises and maintain the continuity of your business. SEE WERE WE HERE

Multidisciplinary

Law enforcement, military, cyber security, accounting, corporate law, and everything in between are represented. MEET OUR TEAM

Contact Us

+852 2802 2123

info@hill-assoc.com

Room 1701-08, Tower 2, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

The tremendous impact of social media has brought to the business arena is phenomenal and Bacall Associates has been witnessing this phenomenon over the years. A social media campaign could add a cutting-edge facet to traditional sales promotions. Many customers prefer social media in looking for trusted reviews of different people about a particular service or product.

A well-designed social media campaign can be a powerful and effective sales tool as it enables your business to develop continuing relationships with your target audience and followers, and improve your understanding towards their needs.

Getting social media success usually includes a long process, particularly in small businesses, so you must flourish your profiles first and develop a genuine relationship with your business followers before easing into any type of sales promotions. The following are some of the easy suggestions prepared by Bacall Associates where you can use social media to your sales promotions.

Select the best platform for your business

Understanding on where you’re being found by your prospective customers on social media can assist you in determining on which platform you’re going to use for your brand. You can request your marketing team to report this information to you. But in the end, the platform should match your target audience. If your business is focused towards promotions and B2B then LinkedIn is an ideal option for you, but if you're aimed towards the consumer market then Facebook is for you.

Build a trustworthy image

This will not be easy, but you must do your best to build your business' creditability. You can begin with creating a professional profile and see to it that your posts and updates are discussion-worthy with only a small percentage of being directly promotional posts.

Properly handle gathered information

Social media provides an enormous quantity of data about qualified leads. A well-designed campaign using a combination of promo codes can provide many in-depth data, which is why most social media sites offer analytics to examine these data for future campaigns. It's important to correctly handle the data once these leads have been gathered.

Sell using social media

You can also achieve effective selling with social media. It is the best for daily deals or acts now offers. Encourage immediate action from your followers and motivate them to interact and share the offer, just make sure that it is a great deal to begin with so that they will be interested in sharing it.

If properly implemented, Bacall Associates is convinced that social media sites can be an excellent addition to your marketing and sales toolkits. Since 1994, the Bacall team has been providing comprehensive public relations, marketing communications, and sales promotion services to their customers.

Our Team

Our strength is the breadth of our Asia-based team and depth of local knowledge. Our staff of more than 150 includes experts from around the world in fields ranging from law, accounting and banking to military, intelligence and computer forensics. All adhere to strict ethical and internal codes of conduct. Discretion, effectiveness and professionalism make our team – individually and as a unit – your trusted adviser.

Meet some of our team members.

Neil Marshall

Managing Director

Neil has more than 30 years of experience in security and business risk consulting across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He helps corporate clients manage internal fraud matters, labour and commercial relationships, and crisis and contingency management issues, working with stakeholders and senior management to create solutions that are logical, ethical and economically sound. Clients include top-tier Fortune 500 organisations during times of exponential growth into new markets and operations.

Mike Groves

Security Risk Management

Prior to joining Hill & Associates, Mike completed a 28-year career in the Hong Kong Police Force, rising to directorate rank. During his service, Mike commanded the VIP Protection and Tactical Units, and oversaw operations at events including the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997 and meetings of the World Bank, IMF and WTO. Mike works with clients to pre-empt and address issues that impinge on business operations and reputation risk.

John Bruce

Corporate Intelligence

John Bruce runs our Corporate Intelligence service line, which encompasses business intelligence and integrity and background checks. In addition to this, he has specific responsibility for gaming related due diligence, having become involved in the gaming industry due to the burgeoning expansion in worldwide gaming that took place alongside the expansion of the worldwide web. He has considerable experience in providing independent consulting services to companies in the gaming industry on the nature of the industry in Asia.

Adelene Wee

Fraud Prevention & Integrity Risk

Adelene has worked throughout Asia and has extensive experience in the practicalities of doing business – both local and cross-border. She is responsible for managing and conducting client engagements focused on the areas of fraud, bribery and corruption, ethics, corporate governance and integrity and compliance matters. Prior to joining Hill & Associates, Adelene worked in tax and legal services in a Big Four firm and in corporate and commercial law at several international firms.

Our Team

Our strength is the breadth of our Asia-based team and depth of local knowledge. Our staff of more than 150 includes experts from around the world in fields ranging from law, accounting and banking to military, intelligence and computer forensics. All adhere to strict ethical and internal codes of conduct. Discretion, effectiveness and professionalism make our team – individually and as a unit – your trusted adviser.

Meet some of our team members.

Neil Marshall

Managing Director

Neil has more than 30 years of experience in security and business risk consulting across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He helps corporate clients manage internal fraud matters, labour and commercial relationships, and crisis and contingency management issues, working with stakeholders and senior management to create solutions that are logical, ethical and economically sound. Clients include top-tier Fortune 500 organisations during times of exponential growth into new markets and operations.

Mike Groves

Security Risk Management

Prior to joining Hill & Associates, Mike completed a 28-year career in the Hong Kong Police Force, rising to directorate rank. During his service, Mike commanded the VIP Protection and Tactical Units, and oversaw operations at events including the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997 and meetings of the World Bank, IMF and WTO. Mike works with clients to pre-empt and address issues that impinge on business operations and reputation risk.

John Bruce

Corporate Intelligence

John Bruce runs our Corporate Intelligence service line, which encompasses business intelligence and integrity and background checks. In addition to this, he has specific responsibility for gaming related due diligence, having become involved in the gaming industry due to the burgeoning expansion in worldwide gaming that took place alongside the expansion of the worldwide web. He has considerable experience in providing independent consulting services to companies in the gaming industry on the nature of the industry in Asia.

Adelene Wee

Fraud Prevention & Integrity Risk

Adelene has worked throughout Asia and has extensive experience in the practicalities of doing business – both local and cross-border. She is responsible for managing and conducting client engagements focused on the areas of fraud, bribery and corruption, ethics, corporate governance and integrity and compliance matters. Prior to joining Hill & Associates, Adelene worked in tax and legal services in a Big Four firm and in corporate and commercial law at several international firms.

What We Do

Operating in a volatile business environment means challenges can spring up without warning. Deep local knowledge allows us to react swiftly and effectively, no matter where, how or why the crisis has arisen.

We have helped our clients:

• Carry out a series of threat, vulnerability and risk assessments across a portfolio of hotels
• Design and train crisis management plans for relevant business risks covering information or cyber security, fires, floods, medical emergencies, earthquakes, civil unrest and bomb/terror threats
• Manage security and logistics for a corporate event with thousands of attendees
• Protect personnel during periods of transition, downsizing and restructuring
• Assess locations and evaluate facilities’ access points, perimeter and environment
• Provide comprehensive crisis planning, training and including risk assessments for many international schools across Asia

Our Capabilities

Security Risk Management

Crisis Management

- Risk Assessment & Contingency Planning

- Crisis Management Training & Support

- Business Continuity Risk Management

Operations & Facility Risk

- Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA)

- Security Review

- Technical Security Design

- Capital Projects Risk Management

- Supply Chain Risk Management

- Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM) Services

Travel & Event Risk Management

- Risk Assessment & Review

- Travel Facilitation & Support

- Venue and Event Planning & Support

- Executive, Personal & Family Protection

Corporate Intelligence

Counterparty Risk

- Due Diligence and Investment Appraisal

- Strategic & Market Intelligence

- Executive Profiling and Vendor Screening

- Pre-Employment Screening

- Shareholder Action Services

- Litigation Support

Fraud Prevention & Integrity Risk Management

Integrity Risk

- Fraud & Compliance Risk Training and Management

- Fraud and Corruption Enquiries

- Litigation Support

Brand & IP Risk

- Risk Assessment and Controls Review

- IP & Trade Secret Protection

- Intelligence Gathering and Analysis

- Program Design and Enforcement Actions

Risk Information

• GIS (Global Intelligence Service)
• Country Risk Reports
• Commissioned Reporting

Cyber Security

Cyber / Information Security

- Incident Response and Planning

- Bespoke Advisory Services

- Risk Assessment, Controls and Security Review

- Technical Security Design

- Cyber Situational Awareness

- Threat Intelligence

- Training and Workshops

- Perimeter & System Hardening and Application Security Testing

- Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments

- Digital Due Diligence, Expert Witness Services

- Computer Forensics and Digital Preservation

- Data Recovery and Secure Destruction

Operating in a volatile business environment means challenges can spring up without warning. Deep local knowledge allows us to react swiftly and effectively, no matter where, how or why the crisis has arisen.

We have helped our clients:

• Carry out a series of threat, vulnerability and risk assessments across a portfolio of hotels
• Design and train crisis management plans for relevant business risks covering information or cyber security, fires, floods, medical emergencies, earthquakes, civil unrest and bomb/terror threats
• Manage security and logistics for a corporate event with thousands of attendees
• Protect personnel during periods of transition, downsizing and restructuring
• Assess locations and evaluate facilities’ access points, perimeter and environment
• Provide comprehensive crisis planning, training and including risk assessments for many international schools across Asia

Our Capabilities

Security Risk Management

Crisis Management

- Risk Assessment & Contingency Planning

- Crisis Management Training & Support

- Business Continuity Risk Management

Operations & Facility Risk

- Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA)

- Security Review

- Technical Security Design

- Capital Projects Risk Management

- Supply Chain Risk Management

- Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM) Services

Travel & Event Risk Management

- Risk Assessment & Review

- Travel Facilitation & Support

- Venue and Event Planning & Support

- Executive, Personal & Family Protection

Corporate Intelligence

Counterparty Risk

- Due Diligence and Investment Appraisal

- Strategic & Market Intelligence

- Executive Profiling and Vendor Screening

- Pre-Employment Screening

- Shareholder Action Services

- Litigation Support

Fraud Prevention & Integrity Risk Management

Integrity Risk

- Fraud & Compliance Risk Training and Management

- Fraud and Corruption Enquiries

- Litigation Support

Brand & IP Risk

- Risk Assessment and Controls Review

- IP & Trade Secret Protection

- Intelligence Gathering and Analysis

- Program Design and Enforcement Actions

Risk Information

• GIS (Global Intelligence Service)
• Country Risk Reports
• Commissioned Reporting

Cyber Security

Cyber / Information Security

- Incident Response and Planning

- Bespoke Advisory Services

- Risk Assessment, Controls and Security Review

- Technical Security Design

- Cyber Situational Awareness

- Threat Intelligence

- Training and Workshops

- Perimeter & System Hardening and Application Security Testing

- Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments

- Digital Due Diligence, Expert Witness Services

- Computer Forensics and Digital Preservation

- Data Recovery and Secure Destruction

Thanks to the Internet, booking travel online is simple. But as your ideas of a spring break or summer vacation take shape, remember to be cautious when making reservations online. The number of phony travel booking websites is growing because they’re so successful at scamming consumers. Learn what to do so you don’t take a quick trip to Fraudville instead of your dream destination.

Fake Travel Reservation Websites

According to estimates by the American Hotel & Lodging Association approximately 15 million online hotel reservations are made on bogus third-party sites every year. These rogue websites trick people into thinking they’re reserving directly with their hotel of choice. Instead, the victims are making reservations on phony sites set up to steal their money, credit card information, and dreams of a relaxing overnight stay. With cybercriminals pocketing more than $1.3 billion in fake hotel reservations, consumers need to beware when booking hotel rooms and other travel reservations online — such as for airline flights and rental cars, too.

How to Avoid Online Travel Reservation Scams

1. Go directly to the official website of the hotel, airline, or rental car agency to book your reservations. It should have “HTTPS” in the URL. If you’re not sure you’re on a real site, call the company to verify. Or try Norton Safe Web to find out if a website is safe, for free.
2. If you decide to use a third-party site, choose a well-known and reputable brand.
3. Get recommendations for trusted travel companies or sites from your network of friends and family. If you’re ever uncertain about if a company is legitimate, check with the Better Business Bureau (link is external).
4. Use a credit card instead of a debit card to book online. In case the website is phony, you won’t have given the cybercriminals direct access to your bank account. Many credit card companies offer fraud protection.
5. After you make an online reservation, always call the company afterward to confirm. If there is no record of your reservation, it’s better to know sooner rather than later. You’ll be able to alert your credit card company, report the fraud, and still have time to book reservations with the real deal.

As the UK hits the busiest time of the year for holiday bookings, experts are warning consumers about the dangers of fraudulent travel company websites and other holiday scams. Abta, the Travel Association, has produced a list of warning signs for consumers to look out for, to help reduce the risk of falling foul of bogus sites.

If a website you are looking at has a combination of the following signs, it may be an indication that it’s not to be trusted …

• Flight or holiday prices that are considerably cheaper than competitors. Flight prices are largely set by airlines, so although agents have some leeway in price, if the agent you’re contacting is charging significantly less than everyone else, this could be a sign that something is not quite right.
• The average loss to the individual was £889, while one person lost £62,000 in a timeshare fraud
• Low resolution, “fuzzy” logos for trade associations and credit card companies.
• The only payment option is a bank transfer. Not only is this an indication that no bank is prepared to provide credit card facilities, but if you are dealing with a scammer it will be virtually impossible to get your money back.
• Non-receipt of tickets – constantly being “fobbed off”.

Abta also advise consumers to do an online search before booking to check the profile of the company. If the company has been defrauding people, or has a bad reputation, there is a good chance consumers will have posted details or warnings about the company.

Other advice offered to stay safe when booking online is to:

• Check the web address is legitimate and has not been altered by slight changes to a domain name, such as going from .co.uk to .org. You can also check the details of the domain name of the website at who.is – when was it registered? Recently could indicate an issue, while if the address is anonymous and information about the person or organisation that registered it cannot be viewed that could also be a warning sign.
• Check whether the company is a member of a recognised trade body such as Abta or Atol. You can verify membership of Abta online at abta.com.
• Check the paperwork – you should study receipts, invoices and terms and conditions, and be wary of companies that don’t provide any.
• Use your instincts; if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Holiday fraud led to an estimated £7m being stolen from consumers in 2014, according to a report released by the City of London Police National Fraud Intelligence Bureau in April, with £2.2m lost to online scams. The average loss to the individual was £889, while one individual lost £62,000 in a fraud relating to timeshare.

The report also detailed the emotional toll for victims: one third said the fraud had a substantial impact on their health as well as their financial well-being, while 167 were affected so badly they had to receive medical treatment.

According to the report, the most common types of fraud related to holiday accommodation, in which fraudsters set up fake websites and posted fake ads online, as well as fake airline bookings and bookings related to high-profile sport and religious trips, such as the World Cup or Hajj.

Stuart Fuller, director of commercial operations at online brand protection company NetNames, said professional-looking websites can be set up easily, using rudimentary coding skills. Fraudsters can also leave fake online reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor to help exploit the trust of consumers.

“Unfortunately, often victims do not discover they have been duped until arriving at the airport or hotel only to find there is no booking,” he said.

John de Vial, head of financial protection at ABTA said: “Our consumer helpline has seen an increase in calls from members of the public who are either checking the validity of a suspicious website or, worse, have already paid by bank transfer and then been fobbed off when trying to get hold of their tickets. We want to make consumers aware of this problem and stop them from being ripped off in this way.”