If you’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of the Security industry, it’s James Blight. James is a 24-year veteran of the industry and is now displaying his expertise as a Director with Paladin Security, effective October 2021.
James joins Paladin from Ivanhoe Cambridge where he was the manager of Security & Life Safety. While there, James played a critical role in overseeing its guard operations across the country.
“James has integrity, believes in doing right by people, cares about making a difference, and brings with him a unique skill set that I know will add to our culture and benefit our organization for years to come,” said Paladin Security President Chad Kalyk.
Security turned into a lifelong passion for James when he started as a part-time bike patrol guard with Concord Security, which is now been integrated with the Paladin Group of Companies, in 1997. It didn’t take him long to rise through the ranks, earning experience through roles like Security Manager, Manager of Special Projects, and Operations Manager, and Director of Operations and Technology. Helping people and keeping them, and the property, safe also resonated with him.
“As my career advanced, the interactions with people became meaningful in new ways; I was educating clients and colleagues, and mentoring the next generation of security professionals,” James said.
Joining Paladin Security was the natural next step for James. He says once news broke that his position at Ivanhoe Cambridge was being eliminated, he received three solid job offers in just 48 hours.
“Considering my experience with Paladin as a client, my existing relationship with many of the management team members, and Paladin’s reputation for excellence and industry-leading corporate culture, the choice was easy,” James said. “Also, Paladin’s motto about making the world a safer and friendlier place is aligned with what I am passionate about.”
His goal is to create positive change in the industry and leave a legacy. Educating, mentoring, and coaching is also important as he wants to make an impact on clients and the next generation of security leaders. He says part of that has to do with the way the industry is currently evolving.
“Pay rates are going up, training is becoming more comprehensive, client and public expectations are higher, and security officers are better equipped to perform their duties. I believe this evolution will continue and security will be proudly recognized as a legitimate and long-term profession,” James said.
At Paladin, James will work to refine programs, improve operational efficiency, build new connections, and support innovation and new technology.
“Paladin is an amazing company that has experienced tremendous success by standing by core principles; I want to be part of it. The position and opportunity I have been given, as well as Paladin’s people, reputation, and position in the market, have me very excited about the next phase of my career,” James said.
Outside of Paladin, James enjoys making music and lending his voice to commercials, cartoons, and video games as a voice-over artist. If you listen carefully, you’ll catch him as The Hulk in Marvel Superhero Adventures.
Welcome to the team, James!