Connect with us

Technology

Beacon Global Strategies Adds Two National Security Experts to Its Growing Team and Announces Several Senior Promotions

Published

on

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Beacon Global Strategies (BGS), a leading strategic advisory firm focusing on global public policy, government procurement, and geopolitical risk analysis, today announced it will be expanding its growing team by adding Mr. Peter Hall as Senior Vice President and Mr. Jon Green as Associate Vice President. In these roles, Mr. Hall will provide invaluable insight to the firm’s Intelligence Practice, while Mr. Green will support the firm’s Defense Practice. Additionally, BGS is pleased to announce the promotions of Mr. Barry King to Managing Director, Ms. Julie Grundman, Mr. Ivan Kanapathy, and Mr. Louis Lauter to Senior Vice Presidents.

“We’re excited to have Peter and Jon join our BGS team. Their extensive expertise in intelligence and defense will undoubtedly bolster our capabilities, further solidifying our dedication to providing unmatched strategic advisory services to our clients,” stated Andrew Shapiro, Managing Director at Beacon. “Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Barry, Julie, Ivan, and Louis on their well-deserved promotions.”

Mr. Peter Hall recently joined BGS as Senior Vice President. Prior to joining Beacon, Mr. Hall served as Senior Director for Growth at Peraton, overseeing growth pursuits at the National Security Agency (NSA) across three business units. With nearly four decades of experience in the U.S. Intelligence Community, he held significant roles, including Deputy Chief of a Joint Agency program and NSA Director’s senior representative to the Department of Defense (DoD). Renowned for his extensive counterterrorism (CT) experience, he served as Deputy Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and NSA’s Chief of the Office of Counterterrorism, where he orchestrated global CT operations. Mr. Hall’s career also includes roles as NSA’s most senior representative in a combat zone and Acting Assistant Deputy Director, Analysis and Production. Beginning as a Russia analyst and linguist in the U.S. Army, his exceptional career contributions span critical locations during and after the Cold War, earning him the Presidential Rank Award in 2017. 

Mr. Jon Green recently joined BGS as Associate Vice President. Before joining BGS, Mr. Green spent more than eight years working as an advisor and committee staff member on Capitol Hill, most recently serving as the Defense Policy Advisor to Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). During his tenure on the Hill, he played a pivotal role in the development of nine National Defense Authorization Acts and three annual defense appropriation bills, securing hundreds of millions of dollars for priority defense programs. During his time on Capitol Hill, Mr. Green advised senior elected officials on a wide array of international security issues, ranging from Afghanistan to Ukraine, and functional matters such as irregular warfare and information operations. Prior to this, Mr. Green worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense in Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. 

Mr. Barry King has assumed the role of Managing Director. Mr. King will help lead the firm’s Intelligence Practice, advising a range of clients with key national security and technology capabilities on go-to-market strategy, stakeholder engagement, as well as policy and budgetary matters. Before joining Beacon, Mr. King served as the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). In this role he advised IC leadership on the allocation of the $60B+ National Intelligence Program budget against U.S. intelligence priorities, leveraging strong working relationships with colleagues across the IC, the Department of Defense, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Capitol Hill. Mr. King previously served in several senior White House roles, including as Chief of OMB’s Defense Operations, Personnel, and Support Branch; Special Assistant to the OMB Director; and Director of Strategic Planning on the National Security Council staff. Prior to his government service, Mr. King was an international contract negotiator at Raytheon Company.

Ms. Julie Grundman has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. In this role, Ms. Grundman will continue contributing to the ongoing work of the National Security Technology Practice. Before joining BGS, Ms. Grundman was a Senior Manager at PwC UK, where she led the Cybersecurity in Mergers & Acquisitions team. During her time at PwC, she was also seconded in a senior operational role, acting as an Information Risk Manager for a business unit at a global oil and gas company. Before then, Ms. Grundman was an early employee at IronNet Cybersecurity, a technology startup. At IronNet, she managed early customer engagements and strategic alliances, and assisted in the design and growth of the business development and customer success functions. Prior to IronNet, Ms. Grundman oversaw the cybersecurity portfolio at Business Executives for National Security (BENS), working closely with government partners. She has also practiced cybersecurity, data privacy, and corporate law. 

Mr. Ivan Kanapathy has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. In this role, Mr. Kanapathy will continue to support the firm’s Indo-Pacific Practice as well as lead the firm’s Taiwan Analysis Center, which helps clients navigate corporate opportunity, exposure and risk related to Taiwan. Before joining BGS, he had a distinguished career as a military officer and foreign affairs expert, primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Most recently serving on the White House’s National Security Council staff as Deputy Senior Director for Asian Affairs and Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, where he provided crucial advice to the President and National Security Advisor while leading interagency policy development regarding U.S. relations with China and Taiwan across various domains. Previously, as a military attaché at the American Institute in Taiwan and a Marine Corps Foreign Area Officer study fellow, Mr. Kanapathy advised top officials on cross-Strait military matters and conducted extensive research throughout China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. With a background as a Naval Flight Officer and expertise in security studies, he has amassed numerous awards and decorations, including the Air Medal and Defense Superior Service Medal. Mr. Kanapathy is also active in academia as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and holds positions at prominent think tanks, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. 

Mr. Louis Lauter has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. In this role, Mr. Lauter will continue to support the firm’s Defense Practice. Prior to joining BGS, Mr. Lauter served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, where he advised the Secretary of Defense on all legislative matters, supported the confirmation of political appointees and managed congressional engagement across the Department of Defense. Previously Mr. Lauter served in the Obama Administration in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs from 2015-2017 as the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs and the team chief for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, he served as the vice president for congressional and government affairs at CSIS where he led the think tank’s outreach to Congress. Before joining CSIS, Mr. Lauter worked for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and then for Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) where he led the Congressman’s work on the House Armed Services Committee and the U.S.-China Working group. Mr. Lauter is a Senior Associate (non-resident) at CSIS. Mr. Lauter has been awarded both the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

About Beacon Global Strategies

Founded in 2013, Beacon Global Strategies is a strategic advisory firm specializing in foreign policy, defense, cyber, intelligence, and national security. Drawing on decades of service in the international security arena, Beacon develops and executes strategies that enable companies to achieve their business objectives around the world.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beacon-global-strategies-adds-two-national-security-experts-to-its-growing-team-and-announces-several-senior-promotions-302074607.html

SOURCE Beacon Global Strategies

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Consensus 2025 Wraps in Toronto With Eric Trump

Published

on

By

Crypto‘s “Big Tent” event has wrapped in Toronto as high-profile figures across business, technology and government gathered to discuss crypto‘s regulatory liberalization and rising adoption. In 2026, Consensus will be hosted in Hong Kong (February) and Miami (May).

TORONTO, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consensus 2025, the world’s longest-running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain and AI industries, concluded today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre bringing together 14,771 attendees from 102 countries. The three-day event serves as the industry’s premier “big tent” event, uniting diverse voices from traditional finance, DeFi, policymaking and more to explore the future of digital assets.

Featuring 500 speakers across six stages, Consensus 2025 provided attendees with unique insights into the crypto landscape, with DeFi, real-world assets (RWAs), decentralized AI, stablecoins, crypto adoption and the evolving regulatory landscape dominating discussions among the biggest players in the crypto ecosystem. The event also featured North America’s largest in-person blockchain hackathon, with over 1,000 developers participating.

Highlights of Consensus Toronto included presentations from industry leaders, financial giants, tech powerhouses and White House representatives, including Coinbase, BlackRock and Google. Eric Trump, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of American Bitcoin featured on two sessions, with other high profile sessions from Kevin O’Leary, chairman of O’Leary Ventures and host of Shark Tank; Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports; Anthony Scaramucci, founder of Skybridge Capital. Toronto was chosen as the location for this year’s event due to its reputation as a financial powerhouse. It was also pinpointed to welcome a high concentration of Canadian crypto leaders, its growing reputation as a crypto innovation hub and status as the birthplace of Ethereum.

“Thanks to our friends at Consensus. They do an amazing job,” said Eric Trump of the CoinDesk conference, which has been running since 2015.

With plans for Consensus 2026 to take place at the iconic Miami Beach Convention Center in May 2026, Miami is considered the crypto capital of North America and a gateway to LATAM. Miami is set to position the event at the strategic crossroads of global capital, talent and innovation. Coming in February 2026, Consensus will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Major sponsors of Consensus Toronto included Stellar, American Bitcoin, BitGo, Fastex, Spacecoin, alongside tech giants Google and AWS and Canadian firms such as WonderFi, Wealthsimple and Coinbase Canada.

Secure your ticket for Consensus Miami or Consensus Hong Kong now.

Media Contact:
Conor McGorry,
Senior Account Executive,
ClearStory International
M: +353 83 805 5747
E: conor@clearstoryinternational.com

About Consensus
Consensus by CoinDesk is the world’s longest-running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain and AI industries. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, it helps people understand the future of digital assets with discussions on key topics such as DeFi, Web3, AI, the evolving regulatory landscape and more. With a mix of panels, keynotes and networking opportunities, Consensus 2025 provides a platform to explore the latest trends shaping the digital economy. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just entering the space, this event offers valuable insights and connections in a rapidly evolving field.

About CoinDesk
CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension and context. CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world’s largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit CoinDesk.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consensus-2025-wraps-in-toronto-with-eric-trump-302458221.html

SOURCE CoinDesk Inc

Continue Reading

Technology

AFRICON 2025 Returns to Atlanta on September 18-20, 2025

Published

on

By

AFRICON, the flagship convening for global African changemakers, tastemakers, and innovators, officially returns to Atlanta, Georgia on September 18–20, 2025. Hosted by Amplify Africa, this year’s edition marks a new era of global connection, cultural elevation, and cross-continental collaboration—bringing together thousands of attendees from across Africa, the Diaspora, and the world.

ATLANTA, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Premier Global Gathering Celebrating African Culture, Creativity, and Commerce Expands with New Partnerships

“AFRICON is more than a conference—it’s a cultural and economic movement,” said Timi Adeyeba, COO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa.

AFRICON, the flagship convening for global African changemakers, tastemakers, and innovators, officially returns to Atlanta, Georgia on September 18–20, 2025. Hosted by Amplify Africa, the 2025 edition, will showcase panels, workshops, pitch competitions, music showcases, fashion bazaars, and a film festival. This year’s edition marks a new era of global connection, cultural elevation, and cross-continental collaboration—bringing together thousands of attendees from across Africa, the Diaspora, and the world.

“AFRICON is more than a conference—it’s a cultural and economic movement,” said Timi Adeyeba, COO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa.

“Each year, we’re building bridges across continents and creating a global platform that celebrates who we are while shaping where we’re going,” said Dami Kujembola, CEO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa.

This year, AFRICON is proud to announce a headline partnership with Fidelity Bank, one of Africa’s most respected financial institutions. As part of this collaboration, AFRICON 2025 will feature the 3rd Annual Fidelity Investment and Trade Creative Connect (FITCC)—a marquee forum designed to spotlight innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border investment opportunities across the African continent.

“Since 2022, when we hosted the maiden edition, the FITCC has evolved beyond a platform for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports to become a veritable showcase of the immense value Nigeria has to offer the global market,” stated Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. “As part of our commitment to developing platforms that promote economic growth, creativity, and sustainable trade both within Nigeria and internationally, we are pleased to collaborate with AFRICON to host FITCC. This initiative stems from AFRICON’s esteemed capability to unite key stakeholders dedicated to integrating Nigerian businesses into global supply chain networks.”

AFRICON 2025 will feature a dynamic lineup of programming including cultural showcases, policy roundtables, business summits, nightlife experiences, and wellness activations. From creative industries and tech innovation to investment, trade, and social impact, the two-day experience positions Africa and its Diaspora as a rising global force.

Projected Impact

It is expected that AFRICON 2025 will attract:Over 3,000 attendees from around the worldMore than 200 exhibitors and businesses across sectorsOver US$200 million in trade, investment, and partnership deals to be concluded

AFRICON 2025 continues to build on its legacy of convening a global network of decision-makers, creatives, executives, and community leaders who are shaping Africa’s future.

For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and programming details, visit www.africon.global or follow @africon.global on all platforms.

About Amplify Africa

Amplify Africa is a leading media, events, and cultural agency dedicated to shaping the global narrative of Africa and its Diaspora. With a reach of over 12 million people monthly, Amplify Africa curates impactful experiences, content, and campaigns that celebrate African excellence across entertainment, tech, business, and culture. From landmark festivals to thought leadership summits, the platform serves as a bridge between Africa and the world—empowering the next generation of changemakers and creators.

About Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Media Contact
Amplify Africa, Amplify Africa, 1 2138140719, info@amplifyafrica.org, https://amplifyafrica.co/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/africon-2025-returns-to-atlanta-on-september-1820-2025-302456185.html

SOURCE Amplify Africa

Continue Reading

Technology

Movano Health’s Board of Directors Initiates Process to Maximize Shareholder Value

Published

on

By

PLEASANTON, Calif., May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Movano Health (Nasdaq: MOVE), a pioneer in health technology, announced today that its Board of Directors has initiated a process to explore strategic alternatives, including a sale, merger or similar transaction involving the Company, to maximize shareholder value.  To support this process, Movano Health’s Board of Directors has engaged Aquilo Partners as its financial advisor and K&L Gates LLP as its legal counsel.

There can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction or other strategic change or as to the timing of any such potential agreement or transaction. Movano Health does not intend to disclose further developments unless and until the Board of Directors has approved a specific course of action or determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required.  The Company also reported that due to resource constraints, it does not plan to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

About Movano Health 
Founded in 2018, Movano Inc. (Nasdaq: MOVE) dba Movano Health is developing a suite of purpose-driven healthcare solutions to bring medical-grade data to the forefront of wearables. Featuring modern and flexible form factors, Movano Health’s devices offer an innovative approach to delivering trusted data to both customers and enterprises, capturing a comprehensive picture of an individual’s health data and uniquely translating it into personalized and intelligent insights.

Movano Health’s proprietary technologies and wearable medical device solutions enable the use of data as a tool to proactively monitor and manage health outcomes across a number of patient populations that exist in healthcare. For more information on Movano Health, visit https://movanohealth.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the Company’s strategic plans and value, plans with respect to the commercial launches of the Evie Ring and EvieMED; our expectations regarding potential commercial opportunities and addressable markets; planned cost-cutting initiatives; anticipated FDA clearance decisions with respect to our products; expected future operating results; product development efforts and product releases; clinical trial and regulatory initiatives; commercial partner activities; our strategies, positioning and expectations for future events or performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the caption “Risk Factors.”  Any forward-looking statement in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/movano-healths-board-of-directors-initiates-process-to-maximize-shareholder-value-302458030.html

SOURCE Movano

Continue Reading

Trending