By Kema Rajandran.
Imagine you’ve just been promoted into senior management at Qantas, and in your first week, the tragic events of September 11 occur. This was the case for Jennifer Muldoon, wife, mother and security and brand protection specialist with extensive experience in large scale, global corporate and sporting events.
As Head of Security at the iconic Sydney Opera House, Ms Muldoon holds over 15 years in security investigation and management, previously achieving the rank of Detective Senior Constable and Investigator with the NSW Police and over twelve years service.
While the world came to a standstill around September 11, Ms Muldoon had to embark on a very steep learning curve and develop and implement counter terrorism response plans post September 11.
Day to day duties saw Ms Muldoon juggle risk management and high level negotiation, particularly between law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. “The role I held at Qantas saw me conduct the security planning and risk management for our VIPs, including brand protection and ensuring that none of our representatives were compromised.”
Amongst her career highlights Ms Muldoon also held a somewhat demanding but “very exciting role” of planning for John Travolta representing Qantas at the FIFA world cup in South Africa. This involved high level international risk management and negotiation and required attention to detail. Liaison and planning efforts involved dealing with local law enforcement and even the driver, restaurant organiser and child minders.
She also worked on three major advertising campaigns for Qantas which we have all seen. Being responsible for the security of these campaigns had the added perk of travel, whereby children were safely taken around the world singing I Still Call Australia Home.
“I was very fortunate to work on these campaigns, it was a tough gig but someone had to do it and it is still recognised as the most successful marketing campaign ever.”
“ I found that travelling with a team, you tend to do a little part of each other’s role to ensure a successful outcome.”
An expert communicator and strategist, Ms Muldoon’s services and consultation are always in demand. She was responsible for implementing numerous security programs such as corporate positioning during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games and has developed and been responsible for large-scale security training initiatives.
Ms Muldoon’s career milestones continue to build as she is continually in demand for major sporting events including the Melbourne Grand Prix and 2010 Soccer World Cup.
She tributes her achievements to the variety of opportunities presented to her in both the Police and in particular at Qantas.
“From these opportunities I was able to create a niche with a brand protection focus.”
“I also had the opportunity to work with some brilliant executives and build a very exciting network of contacts. This enabled me to learn an amazing amount about business strategy and the importance of ensuring that your part of the business is relevant on the broader scale.”
Ms Muldoon strives to achieve quality relationships with clients by delivering excellent results and fostering adaptability and flexibility in the working partnership.
“During my police career I was very well respected and formed a lot of my valued friendships. A lot of those police officers are now in very senior commissioned officer ranks and I deal with them regularly in my role at the Opera House and receive amazing support at times when I need it.”
She isn’t all about being operational and maintaining relationships, holding numerous qualifications including Diplomas in Marketing, Project and Aviation Management, as well as Certificates in Security and Risk Management and Aviation Security. Her skills, experience and amiable attitude with clients, ensures that she always provides a holistic, current and productive approach toward security and risk management. “In most organisations your security manager wears many caps and a lot these now include business resilience and emergency planning.”…
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