Tony retired as Director General of the UK Border Force in March 2013, after completing over 40 years’ service in the UK Home Office.

Tony has the unique distinction of having served as Head of Borders in 2 different countries – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2000 – 2003) and the UK Immigration Service / UK Border Force (2005 – 2007, and 2012 – 2013). He played a significant role in the operational response to the terrorist attacks in North America on 9/11 and in the UK on 7/7.

Tony (full name Anthony John Smith) was awarded the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the UK New Year’s Honours List 2013, for his services to the safety and security of the London 2012 Olympics. Upon his retirement, Prime Minister David Cameron said “I have no doubt that all you have achieved will serve as a fitting legacy to your long and distinguished career.” Home Secretary Theresa May said “Your commitment to our border security has been exemplary and your knowledge and experience have not only been invaluable to Border Force but have been recognised around the world.”

Tony is now a global border security consultant, Managing Director of Fortinus Global Ltd, and chairman of the International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA). He is a regular commentator on UK national TV radio and news channels on border and aviation security; and chairs international conferences and expert panels on various aspects of border control including integrated border management, multiple borders strategies, automated border controls and identity management at the border.

Since retiring from government service, Tony has provided strategic and operational advice to senior officials and Ministers on modern border management techniques and immigration reform programmes and strategies in Australia, Malaysia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is also on the UKTI list of expert security adviser s, supporting the GREA T campaign to export British excellence in his field.