The professionals behind Melrose

Rishi Mehilal is the founder and CEO of Melrose Academy. Drawing on his entrepreneurial background and years of experience building knowledge-driven organisations, he identified a clear gap in the sector: security professionals are often trained within a single discipline, while the reality of the field demands integrated thinking — where physical security, behaviour, AI and strategy come together.

With Melrose Academy, Rishi has built a platform where these disciplines reinforce one another. His strength lies in assembling teams, connecting operational expertise with academic depth and translating strategic vision into concrete, high-calibre programmes. He steers on quality, consistency and an uncompromising standard — a foundation that both trainers and clients can build on.

Maxim Leijdekker is a recognised authority in high-end security training. With a background in elite sport at the highest level and years of experience as a coach, trainer and operational security specialist, he brings together peak physical performance, mental resilience and deep security expertise like no other.

Every training programme Maxim develops is fully bespoke. Based on thorough audits, risk assessments and the client's specific objectives, he works alongside experts from diverse security disciplines to build integrated, realistic programmes. The result: training of the highest calibre that prepares professionals for the top of the security industry.

Robert Bisel is a security specialist with over 25 years of experience in executive protection, high-risk operations and complex security matters in international and diplomatic environments. His foundation lies with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps; thereafter he worked for the Yugoslavia Tribunal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, protecting dignitaries and advising on risks in both stable and highly complex environments.

His approach is accessible, people-oriented and free of unnecessary jargon — for him, security is about trust, clear communication and practical solutions. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Security and Risk Management at the University of Leicester, combining his extensive operational experience with a strategic, evidence-based perspective. He also develops self-defence and security awareness training that is realistic, legally sound and directly applicable.

Robert Lamping is a behaviour specialist who helps professionals operate with greater strength, awareness and effectiveness — especially in situations where pressure, stress and expectations come into play. As a trainer and coach, he focuses on behaviour, communication and threat management, with mental resilience as the common thread: how you handle thoughts, attention and tension, and what that means for your actions and decisions.

With years of experience as an operator and instructor at the Netherlands Armed Forces and the National Police, Robert possesses a unique combination of operational background and teaching expertise. He brings this to teams in both the public and private sector. His approach is always practical, realistic and focused on safety in behaviour and decision-making.

Anna Prins is a developmental psychologist with more than 20 years of experience working with people and teams. After studying psychology at the University of Amsterdam, she has continuously developed her expertise through advanced courses, self-study and intensive hands-on practice. Her speciality is strengthening teams and providing concrete tools for optimal performance, both in group training and individual coaching.

What sets Anna's training apart is the combination of a solid scientific foundation with an energetic, accessible atmosphere. She believes that people learn best in an environment where safety and trust come first. Through her personal approach, she ensures knowledge transfer that truly sticks and is immediately applicable — whether it concerns communication, collaboration or personal effectiveness.

Grace has built her expertise on a strong academic foundation: a Bachelor in Security Studies with a minor in Intelligence, followed by a Master in Crisis and Security Management specialising in Cybersecurity Governance at Leiden University. This combination of broad security knowledge and specialised digital expertise forms the basis of her work.

At Melrose Security, Grace is part of the operations team. Her strength lies in translating complex security issues into clear, applicable insights for professionals in the field — whether that involves risk analysis, policy advice or operational support. She combines analytical ability with hands-on pragmatism, ensuring that knowledge does not stay on the page but takes direct meaning in day-to-day practice.

Vlad is a Senior Data Analyst with over 20 years of experience in open-source intelligence (OSINT), transforming complex information into actionable insight. His academic background in special communication systems provides the technical depth required to navigate modern digital infrastructures. Within international organisations he has managed intelligence initiatives across diverse jurisdictions, conducting cross-border inquiries in multicultural environments.

His expertise covers OSINT, data modeling and pattern recognition: tracing digital footprints, uncovering hidden risks and turning fragmented data into clear, protective strategies. As an instructor, Vlad develops specialised modules for Corporate Security, Executive Protection and Hospitality Management teams. Calm, structured and analytically sharp — a reliable partner for sensitive investigations and for organisations protecting high-profile people and assets.

Wiley Finch has been active in IT since 2016, starting as a fullstack software developer and evolving into a specialist in AI and cyber security. As a part-time lecturer and researcher at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, he teaches AI, cyber security, software development and cloud computing. He is also an active entrepreneur and technology evangelist, with the titles 1x CEO, 1x CTO and 3x Founder to his name.

In his training programmes, Wiley combines technical depth with practical insight. He makes complex subjects such as AI-driven threat analysis and cyber security accessible to professionals who need to work with them — not just engineers, but anyone who wants to make smarter decisions about digital security.

Micha van der Meer has been active in IT since 1986, starting as an assembly programmer and hacker. Since then, he has built an impressive track record across technology, finance, entrepreneurship and education. He is the author of three university textbooks, a board member at multiple organisations, a five-time founder, three-time CEO, four-time CTO and has completed two successful exits.

Today, Micha is a part-time lecturer and researcher in Data and AI at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, with a specialisation in red teaming within cyber security. His strength lies in translating technological complexity into clear, actionable knowledge — for students, executives and organisations seeking to gain control over emerging technology in the security domain.

Birsen Kuzucanli has built her career in strategic marketing and psychology, with a deep understanding of what drives people to action. What makes someone choose, trust or commit? Her strength lies in understanding motivation, anticipating behaviour and designing strategies that align with how people actually think and decide. Birsen also holds a black belt in Taekwondo.

Within Melrose Academy, Birsen brings a unique perspective: she understands not only how to protect, but also how people experience and respond to security measures. This psychological insight is invaluable when designing training programmes, strengthening client communications and building lasting trust with stakeholders.