John Withers — Managing Director
John is Managing Director of Priority International, a specialist international investigations business with a heritage dating back to 1960. Representing the second generation of the business, he joined in 1991 and completed five years of investigative training across Dublin, Cork, Belfast and London before becoming Managing Director in 2013.
A licensed private investigator and Certified International Investigator, John also holds the Open-Source Certified designation from the OSMOSIS Association. His experience encompasses corporate and background investigations, asset tracing, intelligence-led research, OSINT and the coordination of complex international assignments.
John is President of the Council of International Investigators for the 2026–2027 term. His contribution to the profession has been recognised with two Malcolm W. Thomson Memorial Awards for Regional Director of the Year, in 2019 and 2024.
Earlier in his career, John served with the British Antarctic Survey, including as Base Commander, and held an appointment as a Magistrate of the British Antarctic Territory.
John oversees Priority International’s investigative operations and international relationships, drawing on more than three decades of professional experience to provide clients with practical investigative advice, reliable resources and professionally managed assignments.
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Gennine Hanlon — Associate Director
Gennine is Associate Director of Priority International, supporting investigative delivery, operational management and the day-to-day running of the business.
Since joining in 2013, she has developed extensive experience in professional investigations, research, intelligence gathering and complex case analysis across the UK, Ireland and internationally. Her responsibilities include investigative research, screening, intelligence-led enquiries, case coordination and client support.
Gennine holds the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators and has completed further training in management and leadership, GDPR compliance and business administration.
She has been a member of the World Association of Professional Investigators since 2015, an Associate Member of the Council of International Investigators since 2022 and a Governing Council Member of WAPI since November 2025.
Her role combines investigative experience with operational oversight, helping ensure assignments are managed efficiently and delivered to consistent professional standards.
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Charley Gracey — Operations Supervisor
Charley is Operations Supervisor at Priority International, responsible for supporting the day-to-day coordination and delivery of investigative assignments.
Since joining in 2011, following her graduation from Queen’s University Belfast, she has developed more than a decade of experience in professional investigations, research and complex case analysis across the UK, Ireland and internationally.
Charley oversees the operational progression of assignments, supporting case management, compliance, accuracy and client communication. Her responsibilities include coordinating investigative resources, monitoring case progress and maintaining the quality and consistency of investigative reporting.
She holds the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators and has been a member of the World Association of Professional Investigators since 2014 and an Associate Member of the Council of International Investigators since 2022.
Her operational experience helps ensure that assignments progress efficiently, with attention to accuracy, confidentiality and client requirements.
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