Empowerment, Innovation, and Collaboration Drive Our Success in the Middle East
Speaking to a&s Middle East, Bilal Chehime delves into Gallagher’s transformative approach to security technology and discusses how the company is addressing emerging challenges in the MENA region through its own business philosophy.
By: Mirza Bahic
E-mail: mirza.bahic@asmideast.com
a&s Middle East: You have been at the helm of Gallagher for almost two decades now. What is your leadership philosophy, and how has it shaped Gallagher’s direction in the Middle East?
Chehime: Throughout my nearly two decades at the helm of Gallagher, my leadership philosophy has centered around three core principles: Empowerment, Innovation, and Collaboration. These guiding tenets have not only shaped my approach to leadership but have also been instrumental in driving Gallagher’s growth and direction in the Middle East. In summary, my leadership philosophy has been fundamental in shaping Gallagher’s identity and strategic direction in the Middle East, allowing us to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively while fostering a culture of excellence and resilience.
a&s Middle East: What sets Gallagher’s access control solutions apart from competitors in the Middle East?
Chehime: Gallagher’s access control solutions stand out for its global robust cyber security hardware platform due to their cutting-edge technology, scalability, reliability, user-centric design, and strong local support. We are committed to providing custom solutions that address the unique challenges faced by businesses in the region, establishing Gallagher as a trusted partner in security management system and perimeter pulse monitoring fence and access control system on one platform. Through continuous innovation and a focus on customer satisfaction, we aim to maintain our leadership position in the access control market.
By proactively addressing challenges, we help ensure the safety and security of vital assets and infrastructure in a region characterized by complexity and high stakes
a&s Middle East: How do your perimeter security systems address the unique challenges of the region’s critical infrastructure?
Chehime: Gallagher’s perimeter security systems are equipped to tackle the unique challenges associated with critical infrastructure in the Middle East through robust detection and deterrence technologies, environmental resilience, integration capabilities, regulatory compliance, rapid response features, scalability, and strong local support. By proactively addressing these challenges, we help ensure the safety and security of vital assets and infrastructure in a region characterized by complexity and high stakes.
a&s Middle East: Can you elaborate on the integration capabilities of Gallagher’s software solutions for businesses in the region?
Chehime: Gallagher’s software solutions provide extensive integration capabilities that enable businesses in the Middle East to create customized, efficient, and effective security infrastructures. Through unified management, open architecture, robust APIs, and integration with various systems, Gallagher empowers organizations to enhance their security operations, respond dynamically to events, and adapt to changing business needs. This strategic approach not only strengthens security but also supports broader operational objectives, making Gallagher a preferred partner in the region’s security landscape.
Gallagher’s access control solutions stand out for its robust cyber security hardware platform in the Middle East due to their cutting-edge technology, scalability, reliability, user-centric design, and strong local support
a&s Middle East: How is the Mobile Connect App transforming mobile access control in the Middle East?
Chehime: Gallagher’s Mobile Connect App is transforming mobile access control in the Middle East by enhancing convenience, improving security, and integrating seamlessly with existing systems. Its user-centric design, real-time communication capabilities, and adaptability to regional needs make it a game-changer in promoting mobile access solutions. As businesses continue to evolve in response to technological advancements and shifting workforce dynamics, the Mobile Connect App stands out as a vital tool for modern security management in the region.
a&s Middle East: How does Gallagher ensure compliance with local regulations and standards in the region?
Chehime: Gallagher ensures compliance with local regulations and standards in the Middle East through a combination of in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape, adherence to international standards, dedicated compliance teams, flexible solutions, robust data protection mechanisms, focused training programs, and collaborative partnerships. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to compliance, Gallagher is well-positioned to meet the unique security and regulatory needs of businesses in the region.
a&s Middle East: How are you addressing emerging cybersecurity threats in physical security?
Chehime: Gallagher addresses emerging cybersecurity threats in physical security by integrating cybersecurity principles with physical security measures, employing robust encryption methods, conducting regular security audits, utilizing multi-factor authentication, and implementing continuous monitoring solutions. By emphasizing employee training, collaborating with cybersecurity experts, adhering to industry standards, and integrating advanced technologies, Gallagher is well-prepared to mitigate risks associated with the evolving cybersecurity landscape while safeguarding physical security systems.
a&s Middle East: How does Gallagher tailor its solutions to specific sectors like government, energy, and education?
Chehime: Gallagher tailors its security solutions to specific sectors like government, energy, and education by understanding unique requirements, providing customizable and sector-specific capabilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, offering dedicated support, and leveraging advanced technologies. This focused approach allows Gallagher to deliver effective, reliable, and adaptive security solutions that meet the distinct needs of organizations across various industries.
a&s Middle East: How is Gallagher contributing to smart city initiatives in the region?
Chehime: Gallagher is contributing to smart city initiatives in the Middle East by providing integrated security solutions, leveraging data analytics, protecting critical infrastructure, collaborating with government authorities, emphasizing sustainability, enhancing public safety, and investing in training and capacity building. Through these efforts, Gallagher plays a vital role in shaping the future of urban landscapes, fostering safer, smarter, and more efficient cities in the region.
Through unified management, open architecture, robust APIs, and integration with various systems, Gallagher empowers organizations to enhance their security operations, respond dynamically to events, and adapt to changing business needs
a&s Middle East: Can you discuss Gallagher’s partnerships with local technology and security companies?
Chehime: Gallagher’s partnerships with local technology and security companies play a crucial role in enhancing its ability to deliver effective, tailored security solutions. Through localized customization, shared expertise, strengthened customer engagement, collective market penetration, and knowledge of compliance, Gallagher fosters collaboration that benefits both the company and its partners. These partnerships not only empower Gallagher to adapt its offerings to meet regional needs but also contribute to the development of the local economy and technology landscape.
a&s Middle East: How does Gallagher support businesses in terms of ongoing service and maintenance?
Chehime: Gallagher’s commitment to ongoing service and maintenance is designed to ensure that businesses feel supported and confident in their security solutions. Through proactive maintenance, 24/7 support, comprehensive training, customized service agreements, access to updates, on-site support, feedback mechanisms, and thorough documentation, Gallagher fosters long-term partnerships with businesses, helping them to operate safely and efficiently in an increasingly complex security landscape.
a&s Middle East: What are the key challenges you foresee in the Middle East’s security industry in the next five years?
Chehime: The Middle East’s security industry is poised to face several significant challenges over the next five years, including geopolitical instability, cybersecurity threats, rapid technological advancements, regulatory compliance complexities, human resource shortages, public trust issues, economic fluctuations, and the need for diversity and inclusion. Addressing these challenges will require foresight, adaptability, and innovative approaches to security solutions to ensure that the region can respond effectively to evolving security needs.
Gallagher is contributing to smart city initiatives in the Middle East by providing integrated security solutions, leveraging data analytics, protecting critical infrastructure, and collaborating with government authorities
