){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
Figen Murray OBE Appointed as New Chair of International Security Expo
As chair, Figen will help steer the future direction and
growth of International Security Expo, whilst also ensuring it best serves the
needs of the industry. She will also lead the Advisory Council that is
comprised of an outstanding selection of the industry’s foremost experts,
representing a broad range of sectors and Government. Figen will take over from
Angela Essel, senior account director – national security at Thales UK, and
former head of JSaRC, Home Office, who has held the position for the past two
years.
Having transformed her grief into a powerful movement for
change, Figen is the initiator behind the campaign to introduce counter
terrorism legislation – the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 –
informally known as Martyn’s Law, after her son, Martyn Hett, was tragically
killed alongside 21 others at the Manchester Arena terrorist attack on 22 May
2017. Her tireless campaigning has secured national support from cross-party
politicians, the security industry, businesses and the public, to introduce legislation
that will better protect venues and the public from the potential impact of a
terrorist attack.
Beyond Figen’s legislative work, she has achieved a
distinction in a counter terrorism master’s degree from the University of
Lancashire. Figen’s expertise and dedication to making Britain safer saw her
awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List.
There are very few people who have been able to bring
together all elements of the security industry in such a unifying manner,
whilst at the same time effecting change at a legislative level. This sees
Figen ideally placed to take on the role of chair, as International Security
Expo brings together Government, Industry, Academia and the entire end-user
community from all corners of the world, with a key focus on both homeland and
international security, and countering terrorism.
Speaking about her appointment to the role Figen says, “It
is a real privilege and honour to become chair of International Security Expo.
For many years it has been clear how important this event is to the global
security industry – from the wealth of innovation on display to the incredible
speakers who impart their knowledge and experience, along with the unique
opportunity to engage with the UK Government. I know first-hand just how
valuable this has been in the long journey to get Martyn's Law signed into
legislation. The event is one of my highlights of the year and I am extremely
excited to take on this prestigious role, lead the Advisory Council and help
steer the direction of International Security Expo so it continues as one of
the world's leading events for countering terrorism and keeping us all safe.”
Angela Essel says: “It has been a great pleasure to serve as
chairwoman for this fantastic event and to see how many people view it as a
must-attend date in their calendar. These past two editions of International
Security Expo have been the best ever and I am delighted to have helped
contribute towards their success. Figen’s drive and resolve is awe-inspiring
and I have no doubt she will make a superb chair and I wish her the best of
luck in the role.”
Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director, added: “We are extremely honoured to welcome Figen as chair of International Security Expo. Watching her tireless campaigning over the years has been truly inspirational and I cannot think of anyone better to bring the energy and passion for ensuring public safety to the event. As the event continues to go from strength to strength, this is the ideal time to welcome Figen aboard and the whole team and I are very excited to work with her. I would also like to thank Angela for the fantastic work she has done as chairwoman over the past two years in helping make the event unmissable.”
)
)
)
)
)
)
)