International Security Expo is delighted to announce that it has appointed a new Chairwoman. Angela Essel, Senior Account Director MoD HQ at Thales UK, and Former Head of JSaRC, Homeland Security Group, Home Office, will be taking on the role effective immediately.

Taking over from Admiral the Rt Hon Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC DUniv, former UK Security Minister, who steps down after having served eight years in the role, Angela will spearhead an Advisory Council that consists of an envious selection of the industry's foremost experts representing private companies, global transport hubs, critical national infrastructure, public sector, Government and more, all helping to steer the future direction and growth of International Security Expo.

In her previous position as Head of JSaRC, the UK Home Office’s Joint Security and Resilience Centre, Angela was a member of the International Security Expo Advisory Council and has spoken at the event’s Summit and Conferences numerous times. Angela held the post of Head of JSaRC for almost four years, moving into the private sector in April 2023 to work for Thales UK. This broad experience working within both Government and the private sector makes her ideally suited to understand the challenges and complexities of the industry as a whole, and she will bring an expert level of knowledge to the role.

This year International Security Expo will look to expand its international reach further, bringing together more visitors and exhibitors from even more countries through a targeted international delegation programme supported by UK Defence & Security Exports (UKDSE), Department for Business & Trade. Buyers with active or future projects around the world will be attending to review cutting-edge solutions to enhance their security measures and learn more about the most pressing homeland and global security challenges and how best to solve them.

Innovation will once again be at the heart of the event, with the exhibition floor showcasing a vast range of the latest security products and services from hundreds of exhibitors, providing groundbreaking solutions and interactive displays that collectively demonstrate the depth and breadth of innovation the security sector has to offer. A new Aviation Security Zone will be dedicated to showcasing innovations in airport security, air traffic control systems, cybersecurity for aviation, passenger screening technologies and aircraft safety measures, aiming to bring together stakeholders who are committed to enhancing aviation security through the exploration of new technologies and strategies.

In addition to focusing on international and homeland security development, key themes will also include policy updates from Government, combatting the most prevalent serious and organised crime threats, people & skills, diversity and sustainable security. Whilst visitors can expect even more exciting live demonstrations this year, that will bring products and their applications in real-life scenarios even more to life. The event will also once again be co-located with International Cyber Expo which will guide visitors through the ever-evolving landscape of digital security, bursting with networking and business opportunities and providing access to a highly sophisticated visitor base of IT security professionals.

Speaking of her appointment Angela says, “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on the Chairwoman role. International Security Expo is seen throughout the industry as one of the most respected security events, not just in the UK but globally. I know first-hand the positive impact the event has on the industry, as well as on the safety and security of the public, so to be representing the event and leading this incredible Council of esteemed experts is a real honour. I cannot wait to help shape and develop this September’s event and those in future years.”

Admiral Lord West says: “It has been a privilege to spend so many years as Chairman of this exceptional event. It is immensely gratifying to see the many thousands of visitors come through the doors each year in search of ways to make us all safer, and the positive impact this has on our security the world over. Angela did a tremendous job leading JSaRC and I have no doubts whatsoever that she will make a superb Chairwoman. I wish her the best of luck in the role.”

Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director, added: “Angela has been a valued friend of International Security Expo for a number of years now, so we are really delighted that she has agreed to take on the role of Chairwoman. I am really excited to see the influence she brings to the event this year and going forwards, and it marks an exciting time for International Security Expo following our recent rebrand and the exciting plans we have in place for this year. I would also like to thank Admiral Lord West for the fantastic work he has done guiding the Advisory Council and helping make the event the success it is.”