Myriam Bevillon Takes the Helm of ESSA, Placing Emphasis on Standards, AI, and Future Security Challenges

The European Security Systems Association (ESSA) has appointed a new chairperson, with Myriam Bevillon of Gunnebo Safe Storage AB taking over the role. She succeeds Harald Lüling, CEO of Burg Wächter, who has significantly shaped the association over the past 20 years and will remain a member of the ESSA Board.

The new chairperson announced that she will continue a market-oriented approach while placing additional focus on overcoming trade barriers, improving testing processes through mutual recognition of results, and aligning standards with technological developments and market needs. One of the key priorities is accelerating the revision of lock standards, including adapting them to new forms of operation via smartphones.

Speaking about the main challenges, Bevillon highlighted the need to speed up the development of the regulatory framework to keep pace with technological advancements, as well as the growing impact of artificial intelligence and the increasing importance of sustainability, where the physical security industry still lags behind. She also pointed to new trade barriers that are making international business more complex.

Looking ahead, particular attention will be given to cyber threats, including AI-assisted attacks, as well as safety risks related to lithium-ion batteries. In the long term, ESSA aims to strengthen its role through greater agility and adaptation to new technologies, while maintaining high standards of security and confidentiality.

“For the future, it is crucial to position the security industry so that it can effectively address emerging risks and challenges,” said Myriam Bevillon.