Figen Murray OBE appointed chair of International Security Expo

Further, Murray will lead the International Security Expo Advisory Council that’s comprised of an outstanding selection of the industry’s foremost experts, representing a broad range of sectors and Government. Murray takes over the role of chair from Angela Essel (senior account director for national security at Thales UK) who has held the position for the past two years.

Having transformed her grief into a powerful movement for change, Murray is the initiator behind the campaign to introduce counter-terrorism legislation – ie the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, informally known as Martyn’s Law – after her son, Martyn Hett, was tragically killed alongside 21 others as a result of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack on 22 May 2017.

Murray’s tireless campaigning has secured national support from cross-party politicians, the security industry, businesses and members the public, leading to the introduction of legislation that will better protect venues and their guests from the potential impact of a terrorist attack.

Beyond Murray’s legislative work, she has achieved a distinction in a Counter- Terrorism Master’s degree from the University of Lancashire. Murray’s expertise and dedication to making Britain safer saw her being awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours List.

There are very few individuals who’ve been able to bring together all elements of the security industry in such a unifying manner, while at the same time effecting change at a legislative level. This sees Murray ideally placed to take on the role of chair given that International Security Expo brings together Government, industry, academia and the entire end user community from all corners of the world, harbouring a key focus on both homeland and international security and countering terrorism.

Wealth of innovation

Speaking about her appointment, Murray stated: “It’s a real privilege and an honour to become chair of International Security Expo. For many years now, 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, in addition to the unique opportunity for engaging with central Government. I know first-hand just how valuable this has been in the long journey to have Martyn’s Law finalised.”

Murray continued: “The event is one of my highlights of the year. I’m extremely excited to take on this prestigious role, lead the Advisory Council and help steer the direction of the International Security Expo such that it continues to be one of the world’s leading events for countering terrorism and keeping us all safe.”

Angela Essel commented: “It has been a great pleasure to serve as chair 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’m 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. I wish her the best of luck in the role.”

Tireless campaigning

Rachael Shattock, Group event director for the International Security Expo at Nineteen Group, 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.”

Shattock added: “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 transacted as chair over the past two years in helping to make the International Security Expo an unmissable event.”

After welcoming delegates from no fewer than 99 countries through the doors in 2025, International Security Expo will continue to expand its global reach in 2026, bringing more visitors, exhibitors and speakers from across the world to London’s Olympia on 29-30 September.

The event will again be co-located with International Cyber Expo, guiding visitors through the ever-evolving landscape of digital security (something that’s proving increasingly necessary as the worlds of physical and cyber security continue to converge).

*Further information is available online at www.internationalsecurityexpo.com