Figen Murray OBE has been appointed as the new chair of the International Security Expo, taking on the position with immediate effect.
Widely recognised for her role in championing the introduction of Martyn's Law, Murray is expected to guide the future development and growth of the expo while ensuring it meets industry needs.
Leadership transition
Murray will also assume leadership of the Advisory Council, comprising top experts from various sectors and government.
She succeeds Angela Essel from Thales UK, who has expertly managed the role over the past two years. As a former head of the JSaRC at the Home Office, Essel has played a pivotal role in shaping the event during her tenure.
Driving legislative change
Figen Murray's advocacy for counter-terrorism legislation stemmed from personal tragedy. Her son, Martyn Hett, was among those killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Her efforts resulted in widespread support for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, aimed at enhancing protection against terrorist threats.
Expertise and recognition
Figen Murray's advocacy for counter-terrorism legislation stemmed from personal tragedy
A holder of a counter-terrorism master's degree from the University of Lancashire, Murray was awarded an OBE in 2022 for her contributions to safety. Her capacity to unite diverse elements of the security industry and influence legislation positions her well for the expo's global platform. The event unites government, industry, and academia, with a commitment to bolstering both national and international security measures.
Commitment to security
Upon her appointment, Murray expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "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."
Legacy and future goals
Outgoing chairwoman Angela Essel reflected positively on her tenure, lauding the expo as a critical event in the security sector. She commended Murray, whose determination she described as "awe-inspiring," and expressed confidence in her ability to excel in the new role.
Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director, extended a warm welcome to Murray, noting her motivational campaigning and energy in prioritising public safety. Shattock also acknowledged Essel's contributions, which have significantly enhanced the expo's reputation as a must-attend event.
International Security Expo is thrilled to announce that it has appointed a new chair. Figen Murray OBE, initiator and lead campaigner for Martyn's Law, will be taking on the role effective immediately.
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.
Counter terrorism legislation
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.
Homeland and international security
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.
Global security industry
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.”
Ensuring public safety
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.”
