Gallagher Security has unveiled plans to deepen its operations in the Middle East, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion. Effective August 1, 2026, the company will shift from its traditional distribution framework to a direct operational model, as part of a strategic move to strengthen its market presence in the region.
Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President for APAC and IMEA, notes that this evolution underscores Gallagher's substantial growth in the Middle East over the past two decades and emphasizes its commitment to providing dedicated local support for partners and customers.
Strengthening Partner Engagement
The newly established entity will benefit from a local team equipped to provide enhanced support to both Channel Partners and End Users. Additionally, a new office in Dubai Silicon Oasis will serve as a training and experience hub.
Additionally, a new office in Dubai Silicon Oasis will serve as a training and experience hub
"Gallagher’s expansion builds on a well-established footprint across the Middle East, where for over 20 years we have developed strong partnerships and delivered innovative security solutions across critical infrastructure, government, commercial, and enterprise sectors," says Schutte. He acknowledges the crucial contributions of Bilal Chehime, who has played a key role in leading Gallagher's distribution efforts in the region for over 20 years.
Ensuring Seamless Transition
The transition will be orchestrated with Bilal Chehime to ensure it is smooth, focusing on sustaining continuity for partners and customers. "Day-to-day operations will remain business as usual throughout the transition period, with uninterrupted support across sales, services, and ongoing projects," assures Schutte. The process will be overseen by Craig Schutte, who is structuring the leadership team to support continued growth in the Middle East.
Mark Junge, Gallagher Security Chief Executive, is dedicated to enhancing the solutions offered by Gallagher to address the evolving security needs of clients in the Middle East and globally. "We’re confident in our continued growth in the Middle East, underpinned by our deep market understanding and the meaningful difference our solutions make in helping people protect what matters most," states Junge.
Gallagher Security has announced a significant milestone in its global growth strategy, with the establishment of a new entity in the Middle East, reinforcing the region’s importance as a key market for the business.
Effective 1 August 2026, Gallagher will transition from its long-standing distribution model to a fully Gallagher-owned, direct operating presence in the region. Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President for APAC and IMEA says this evolution reflects both the strong and sustained growth Gallagher has achieved in the Middle East over 20 years and its ongoing investment to dedicated, in-market support for partners and customers.
Strengthening partner engagement
The new entity will be supported by an in-market team, enhancing local support for Channel Partners and End Users, alongside a newly established office in Dubai Silicon Oasis featuring a training and experience hub.
“Gallagher’s expansion builds on a well-established footprint across the Middle East, where for over 20 years we have developed strong partnerships and delivered innovative security solutions across critical infrastructure, government, commercial, and enterprise sectors,” says Craig. “This next phase marks a significant investment in the region, including deepening in-market expertise, enhancing customer support, and further strengthening partner engagement. We want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Bilal Chehime, who has led Gallagher Security’s distribution in the Middle East for more than 20 years. Bilal’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing and growing Gallagher’s presence in the region. Through his dedication, expertise, and strong relationship-building, he has laid a solid foundation that has enabled Gallagher’s continued success.”
Ensuring seamless transition
Craig says Gallagher will continue working closely with Bilal to ensure a seamless transition, with continuity for partners and customers remaining a top priority. “Day-to-day operations will remain business as usual throughout the transition period, with uninterrupted support across sales, services, and ongoing projects,” says Craig.
The transition is being overseen by Craig, as Gallagher works through the leadership structure that will support the next phase of growth in the Middle East. “The Middle East is a region of top priority for Gallagher,” reiterates Craig. “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to our partners and customers while positioning us strongly to support their needs today and into the future.”
Delivering innovative solutions
Mark Junge, Gallagher Security Chief Executive, is committed to building on Gallagher’s success in delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of Middle East and global customers.
“We’re confident in our continued growth in the Middle East, underpinned by our deep market understanding and the meaningful difference our solutions make in helping people protect what matters most,” says Mark.
