Figen Murray OBE has been appointed as the new chair of the International Security Expo, taking over from Angela Essel. Known for her pivotal role in advocating for Martyn's Law, a counter-terrorism legislation, Murray steps into her new responsibilities immediately.
In her position, she will guide the future growth and direction of the Expo, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the security sector. Additionally, she will lead the Advisory Council, which includes top experts from various sectors and government agencies.
Counter Terrorism Legislation
Figen Murray is renowned for her influential campaign for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly referred to as Martyn’s Law, named after her son, Martyn Hett, who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
Her efforts have gained substantial support from politicians across parties, security organizations, businesses, and the public, all advocating for stronger measures to protect public spaces from terrorist threats.
Homeland and International Security
Murray brings a wealth of expertise to her new role, underscored by a master’s degree in counter-terrorism from the University of Lancashire.
Her contributions to public safety were recognized when she received an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List. The International Security Expo, which unites government, industry, and academia in addressing global and homeland security issues, is poised to benefit from her leadership and legislative achievements.
Global Security Industry
Murray expressed her honor, emphasizing the Expo's significance to the global security industry
Upon her appointment, Murray expressed her honor, emphasizing the Expo's significance to the global security industry due to its innovative displays and expert speakers.
She noted the event's role in progressing Martyn’s Law and appreciated the opportunity to lead the Advisory Council, continuing its mission as a premier platform for discussing counter-terrorism strategies.
Ensuring Public Safety
Angela Essel, outgoing chair and senior account director at Thales UK, reflected on her tenure, highlighting the Expo’s pivotal role in the security sector.
She praised Murray's determination and anticipated her to excel in the new role. Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director, expressed confidence in Murray’s capacity to lead, underscoring her inspiring campaigning history and commitment to public safety. Shattock also acknowledged Essel’s valuable contributions over the past two years.
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 honor 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 honored 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.”
