Security Employee of the Year Award
Since 2017, we honour one security employee each year who stands out through exceptional commitment, professional expertise, or leadership. The award highlights what is often overlooked in the industry: the people behind every security concept.
What started as a small initiative has become an established fixture in the German security industry. Every year we receive dozens of nominations from companies across Germany. Winners are honoured at Security Essen or during a dedicated ceremony.
The Jury
The selection is made by a three-member panel from trade media, industry association, and practice. From all nominations, three to six candidates are shortlisted. The jury evaluates commitment, expertise, and impact in the workplace.
All Previous Winners
Winner 2026
Katja Schwan
Security Supervisor | Pond Security Service GmbH
Active in the industry since 2003, honoured for exceptional commitment and courage in crisis situations. As shift leader at Pond Security, she stands out through responsibility and over 23 years of experience. Currently completing her certification as a Qualified Protection and Security Professional.
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Winner 2025
Farshad Safari
Facility Manager | Kieler Wach- und Sicherheitsgesellschaft
Honoured for outstanding commitment and leadership. As facility manager of a state shelter, he is responsible for a particularly sensitive environment. His exemplary evacuation drill set new standards in the industry.
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Winner 2024
Christian Rockus
Organisational Lead, Weapons & Defence | Klueh Security GmbH
Received the award for his work in firearms law and weapons technology. At Klueh Security, he co-developed the "Weapons Handling" training concept, setting standards for safe firearms use in private security.
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Winner 2023
Sebastian Otten
Security Coordinator | Garandus Sicherheitsdienste West GmbH
Qualified protection and security professional with military background. His career represents continuous development and deep expertise in operational security services.
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Winner 2022
Denis Franke
Head Instructor for Security Professions | Bildungsakademie Herrenhausen
Bridges practice and education: as an instructor at Bildungsakademie Herrenhausen, he passes on his knowledge to the next generation of security professionals. The jury recognised the contribution that trainers make to the quality of the entire industry.
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Winner 2021
Buelent Yilmaz
Security Officer | Pond Security Service GmbH
Won by a clear margin in 2021. At Pond Security, he impressed through reliable work and a commitment that goes far beyond the call of duty.
2020
2020
No Award
COVID-19 Pandemic
The Security Employee of the Year award was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tradition resumed in 2021.
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Winner 2019
Kim-Jacqueline Anhaeuser
Operations Manager | Tribus Security GbR, Mainz
Impressed the jury as operations manager at Tribus Security in Mainz. In a still predominantly male industry, she represents a generation that leads with competence and authority.
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Winner 2018
Markus Bernat
Event Security Consultant | SSSD GmbH
Honoured for his work in event security. As a consultant at Special Security Services Deutschland, he brings expertise in crowd management and threat prevention, a field with ever-growing demands.
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Winner 2017
Sebastian Muecke
Operations Manager & Personnel Coordinator | Pro Security Itzehoe GmbH
The first recipient of the award. As operations manager and personnel coordinator at Pro Security Itzehoe, he combines operational responsibility with staff coordination, a dual role that often makes the difference in smaller security companies.
Know someone who deserves this award?
Every year, security companies can nominate their best employees for the Security Employee of the Year award. The nomination phase for 2026 is open.
How it works: You nominate an employee with a brief justification. The jury reviews all submissions and selects three to six finalists for the final vote.
Nominate an Employee
Recommend a security employee who stands out through exceptional commitment.
Learn More About the Award