Craig Schutte discusses Gallagher Security’s expansion across APAC IMEA, the launch of direct Middle East operations, and the partnerships driving long-term growth.
When Craig Schutte joined Gallagher Security more than 25 years ago, the security industry looked very different.
Technologies were simpler and conversations were largely product focused. Today, the landscape is more connected than ever, with security systems increasingly valued not just for what they do, but for the broader operational insight, efficiency, and resilience they help deliver. What hasn’t changed is the power of partnerships, and the importance of working collaboratively to deliver the right outcomes for Channel Partners and End Users.
Craig is the Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa (APAC IMEA), and if that remit wasn’t large enough, he is also a long-standing, senior member of Gallagher Security’s global executive team. Based at the Australian head office, on the picturesque Gold Coast, Craig oversees a large cross-regional team encompassing many different cultures and levels of market maturity managing over 800 Channel Partners.
From training to marketing, sales excellence to technical leadership, the wider APAC IMEA team has tripled over the past five years – and with it a slew of in-market successes and deep relationships across the wider security industry.
That focus on partnership is also shaping Gallagher’s investment strategy in key growth regions. In the Middle East, where the business has built trusted relationships over more than two decades, Gallagher is now taking the next step with a fully owned local presence designed to strengthen support for Channel Partners and End Users.
As Craig explains, the region has been a critical part of Gallagher’s global footprint. Now, the business is entering its next phase, transitioning from a long-standing distribution model to direct operations from August 2026.
Investing Directly in the Middle East
“We’ve built a strong foundation in the Middle East through trusted partnerships and the delivery of innovative security solutions across critical infrastructure, government, and commercial sectors,” says Craig.
The move will see Gallagher establish a dedicated in-market team and a new office in Dubai Silicon Oasis, complete with a training and experience hub.
“This investment is focused on deepening local expertise, enhancing customer support, and strengthening engagement.”
At the same time, Craig is clear that continuity remains a priority and acknowledges the role of partner Bilal Chehime in shaping Gallagher’s success in the region.
“Bilal’s contribution over more than 20 years has been instrumental. His leadership, expertise, and ability to build strong relationships have created the foundation we are building on today,” says Craig.
“This investment signals Gallagher’s long-term commitment to the region and its partners. The Middle East is a priority market for us. This evolution ensures we are well positioned to support our Channel Partners and End Users both now and well into the future.”
With recruitment already well underway for the new Middle East team, Craig says short-term goals will include establishing a strong presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia; the geographic areas closest to Dubai.
And while Craig has built strong, deeply capable teams across the world, establishing a new Middle East entity has included a few extra challenges.
“The increasingly complex global environment has certainly made this a demanding project, alongside different languages, ways of working, travel restrictions, and organising a new office from the other side of the world.
“But what I continue to be impressed by is the incredible bench strength across the Gallagher team, including the APAC IMEA leadership.”
Building on a Proven Regional Model
This next phase in the Middle East is the continuation of a model that has proven successful across other regions. For Craig, consistency in how Gallagher operates is key.
“We’re very clear on what we do and how we do it. We focus on the right vertical markets, we back our partners, and we deliver solutions that solve real End User challenges.”
Drawing on decades of experience across APAC and IMEA, Craig emphasises that the Middle East expansion is built on learnings and successes already achieved by Gallagher Security on a global scale.
“We’re applying a model we know works. We’ve seen strong outcomes across APAC by staying connected, investing in our people, and building deep relationships with Channel Partners and End Users.”
People at the Centre of Growth
That regional strength has been a defining feature of Craig’s career – he has played a key role in the significant growth of the APAC IMEA region, both in terms of revenue and the expansion of high-performing teams.
Reflecting on that journey, Craig points again to the importance of people.
“My passion for Gallagher has always come back to the people. The culture we’ve built, the way we support each other, and the way we work alongside our partners and End Users, that’s what drives our success.”
It’s a philosophy that closely aligns with Gallagher’s broader people-first ethos and one that continues to underpin its approach to growth, innovation, and long-term partnerships across every market it operates in.
Strength Across APAC IMEA
The APAC IMEA region is made up of 104 countries and equates to around 60 percent of Gallagher Security’s revenue.
“In the last five years, revenue in APAC IMEA has grown by 200%, boosted by over 800 active Channel Partners and over 5,000 trained technicians.
Craig says New Zealand and Australia, as two of the most mature markets for Gallagher, are buoyed by exceptional talent and in-market traction.
“As a New Zealand-owned business with manufacturing on the ground in Hamilton, we have a strong connection to government agencies, local organisations, and End Users across the country.
“This year we’ve continued to invest in people and capability. We opened a second Hamilton office to house our growing team there. We’re also seeing customers achieve even greater value from their Gallagher systems, expanding from traditional security applications into broader site management and operational outcomes.
“In Australia, we officially opened our Gold Coast head office in late 2025. A standout feature of the new office is its purpose-built training room, designed to deliver hands-on, classroom-based learning for industry. It also serves as a base for members of the APAC and IMEA leadership team and visiting global partners
“As a trusted partner of the Five Eyes Network, having strong New Zealand and Australian bases is even more important for us,” says Craig.
Accelerating Growth in Asia and Africa
Asia continues to build strong momentum, particularly across critical infrastructure, data centres, and corrections.
“The opening of our second Asia office in Malaysia marks another important milestone, strengthening our regional presence and creating a platform for future growth.
“We’ve also invested in capability, with two dedicated trainers now supporting Channel Partners, End Users, and Consultants across the Asia.
“Our India team is punching above its weight through a growing footprint and some impressive partnerships – like the world’s largest commercial building and major Indian diamond trading hub, Surat Diamond Bourse, as well as both the old and new parliament buildings.
“With the largest footprint, Africa is a continent that’s making significant gains, and we’re continually inspired by our local team’s achievements – we don’t see it slowing down. We’ve also been investing in training as we know Channel Partners and End Users value ongoing education opportunities.”
Future Trajectory
As Gallagher Security continues to expand its presence across APAC IMEA and invest in strategic growth markets like the Middle East, Craig remains focused on the fundamentals: strong partnerships, exceptional people, and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes.
From New Zealand to Dubai, that people-first approach continues to shape Gallagher’s success, ensuring the business is well positioned to support industry, drive innovation, and build resilient, future-ready organisations for decades to come.
