Mike Hurst has built long-standing influence through professional development, certification, recruitment and industry networking. As Director of IFPO UK and Ireland, and a member of the IFPO Global Advisory Board, he is closely involved in conversations about qualifications, career pathways and the wider professionalisation of security. His career spans more than 30 years across business development, general management, executive security recruitment, consultancy and volunteer leadership.
That breadth of experience gives Hurst a clear understanding of how the industry attracts, develops and retains talent. His work is particularly important for frontline security officers, who need credible routes to training, recognition and progression if the sector is to be treated as a serious profession rather than a transitional occupation.
Education, wellbeing and sector networks
Through IFPO UK and Ireland, Hurst has helped champion education, career pathway opportunities and the mental health and wellbeing challenges facing frontline security professionals. His wider sector involvement includes previous leadership activity with ASIS International’s UK Chapter, The Security Institute and The Security Commonwealth, connecting him to a broad professional network across the UK and international security community.
Hurst’s current role as Senior Security Strategist at Zygal also gives him a live connection to technology, cloud VMS, monitoring and market development. That combination of people development and commercial awareness strengthens his influence. His work supports a more structured, better recognised and more confident security workforce, while helping employers, training bodies and industry groups understand that professional standards depend on both education and sustained career support.
