Winners of the 2021 Germany Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) – sponsored by TEAM Software – have been announced.
Security professionals gathered to celebrate the very best from across the sector with dinner and a presentation event hosted by Volker Wagner; Chairman of the Board of the ASW Bundesverband (Alliance for Security in Business).
In attendance was Professor Martin Gill, founder of the awards who commented: “The OSPAs provide an independent platform to showcase excellence and outstanding performance across the sector ensuring that those who contribute to maintaining high standards are recognised and rewarded.” He continued: “Each year the calibre of the nominations exceeds expectations and makes the job of selecting the winners particularly challenging for the judging panel. All those that were selected as finalists and winners demonstrated that they really are the very best and should feel extremely proud.”
The 2021 winners are:
Herausragendes In-House Sicherheitsteam (Outstanding In-House Team)
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA – Corporate Health, Safety & Security
The Corporate Health, Safety & Security Team at Henkel plays a key role in uniting colleagues within the organisation. With a global footprint, the team provides 360-degree care for the safety and wellbeing of Henkel staff worldwide. The team have entered into strategic partnerships with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the UniBW to further expand their offering. Judges felt that the systematic consolidation of Security, Safety, Health and Facility Management was a significant advancement for the organisation that is being implemented globally.
We feel very honoured and excited to be part of this illustrious group of winners. It has been a long journey for the entire team to realise this ambition and it is amazing to see our hard work recognised and celebrated, especially in light of the restrictions placed upon all of us in the current times.
Patrick Hennies, Director Corporate Health, Safety & Security
Herausragender In-House Sicherheitsmanager/ -Direktor – festangestellt (Outstanding In-House Security Manager / Director)
Nico Schönfeld – R+V Allgemeine Versicherung AG
Nico built up a comprehensive security and BCM structure from ‘zero’ within three years which helped deal with the Covid crisis. Two key elements contributed to the success; the formation of a central security committee that meets regularly with all business units – with direct involvement of the management board, and a comprehensive BCM inventory. Judges felt Nico had helped to improve the quality of the company’s security architecture by involving the board and employees – resulting in a structural reorganization of the entire business which helped deal with the effects of the pandemic.
Herausragende Initiative für Sicherheitsschulungen (Outstanding Security Training Initiative)
RWE AG
RWE Global Cyber Security Awareness Campaign – Human Firewall – delivers training about securing information in a digital age. The focus is on dealing with cultural change of employees to raise cyber security awareness in a private and professional environment. Judges felt that RWE had a very innovative training approach covering all areas, using modest methods, whose effectiveness was regularly measured and used to improve the programs. A comprehensive, accepted and diverse program.
I’m very proud to win this OSPA 2021 for Outstanding Security Training Initiative and with such strong competitors.
I would especially like to thank my team and my managers for their full support, enriching discussions and fundamental trust. Together we have been able to achieve this success and this encourages us to continue on this and also new paths so we don’t stand still.
Fabian Cholewa, Senior Awareness & Cyber Security Manager
Herausragende Sicherheitspartnerschaft (Outstanding Security Partnership)
Volkswagen AG und Murer Feuerschutz GmbH
Volkswagen’s Technical Development Department, Fire Brigade and Group Security jointly developed with the extinguishing system manufacturer Murer a lance for the successful firefighting of burning high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles. With this e-extinguishing lance, fires involving lithium-ion batteries in e-vehicles can be extinguished quickly and with a small amount of extinguishing water. This means, less effort, a faster and more reliable extinguishing result with a considerable saving of water which clearly underlines the efficiency and sustainability.
Besonderes Lebenswerk (Lifetime Achievement)
Michael Schmidt – Volkswagen Group
Described as a ‘super hero’ by his peers and colleagues, Michael Schmidt has been a significant figure in the security industry for over 30 years. He is currently the Chief Security Officer of Volkswagen Group and has held a number of high-profile positions throughout his career. Michael’s drive and enthusiasm has earned him a number of awards to include, the honorary citizenship of the City of London and the ASIS award for his life’s work. He is a luminary in the field of training and further education for young professionals, whether as a lecturer or adviser at various universities, succeeding in integrating many young security talents worldwide. Over the years he has implemented a range of measures to combat security threats around the globe and has recently developed technical innovations to include the “Object Protection Drone” and the “Drones Defense Crafter”. Judges felt that Michael is a prominent figure in the security sector with an impressive track record, international recognition, and a great influence on the advancement of the sector. And well deserving of the Lifetime Achievement award.
I am very proud for the OSPA Lifetime Achievement award. First time that the award goes to a chief security officer function. I would also like to say thank you to all companions during my 42 years career within the security segment – employees and colleagues from the industry as well as the authorities. Without their support I would not be here today.
Michael Schmidt
Thanks go to ASW for partnering with the OSPAs to deliver the event, headline sponsor TEAM Software, Edith Cowan University for sponsoring the trophies and certificates and all the supporting associations, judges and media partner ISJ International.
