Panel explores how security can be a profit centre, not just a cost

At the Security Middle East Conference, its opening panel discussion tackled one of the most thought-provoking topics in the industry: ‘Security as a Profit Centre: Unlocking ROI Through Safety & Security.’

Moderated by Luke Bencie, Managing Director at Security Management International, the session brought together a powerhouse panel of industry leaders, including Dr Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, Vice President of HSE at International Maritime Industries; Nouf Aljalaud, Senior Manager of Safety & Security at King Salman Park Foundation; and Brett Taylor, Senior Director of Security Strategy & Design at Diriyah Company.

The discussion centred around how proactive, intelligent security strategies can directly boost business value, not just protect it. In a climate where security is often viewed as a cost centre, this session offered a fresh perspective: that safety and security, when aligned with core business objectives, can drive operational resilience, investor confidence, and tangible financial returns.

Luke Bencie set the tone by highlighting that executive leadership needs to reframe how they perceive security, pointing out that when done well, security generates ROI. But the challenge remains: how can security leaders justify larger budgets and strategic attention?

Dr Al-Ghamdi responded directly: “Security must prove it is strategic. Only then will it be treated as such—earning stronger budgets and a seat at the leadership table.”

Nouf Aljalaud connected the discussion to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, highlighting how a growing influx of visitors will demand more from safety infrastructure. “We must be prepared with the right regulations and technologies,” she noted. “It’s not just about implementation—it’s about getting it right, for safety and the visitor experience.”

Brett Taylor stressed the importance of cross-functional collaboration, saying, “We need to align more closely with enterprise risk teams—they already have seats at the table. It’s time we started speaking their language.” He added that the cost of inaction, in the form of unplanned downtime, data loss, or safety incidents, far outweighs the cost of security investment.

The conversation also highlighted underreported threats, with Luke noting that up to 25% of security cases in the US involve intellectual property theft, often swept under the rug to avoid stock devaluation. It underscored the need for transparency and accurate risk assessments at the highest levels.

As the discussion turned to workforce development, the panel emphasised the importance of training and upskilling in emerging technologies. Nouf highlighted the need to balance humans and technology as partners, while Brett pointed to two core skills the industry must cultivate: critical thinking and critical analysis. Luke added a light-hearted warning that “we’re becoming over-reliant on ChatGPT,” stressing the need for human decision-making at the core.

Dr Al-Ghamdi concluded with a strong message: “Security leadership should be embedded in all training programmes—building strategic understanding from the ground up.”

Brett closed the panel with a key reminder: “Security is a business enabler. With more communication and clearer risk assessment, we can support smarter decisions and strengthen every part of the organisation.”

Thank you to Luke Bencie, Dr Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, Nouf Aljalaud, and Brett Taylor for delivering such a thoughtful and forward-thinking discussion-one that will surely influence how organisations across the region approach security in the years to come.

Find the full discussion here.