ESA CEO Among Industry’s 2020 Hall of Fame List

ESA CEO Merlin Guilbeau has been enshrined among the legends of the security industry in The SSI Industry Hall of Fame, Class of 2020. Merlin earned this honor by his contributions to the industry, through leadership in previous roles and as CEO of ESA for more than 18 years.

The SSI Industry Hall of Fame was founded in 2004, and recognizes “uncommon people who have etched out an indelible impression within the profession, sustained over the course of an entire career.”

Merlin’s career has been dedicated to public safety and the security industry. Before his current role, Guilbeau served in the National Guard. He then joined a security company in Louisiana, and his rise through the ranks of leadership there led to him launching his own security business.

After the acquisition of his business, he led as vice president of the acquiring company – another security business – through two more acquisitions before transitioning into his role as chief executive of ESA (formerly NBFAA).

“When we hired Merlin, NBFAA was in a tough situation financially and morale was declining. Merlin spearheaded the turnaround — he revitalized the association,” says John Knox, president of Knox Integrated Systems.

Guilbeau continues to affect the course of the industry through his leadership at ESA, as he steers the association through rapid technological change and challenges the industry must face together.