07 Nov Securing tomorrow’s buildings

Johnson Controls is powering the future of building technology – we meet the newly appointed General Manager, Emerging Markets, Tony Nasr, to find out how.

As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, Johnson Controls has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly 140 years. From the invention of the electric room thermostat in 1885 to its groundbreaking work in creating autonomous buildings, the company’s long legacy is a testament to its commitment to transforming the environments where people live, work and thrive.

Ahead of Intersec Saudi Arabia, we sat down with Tony Nasr, the company’s General Manager for Emerging Markets. Drawing on his extensive background in the security sector, Tony provides a fascinating look at how Johnson Controls is meeting the unique challenges and opportunities of the rapidly growing Middle East market. In our conversation, he explores the company’s strategic investments in the region, the power of integrated solutions, and the importance of key accreditations in the security market.

Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey and what drew you to your current role at Johnson Controls?

I joined Johnson Controls earlier this year in the position of General Manager, Emerging Markets.

Throughout my career I’ve held several senior positions and have built up extensive experience within the security sector, mainly from within global businesses.

What excited me about the role with Johnson Controls was the opportunity for me to bring my extensive knowledge of the region and my security and building management experience to the role.

I believe I bring key strengths to the role, including relationship building and strategic business planning; skills that are important to such a diverse region.

In a crowded market, what would you say is the key differentiator that sets Johnson Controls apart from other firms in the security sector?

Johnson Controls is a large global company with a vast product portfolio of leading brands and is currently celebrating its 140th anniversary of innovation.

What sets us apart is our experience in offering integrated solutions. Customers know that with our long heritage and products we can supply their security, fire and building management solutions. We firmly believe in the benefits of integration and purchasing from one supplier – we want to make it easy for our customers to work with us and our experience and product range support this.

The Middle East is a dynamic and fast-growing market. How is Johnson Controls investing in the region to support this growth and better serve its customers?

One of the many reasons I chose to work for Johnson Controls is the strong reputation of the local team. They are skilled in what they do and are adept at understanding the customer’s needs.

Other areas we’re investing in is our newly refurbished training centre. We want to support our consultant and integrator customers as best we can, so we offer training to suit the customer completely free of charge.

You’ll see us at many of the industry leading events within the region. Apart from attending Intersec Saudi with our security and fire portfolio, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about our wider product ranges, including Controls and we will also be at Intersec Dubai in January.

Both are strategically important shows for us, and we very much enjoy the opportunity to meet new and existing customers at these events.

With a diverse portfolio, which key vertical markets in the Middle East do you see the most potential in, and how does Johnson Controls’ experience specifically serve those sectors?

Our products and expertise span many verticals, but we have a particular interest in government, hospitality, data centres and the aviation industry.

We can draw on global experience, particularly working with national brands and complex government protocols. Our American Dynamics range of video equipment achieved SIRA accreditation. This was very important to us and means that our equipment is tried and trusted in complex situations.

You mention the SIRA accreditation, which is a significant achievement in the region. What does this accreditation mean for your customers, and why is it so important for the security market in Dubai and beyond?

Achieving SIRA for our American Dynamics video range from Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) underscores the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge security solutions that meet the highest standards.

SIRA’s rigorous testing process ensures that products comply with stringent regulations and possess the necessary features and functions to safeguard businesses across Dubai’s diverse sectors.

Johnson Controls is known for its integrated product range. Could you elaborate on how your security products work together to offer a more cohesive solution than standalone systems?

We are firm believers in the power of integration and are proud of our industry-leading brands and reputation.

There is much value in products that work together and that can be managed from one software platform. Our OpenBlue platform is a smart building ecosystem that combines a secured and scalable open data platform with AI powered applications to deliver impactful business value across the entire building life cycle.