Alex Carmichael, Chief Executive of SSAIB, the professional UK fire and security certification body, is retiring at the end of March 2023.

Alex has led SSAIB since 2015, when he took over as CEO from Geoff Tate and over the past 8 years has expanded the SSAIB`s scope of UKAS accredited activities, built up the SSAIB`s administration expertise and extended the number and competence of SSAIB`s audit teams. As a result, SSAIB now has a client base in excess of 2000 companies.

Alex joined the SSAIB in 2015 having previously been the Director of Technical Services at the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), whom he had been with for 16 years.  Alex’s career also included over 24 years’ experience in the British Army in various Electronic/Optronic technical/engineering roles within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

During his time with the SSAIB and previously with the BSIA, Alex sat on a number of British, European and International standards committees and more recently chaired the Standards Committee for the Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

Alex comments “As I step down and prepare for my next adventure in retirement, I reflect on the fact that in my 8 years as Chief Executive of SSAIB, I have seen this remarkable industry meet many challenges and overcome them and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the SSAIB staff for their support, particularly for their can-do attitude, their knowledge and the proficient manner in which they carried their work which underpins the continuing growth and strength of the SSAIB.

I can leave knowing that the organisation I have led for the past 8 years has strong financial foundations, a first-class workforce, and a strong and capable management team. I thank all the SSAIB Board Members for their help over the years, the SSAIB Chairman, Geoff Tate for all his sage advice and all my industry colleagues over the past 24 years for all their help and support. Lastly, it has been a great pleasure to lead such a fantastic organisation as SSAIB and to be part of a wonderful ever-evolving industry”.

The Whitley Bay-based inspectorate adds that Paul Phillips, who was recently appointed as General Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SSAIB after Alex’s departure.