The Bundesverband der Sicherheitswirtschaft (BDSW) – the sole employers’ and trade association for the German security industry – is seeing a change at the helm of its Bundeswehr specialist committee. Viktoria Nees, managing director of ESD Sicherheitsdienst, is succeeding Gunnar Vielhaack, managing director of VSU Vereinigte Sicherheitsunternehmen.

This marks the end of an era after 28 years. The members of the Bundeswehr Expert Committee gave Gunnar Vielhaack a warm send-off as he retires. “We are infinitely grateful to Mr Vielhaack for his dedication and tireless commitment. I am particularly pleased that he has offered to continue supporting us with advice and practical assistance in the future,” said Viktoria Nees, expressing her thanks. Under Vielhaack’s leadership, what began as a small group of 19 participants has developed into a strong network of 38 company representatives, which now represents the interests of the private security sector in relation to Bundeswehr properties.

With Viktoria Nees, Managing Director of ESD Sicherheitsdienst in Mühldorf am Inn, a woman is taking over the chairmanship for the first time in the history of the expert committee. As a family business owner, she stands for reliability, strong regional roots and a modern yet tradition-conscious security culture. With her election, the committee is sending a signal of both continuity and renewal. Nees brings with her many years of experience from a company that has been operating throughout Germany from its base in Bavaria for over 70 years. She has made a name for herself particularly in the field of military properties.

Viktoria Nees chairs a specialist committee that was founded in 1998 and represents the interests of its member companies vis-à-vis the Federal Ministry of Defence and the relevant bodies within the Bundeswehr. In practical terms, the members of the specialist committee work on matters including model security contracts, fee schedules and quality criteria, and ensure that the sector can operate according to uniform standards. The previous deputy chairmen, Nikolaus Danner and Bernd Petersen, remain on the Executive Board. Jörg Schultz and Helmut Grönheim were newly elected. With Viktoria Nees at the helm, a new chapter is now beginning – underpinned by experience, family entrepreneurship and the commitment to continuing the committee’s successful work.