BOSCH Appoints President

By Laura Stepanek, Contributing writer

Bosch Security Systems Inc. announced today two executive appointments: Christopher Gerace, who has served as acting president since July 2007, has been named president of Bosch Security Systems in North America. Jeremy Hockham, previously managing director of Bosch Security System's U.K. operations, has become the leader of the Regional Sales Organization (RSO) Americas.

As the leader of RSO Americas, Hockham is relocating to Fairport, N.Y., to direct the sales, support, customer service and marketing organizations in North and South America. As president, Gerace continues to coordinate overall business activities in the Americas. Both Hockham and Gerace will report to Bosch Security Systems global headquarters in Ottobrunn, Germany.

“With our combined experience in the security market and general management, this expanded leadership team in the Americas is well suited to increase Bosch’s competitiveness in this region and meet our customers’ demanding requirements for quality products and superior levels of support,” said Gerace.

Gerace joined Detection Systems in 1997 as chief accounting officer. After Bosch’s acquisition of Detection Systems in 2001, he was promoted to chief financial officer for the Americas region. Over the last 10 years, he has played an important role in the global expansion of Detection Systems, the successful integration of the company and Philips CSI into Bosch Security Systems, and the daily operations of the Intrusion Business Unit. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Rochester in New York.

From the time of Hockham’s appointment in 2005, he has driven significant growth for Bosch in the U.K. and has been recognized as a leader in the security industry. He brings this successful track record to his new role. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the experienced sales organization for Bosch in the Americas,” Hockham said . “Our unique ownership structure enables us to make an unparalleled investment in product development, which provides tangible benefits to installers and end users alike. This strength in development combined with our focus on customer service excellence will help us drive long-term growth for our partners and our business.”

Hockham has 17 years of general management experience and is a member of several international security industry associations. Hockham earned a 1st class honors degree in Engineering from Brunel University in London and a master’s degree from Imperial College.

For more information about Bosch Security Systems, visit www.boschsecurity.us or call (800) 289-0096.

Laura Stepanek is a SDM contributing writer. Laura was the Editor of SDM from 2001-2020 and first joined the publication in 1984. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Barat College of DePaul University.