Two better than one?

FAIRPORT, N.Y.--Bosch Security Systems, a manufacturer of security solutions, announced on Oct. 22 the appointment of Christopher Gerace as president of Bosch Security Systems in North America. Gerace has served as acting president since July 2007, when Shamus Hurley left to head a water systems firm. Bosch also announced the appointment of Jeremy Hockham as leader of the Regional Sales Organization of the Americas. Hockham was previously the managing director of Bosch's UK operations. Both Gerace and Hockham will report directly back to Uwe Glock, president of Bosch Security Systems Worldwide in Ottobrun, Germany. Gerace joined Detection Systems in 1997 as chief accounting officer, coming to Bosch through the acquisition of Detection in 2001, when he was promoted to chief financial officer for the Americas region. Of particular note, Gerace helped integrate Philips CSI in Bosch Security Systems. Hockham led the UK operations starting in 2005 and is credited with creating "significant growth." Together, Gerace and Hockham represent an enlarged executive leadership team for the Americas. Asked by Security Systems News to comment on the move to add executive leadership following the departure of former-president Shamus Hurley earlier this year, Glock said, "As a global business, we need to ensure that we meet the needs of our customers in every country in which we operate. To provide this focus for the Americas, Jeremy Hockham has been appointed to a new position, reporting to me, to head up the sales and marketing activities in the region. Jeremy has proven experience in managing international sales and marketing organizations, and his knowledge of the industry will ensure our customers get the most from our products and support staff. "With Jeremy Hockham in this role," he continued, "and the appointment of Christopher Gerace, an established leader in our business in the Americas, as president, we have the right blend of abilities and expertise in the leadership team to accelerate our growth in this region."