Steve Cooke marks 20 years at Gallagher Security in NZ role

Steve Cooke has reached a 20-year milestone at Gallagher Security, marking four decades in the security industry.

Cooke, who began his career as an apprentice electrician, is currently the Sales Manager for Central North Island at Gallagher Security. His tenure with the company highlights his longstanding commitment to supporting customers, Channel Partners, and colleagues throughout New Zealand and the Pacific region.

Wayne Scott, General Manager of NZ Sales at Gallagher Security, emphasised Cooke's value to both the company and its clients.

"Steve embodies what it means to be a trusted partner. Whether you're a Channel Partner, an end customer, or a teammate, Steve takes the time to understand what you need and how to make it happen. He's dependable, skilled, and incredibly humble. Clients don't just trust Gallagher – they trust Steve."

Cooke's career started in the electrical sector, before he moved to Concord Technologies in 1988, progressing from industrial installation and maintenance to electronics and later security management roles. Nearly two decades of industry experience led to his appointment at Gallagher in 2005 as a nationwide Technical Account Manager. He accepted the Sales Manager role for the Central North Island in 2010, a position he continues to hold.

Throughout his career, Cooke has supported a diverse range of clients and projects, from universities and health boards to airports and councils. His contributions include developing a multi-site security solution for Spark (then Telecom) in the 1990s and consolidating New Zealand Police sites onto a centralised platform. Following the Christchurch earthquake in 2011, Cooke helped key organisations in the city's central business district rebuild their security infrastructure.

Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President – APAC & IMEA at Gallagher Security, addressed Cooke's longstanding impact in his field.

"Steve's contribution to Gallagher and the wider security industry cannot be overstated. He brings a level of care, precision, and insight that's rare, and he's done it consistently for two decades. It's not just that Steve is technically gifted; it's that he's deeply committed to solving problems, supporting our people, and helping our end customers succeed."

Cooke is recognised for his hands-on style and willingness to exceed expectations. Examples cited by colleagues include his regular travel to deliver critical parts personally to Channel Partners or providing customised bezels for client security readers to ensure they match specific requirements. These actions demonstrate his attention to detail and reliability.

His work has extended outside of New Zealand, with key efforts to introduce Gallagher's security solutions to Pacific markets, building relationships through direct support and product knowledge.

Wayne Scott noted Cooke's influence within the company culture.

"Steve genuinely enjoys what he does, and it shows. He brings humour, insight, and empathy to every interaction. He makes work feel like a shared mission, and that's a powerful thing."

Gallagher Security credits Cooke's approach as instrumental in lifting the company and its partners. His ability to connect with people and focus on long-term results is highlighted as central to his legacy.

Craig Schutte summarised Cooke's standing among his peers and clients, stating,

"Steve is the kind of person who helps us raise the bar. He's trusted by our end customers, respected by our Channel Partners, and valued by our team. We're incredibly fortunate to have him as part of the Gallagher Security family."