ACRE appoints Ron Virden as COO

LAS VEGAS—ACRE, a global provider of security products and solutions for the access control, intrusion, smart traffic and video surveillance markets, announced the appointment of Ronald Virden as chief operating officer, effective April 1, 2018.

With extensive experience in senior leadership roles with global entities, Virden will help to elevate ACRE's position in the electronic security marketplace, seek new opportunities for growth, and strengthen the momentum following recent strategic deals.

“Following the divestiture of our Mercury Security business last year, ACRE fully expects to focus again on growth, both organically and through new acquisitions,” Joe Grillo, CEO of ACRE, said in the announcement.  “In order to do so, we were looking to expand our already strong management team. Adding someone with Ron's experience represents a great opportunity for ACRE. His experience and track record are impressive.”

Virden is a seasoned global executive with extensive experience with Fortune 50 organizations. He most recently served as president and managing director for Global Security Products, Americas/Global Access Solutions at UTC, encompassing UTC's Interlogix and GE Security brands, as well as Supra, Onity and Lenel. Prior to that, Virden was president and managing director of GE Industrial Systems, GE Security/Supra, where he more than doubled international revenue and drove the strategic development of products to address specific market needs globally. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

“ACRE has built a significant business by combining the powers of multiple brands that deliver disruptive technologies and services addressing a wide variety of organizational requirements,” Virden said in a prepared statement. “Having led companies through rapid growth periods to significant scale and business success, I saw that my experience could help propel ACRE to even greater success and I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the company as it continues to evolve.”

Since its formation in 2012, ACRE has played an instrumental role in the development and implementation of security technology initiatives on a global scale. Its Vanderbilt and ComNet brands deliver solutions to thousands of customers around the world. Today, ACRE employs more than 325 employees in more than 15 countries.