SIA selects Fredrik Nilsson of Axis as Lippert Award winner

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association has selected Fredrik Nilsson, VP, Americas, Axis Communications, as the recipient of the 2016 George R. Lippert Memorial Award.

Nilsson, who actively supports many security industry initiatives, said he is “humbled and honored” to be chosen for this prestigious award.

“When I look at the list of prior recipients, there are so many good people in this industry who I have great respect for,” Nilsson told Security Systems News. “They not only do good for their own companies, but try to do good for the whole industry, and make the world a little better place.”

Whether it is through products or services or working with a charity like Mission 500, Nilsson said that he is inspired by how much those in the industry “give of themselves throughout their careers,” he said. “That is really what the Lippert award is all about—recognizing these dedicated people who spend—many times—15, 20 and 30 years in the industry, which is why I am so grateful for this recognition.”

Nilsson formerly served on the SIA Board of Directors and the SIA Executive Committee, and he has continued to be a strong contributor to SIA education initiatives. Nilsson also is a past chairman of Mission 500, a charitable organization backed by the security industry and dedicated to helping children and communities in crisis. The SIA Lippert Award Committee, composed of previous recipients of the Lippert Award, chose Nilsson from a field of nominees.

"I sincerely thank Fredrik for all he has done for the security industry. He personally takes an active role in industry events, while empowering, supporting and encouraging others in his company to also get involved,” SIA Chairman Denis Hébert said in the announcement. “He is an eloquent and professional spokesperson for the security industry and serves as a liaison to the end-user community. Fredrik's charity, strong values and good nature serve him and our industry well, and I am proud to recognize his contributions with the Lippert Award."

Nilsson has worked for Axis Communications since 1996 and has been in his current role since 2003. During that time, he has helped the company increase revenue in the Americas by more than twenty fold and has been instrumental in leading the industry shift from analog CCTV to network video surveillance. He is also a trusted industry and keynote speaker, participating at many leading physical security conferences and tradeshows. A graduate of the Lund Institute of Technology, Nilsson holds a Master's degree in electrical engineering, followed up with post-graduate studies in economics.

The Lippert Award, founded in 1989, is named in honor of George R. Lippert, who dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the security industry and SIA. When evaluating candidates nominated for the award, the SIA Lippert Award Committee considered their long-term service to SIA and the security industry, the impact of their efforts on behalf of SIA and the industry, and their integrity, leadership and diplomacy as demonstrated in industry dealings.

SIA will present Nilsson with the 2016 Lippert Award during the SIA Honors Night gala at The Current at Chelsea Piers in New York on Wednesday, Nov. 16.