SECURITY TODAY interviewed Col. (Retd) Vijay Moorthy, Vice President– Operations (& Security Head, ISS India), a dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and growth across diverse industries.
ISS A/S (International Service System) is a facility management services company founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1901. ISS’s core services include: security, cleaning, technical, food and workplace.
ST: Tell us a bit about your background and how you entered this sector?
VM: With over 27 years of diverse experience, I began my journey as a Defence Service Officer before transitioning to the corporate world. I’ve worked across industries including security services, logistics, manufacturing, real estate, and defence, honing expertise in corporate security, crisis management, and risk mitigation.
Drawing from my military background, I’ve led teams in developing agile security SOPs and leveraging technology to create risk analysis frameworks that provide actionable insights for leadership. My efforts have been recognized with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Medal and accolades for my contributions to multinational corporations.
At ISS, my dual perspective as a service provider and client enables me to build lasting relationships and deliver customized security solutions that align with business objectives and promote resilience.
ST: Tell us something about your organisation and its operations in India
VM: ISS India, a subsidiary of global FM leader ISS A/S, headquartered in Denmark, is a premier facilities management and workplace solutions provider in India. Since its inception in 2005, ISS India has established itself as a trusted partner for India’s largest conglomerates, delivering a wide range of services, including Integrated Facilities Management (IFM), Cleaning and Support Services, Technical Services, Food and Hospitality Services, Security Services, Workplace Experience Solutions, and Transport Management.
With a workforce of over 45,000 skilled professionals, ISS India manages more than 190 million square feet across 3,700+ sites for 850+ clients. Leveraging global expertise and local knowledge, ISS offers innovative, customer-centric solutions that enhance workplace efficiency, compliance, and safety. The company’s strong presence in the Banking, Financial Services, Information Technology, and Manufacturing sectors allows it to design and deliver targeted solutions that address specific industry challenges.
A key differentiator for ISS India is its strategic integration of data, insights, and technology, offering clients data-driven insights, technology-enabled efficiencies, and forward-thinking innovations. This commitment to operational excellence ensures continuous improvement and long-term value, making ISS a thought leader in the Indian facilities management landscape.
ST: What are the most significant operational challenges ISS faces in managing security across multiple facilities in India? How do you tailor your security strategies to address the unique needs of different locations?
VM: One of the most significant operational challenges ISS faces in managing security across 
multiple facilities in India is staff attrition. The rise of e-commerce job platforms has made it easier for security personnel to switch jobs, leading to increased turnover. To address this, ISS implements a strong referral scheme, which not only aids in retaining manpower but also attracts quality candidates.
Moreover, our organizational culture emphasizes respect, timely salary payments, and employee benefits, making ISS a lucrative employer. Our recognition as the 7th Great Place to Work further enhances our appeal to potential and existing employees.
In terms of compliance, we operate with a commitment to meeting 100% of regulatory requirements. However, the increasing demands related to training and minimum wage standards can escalate operational costs and impact our profit margins. This scenario makes it essential to tailor our security strategies according to the unique needs of different locations. By understanding local market dynamics and compliance challenges, we develop flexible security solutions that prioritize both regulatory adherence and cost-effectiveness, allowing us to compete effectively against the unorganized sector while maintaining high service standards.
ST: With the rapid advancement of security technologies, how is ISS integrating new tools and technologies into your security operations? Could you provide examples of recent implementations that have significantly improved your security posture?
VM: At ISS, innovation is central to our customer satisfaction strategy, allowing us to integrate new tools and technologies into our security operations effectively. By leveraging our industry expertise and a skilled workforce, we continuously enhance our service delivery and adapt to the evolving security landscape.
Our commitment to innovation is evident in several recent implementations that have significantly improved our security posture. For example, we have developed comprehensive Security Vulnerability Assessments that allow us to identify and address potential weaknesses in our clients’ security frameworks proactively.
Additionally, our focus on Security System Design and Integration ensures that we deploy the latest technologies tailored to meet the specific needs of each facility. Our Managed Security Services enable us to maintain consistent monitoring and response capabilities, further strengthening our clients’ overall security.
We also employ Electronic Counter Surveillance and conduct Fire Safety Risk Assessments to enhance protection measures. Our approach includes specialized services such as Event & Executive Protection, which provides targeted security solutions for high-risk scenarios. Furthermore, we prioritize training to ensure our personnel are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to manage new security technologies effectively.
By harnessing a comprehensive suite of platforms, systems, and tools, ISS not only improves operational efficiency but also delivers data-driven insights that facilitate informed decision-making, ultimately setting us apart as a thought leader in the Indian facilities management industry.
ST: What role does employee training play in maintaining high security standards across your operations? How do you ensure that your security personnel are equipped to handle evolving threats and scenarios?
VM: At ISS, employee training is fundamental to maintaining high security standards across 
our operations. We integrate training into the key performance indicators (KPIs) of all senior managers, underscoring its importance in our organizational culture.
Training plays a multifaceted role in enhancing the effectiveness of our security personnel. First, it focuses on skill development, equipping staff with essential skills like threat assessment, emergency response, and surveillance techniques. This targeted approach ensures that our personnel can effectively identify and mitigate risks.
Additionally, training provides knowledge updates on the latest technologies, legal regulations, and industry best practices. By staying informed, our security teams can adapt to evolving threats and comply with necessary standards. We incorporate scenario training, offering practical, simulated experiences that allow personnel to practice their responses to real-world situations, enhancing their preparedness for actual incidents.
Moreover, our training programs emphasize critical thinking and decision-making skills under pressure, ensuring that our teams can respond effectively in high-stress situations. We also focus on team coordination to improve communication and collaboration among team members, which is crucial for successful security operations.
Our ongoing training initiatives ensure that our security professionals are well-equipped to handle a variety of challenges and threats, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in security management.
ST: Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the security industry? How is ISS preparing to address these trends and the potential challenges they may bring?
VM: Looking ahead, the security industry is poised for dynamic changes as threats evolveand become more sophisticated. At ISS, we recognize that security threats are not static, requiring continuous upgrades and proactive measures to ensure client safety and well-being. Here are key trends we foresee:
1. Cybersecurity Threats: As technology advances, so do cyber threats. We are committed to advising clients on updating their strategies and tools to defend against sophisticated cyberattacks, ensuring robust cybersecurity frameworks are in place.
2. Emerging Technologies: The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced surveillance systems presents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. ISS is prepared to address these vulnerabilities by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our threat detection and response capabilities.
3. Data Privacy: Balancing effective security measures with individuals’ privacy rights will become increasingly complex. ISS is committed to ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while respecting privacy rights in our security practices.
4. Geopolitical Instability: Our global presence allows us to understand and navigate challenges related to geopolitical tensions, terrorism, and global crime syndicates. We are prepared to adapt our strategies accordingly.
5. Talent Acquisition and Retention: Finding and retaining skilled security professionals will be crucial as demand for advanced services grows. ISS’s strong referral policies and commitment to timely compensation are key strategies to attract and retain top talent.
6. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to changing regulations across various regions requires constant vigilance. ISS remains dedicated to maintaining compliance and adapting to new standards.
To address these trends and challenges, ISS is focused on embracing technological advancements by investing in AI and advanced analytics to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. We are enhancing our cybersecurity measures to build resilient systems and implementing continuous training programs to keep our personnel updated on the latest practices. Strengthening data privacy compliance in our operations is a priority, along with cultivating collaboration with security agencies and private sector organizations to share intelligence effectively.
Additionally, we emphasize innovation through research and development, optimize resource management to meet the complexities of security operations efficiently, and stay informed about global security trends to anticipate future challenges. By enhancing public awareness and encouraging community involvement in security practices, ISS is well-prepared to adapt to the evolving security landscape while ensuring effective protection for our clients.
