Global fire detection and alarm devices leader, Argus Security, has appointed Giorgio Koursaris as its new General Manager, with responsibility for both Argus and its UK sister brand, Hyfire. He joins at a pivotal moment for the well-known brand, which is about to embark on a series of new product launches that promise to revolutionise the fire sector.
Giorgio, who holds both Greek and Italian citizenship, will oversee both commercial and production operations for Trieste-based Argus, which is part of Halma plc, the British-based group of life-saving technology companies. He joins after 13 years at Whirlpool Corporation, where he served latterly as General Manager Nordic Countries & Senior Director of Sales Operations for EMEA.
He said: “I was looking for a new challenge when this opportunity came along, and I am very excited for the future of the Argus and Hyfire brands. With a brand new product range on the launchpad that promises to revolutionise the capabilities and useability of wireless fire devices, it feels like there couldn’t have been a better time to join.
“With the challenges of Covid-19 and the international repercussions of the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK, more and more fire installers are coming to appreciate the inherent advantages of wireless fire devices, which can be programmed offsite and installed in minutes, thereby reducing costs, reducing impact on the building’s fabric and minimising contact with occupants.”
Argus and Hyfire offer the widest range of commercial standard wireless and wired fire devices on the market, ranging from optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors to notification, alarm, interface and control units. All products, fully certified to EN54, offer the highest performance and quality in the industry, and are also fully compliant with all relevant international standards.
With over two decades of experience on his CV, Giorgio, 43, has lived and worked in Greece, Italy, Sweden and the UK, many of the key markets where Argus and Hyfire do business. A key part of his role will be to promote the key benefits of wireless fire technology, while also leveraging the global influence and reputation of Halma plc to grow sales and ongoing revenues for both brands.
He added: “One of the biggest opportunities for Argus and Hyfire is the growing recognition that wireless devices are no longer a niche product for heritage buildings and big box industrial sites. We need push the message that wireless is becoming mainstream and will become the first choice for many installers within the next few years. Our new product range is the culmination of two decades of wireless development right here in Trieste, and I’m very excited for the future.”
Away from the office, Giorgio is a passionate tennis player and skier, which means Trieste will be an ideal location when winter comes, and he’s hoping resorts will reopen for the 2021-22 season. He is also a huge fan of F1 and motor racing, as well as a guitar and piano player.
Since being formed in 2000, Argus Security has grown into a leading name in the design and manufacture of specialist fire detection and alarm devices. Since joining under the Halma plc umbrella, Argus and Hyfire have become synonymous with quality, reliability and innovation in the commercial fire sector. All Argus devices are available for Advanced or Kentec panels and come with a five-year warranty, backed up by a dedicated partner programme, to ensure the best survey, installation, commissioning, after sales service and exceptional technical support.