Steve Cooke Marks 20-Year Milestone at Gallagher Security

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND – Known for his unwavering technical expertise and instinctive ability to build trust, Steve Cooke is celebrating 20 years with Gallagher Security this month, a milestone that reflects a remarkable 40-year career in the security industry and a legacy of support for customers, Channel Partners, and colleagues across New Zealand and the Pacific. 

A former electrician turned Technical Account Manager, Steve’s journey has been defined by his hands-on approach and people-first mindset. From mentoring apprentices to helping New Zealand’s most critical infrastructure providers navigate change, Steve is the kind of colleague and advisor who makes things better – and sticks around to make sure they stay that way. 

“Steve embodies what it means to be a trusted partner,” says Wayne Scott, General Manager of NZ Sales at Gallagher Security. “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.” 

Steve’s career began as an apprentice electrician before joining Concord Technologies in 1988 where he worked his way up from industrial installation and maintenance into electronics and ultimately security management. After nearly two decades of frontline experience, Steve joined Gallagher in 2005 as a nationwide Technical Account Manager. In 2010, he was appointed Sales Manager for Central North Island, a position he’s owned ever since.  

From building a multi-site solution for Spark (then Telecom) in the 1990s to helping consolidate New Zealand Police sites onto a stable, central platform, Steve’s work has supported customers across sectors, including universities, airports, councils, and District Health Boards. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Steve played an instrumental role in helping CBD organisations rebuild with future-ready security. 

“Steve’s contribution to Gallagher and the wider security industry cannot be overstated,” says Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President – APAC & IMEA. “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.” 

Beyond his technical capability, Steve has long been known for going the extra mile – often quite literally. Whether it’s driving from Hamilton to Napier over a weekend to hand-deliver parts to a Channel Partner or proactively showing up with customised bezels to help a client’s readers blend in better, Steve’s attention to detail and follow-through set him apart. 

He’s also left a mark outside New Zealand. Steve has played a key role in introducing Gallagher’s security solutions to Pacific markets, helping to build confidence and long-term relationships through his trademark honesty and deep product knowledge. 

Those who work with Steve say his enthusiasm is contagious. “Steve genuinely enjoys what he does, and it shows,” says Wayne Scott. “He brings humour, insight, and empathy to every interaction. He makes work feel like a shared mission, and that’s a powerful thing.” 

As Gallagher reflects on Steve’s 20-year milestone, it’s clear his impact goes far beyond technical support. His ability to connect, deliver, and uplift others is what defines his legacy. 

“Steve is the kind of person who helps us raise the bar,” says Craig Schutte. “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.”