ISJ hears exclusively from Kumar Sokka about his latest appointment as acre security’s new Chief Executive Officer.
What made you want to join acre security?
For me, it was the combination of two worlds. Coming from automation, I understood the power of systems that:
- Adapt
- Optimise
- Learn
At LenelS2, I not only saw how foundational access control is, but also how much opportunity there is when legacy tech starts holding companies back.
Acre had the right ingredients: a loyal installed base, decades of expertise and a team that knows this industry inside and out.
More importantly, we had a new, modern, cloud-native platform built for the enterprise.
That’s where it clicked for me. We’re not just adding to what came before.
We’re building the bridge to what’s next and we’re helping customers move at their own pace, with confidence.
What are some of your goals as you step into your new role as the CEO?
My goal is to make acre the company that defines modern physical security, but we will only get there by aligning strategy with culture.
One of my first priorities was bringing in the right leadership team. I wanted people who lead with candor, integrity and urgency.
Those values have cascaded across the business and helped us build a culture that prioritises clarity, customer focus and forward momentum.
We’re not just here to protect what exists, we’re here to move the industry forward.
Ultimately, my goal is to make acre the company that defines what modern, intelligent physical security looks like and to do it in a way that’s inclusive, thoughtful and sustainable.
Where do you see the physical security industry heading in the next five years?
We’re entering the era of systems. Customers don’t want isolated solutions anymore, they want connected platforms where access control, identity, video and automation all work together.
That’s where data and AI come in. AI is the layer that connects them, enabling proactive decisions that lead to automated action, right down to the hardware.
Think of a system that doesn’t just detect a threat but predicts it, isolates the zone and alerts the right teams all in real time. That’s not theoretical. That’s where we’re headed.
Security is becoming a strategic layer of the enterprise and it is one that improves not just safety but sustainability, efficiency and experience.
The companies that can deliver open, intelligent and adaptive platforms will lead and we’re building Acre to be one of them.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I’m a builder but I don’t build in isolation. I’m constantly listening to employees, customers and partners.
I’m also a continuous learner.
If we’re not making mistakes, we’re not taking risks and if we’re not taking risks, we’re not growing.
I believe in candour, integrity and clarity, and I lead with a strong sense of purpose.
The key things I prioritise is my mission, my team and the impact.
That’s how I operate and that’s the culture we’re building. One that moves fast, learns constantly and does meaningful work together.
