Mission Protectas: Alexander Benecke

Who are you in a few words? 

My name is Alexander Benecke, I am 44 years old and originally from Germany. I served as a paratrooper officer in the Bundeswehr before working as a private consultant in various fields related to high-risk security and critical infrastructures – notably in the space and cloud computing sectors. Today, I am a sector manager in security services at Protectas.

What motivated you to work at Protectas? 

After my time in the military and several international security projects, I wanted to use my skills in a stable civilian environment. Protectas convinced me with its professional reputation and its mission. The values of integrity, vigilance and helpfulness perfectly match my own convictions. What motivated me the most was the opportunity to join a global leader in security, where I can use my experience to protect people and infrastructures on a daily basis. Moreover, Protectas offers clear structures and real career opportunities, which gives me the confidence that I can contribute sustainably.

Can you tell us about your beginnings at Protectas?

I joined Protectas in mid-2024. Returning to the private security industry was not entirely new to me, but I had to – and sometimes still have to – adapt to local specificities, especially to the Swiss mentality: being too direct is not always advisable, as it may be perceived as too blunt. Fortunately, my colleagues welcomed me warmly. The first months were intense: I learned a lot about Protectas’ corporate culture and realized how much my past experience was valued. These beginnings were important because they allowed me to integrate quickly and to take on significant responsibilities very early.

What are your current responsibilities?

I am responsible for security services in federal centers for asylum seekers in the Zurich region. This includes several operational sites, with around 170 employees in various roles. Together with my management team – consisting of an operational manager, two sector assistants, a planning manager, three service managers and several sector supervisors – I ensure that all directives of the State Secretariat for Migration are respected. My main tasks include operational management, command structure coordination, quality assurance, client collaboration and the management of organizational changes and staff. This role requires diplomacy, clear communication and proactive planning to ensure security and stability in such a sensitive environment as asylum. Other projects in the region are already being prepared.

What do you like about your job? 

I appreciate the great diversity of tasks: no two days are alike. I move between strategic planning, operational implementation and solving concrete problems. This variety is both demanding and stimulating. I also value working with my team: my colleagues show remarkable commitment, great reliability and a strong team spirit. Finally, what I find most rewarding is the responsibility: security is not just control, it is about protecting people, values and structures. Contributing to that gives true meaning to my job.

What has been your biggest challenge and how do you handle it?

My biggest challenge is balancing security requirements with the human aspect of the role. I am responsible not only for the safety of people and infrastructures, but also for the well-being and development of staff. I face this challenge through transparent communication, active listening and thoughtful and fair decisions. I want to be a model of reliability and build a climate of trust, which is essential for working effectively in such a sensitive environment.

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness) 

The value that resonates with me the most is integrity. For me, it means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. In our field, trust is essential: our clients must be able to rely on us to act with honesty, reliability and loyalty. My military background taught me the importance of a solid ethic. Integrity is the foundation: without it, neither vigilance nor helpfulness would be credible. Every day, I try to be exemplary by communicating clearly, keeping my commitments and making fair decisions. When such an attitude is shared by the whole team, it creates a true culture of trust, which is indispensable for our mission.