With 20 years at BNP Media and 18+ years serving the security industry, Bean brings extensive industry knowledge, digital media expertise, and established client relationships to her new leadership role.
BIRMINGHAM, MI / October 2026 / BNP Media is pleased to announce the promotion of Jackie Bean to Executive Director of its Security Sector, overseeing SDM and Security Magazines. Effective October 2, 2026, Bean succeeds Gary Merrill and will lead the sector’s continued development, strengthening its industry relationships, expanding digital opportunities, and supporting the evolving needs of security professionals and marketing partners.
The appointment reflects BNP’s commitment to experienced industry leadership and its continued investment in delivering trusted content, meaningful connections, and effective marketing solutions to the professional communities it serves.
Bean brings over 20 years of experience with BNP, including 18+ years dedicated to the security industry. Throughout her tenure, she has developed extensive knowledge of the security market, built longstanding client relationships, and played an important role in helping the company’s security brands adapt to a changing environment.
Beginning her career with BNP in graphic design, Bean transitioned into the Security Sector as a Digital Media Manager, where she helped manage and expand the brands’ digital advertising capabilities.
As the industry evolved from traditional to increasingly sophisticated digital marketing solutions, Bean’s experience grew alongside it. Her background encompasses the transition from early website advertising to today’s integrated digital campaigns, lead generation, marketing automation, and emerging technologies.
Most recently serving as Associate Publisher, Bean has worked closely with the sector’s sales and editorial teams while maintaining strong relationships with advertisers and industry partners. In her new role, she will continue managing her existing sales territory, allowing her to remain directly connected to the clients and businesses the sector serves.
“Having spent nearly two decades working in the security industry, I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with our customers and work alongside an incredibly talented team,” said Bean. “I’ve also seen firsthand how much our industry and the media landscape have changed. I’m excited to bring that experience into this leadership role, continue strengthening our partnerships, and explore new ways to help our customers.”
Under Bean’s leadership, BNP Media’s Security Sector will continue serving the community of security professionals through SDM and Security Magazines. Both publications will maintain their distinct editorial focus while benefiting from coordinated leadership, industry expertise, and continued investment in digital media and audience engagement.
“One of the things I value most about our brands is the important role they play in the security industry,” Bean added. “We have an opportunity to support the professionals and businesses working every day to make people, organizations, and communities safer. I’m proud to help lead publications that contribute to that mission.”
BNP also extends its sincere appreciation to Gary Merrill for his many years of service and leadership. His contributions to the Security Sector, its publications, and the relationships developed throughout the industry have been greatly valued. BNP thanks Gary for his dedication and wishes him continued success in his next endeavor.
With Bean’s appointment, BNP looks forward to building on the established strengths of SDM and Security Magazines while pursuing new opportunities to serve security professionals, strengthen industry partnerships, and help businesses navigate an evolving digital marketplace.
About BNP Media
BNP Media is a fourth-generation, family-owned media company serving B2B industries through trusted publications, events, research, and digital marketing services. Founded in 1926, BNP Media is committed to supporting professional communities with credible information, meaningful connections, and solutions that help businesses move forward.
For more information about BNP’s Security Sector, please contact Jackie Bean, Executive Director, at beanj@bnpmedia.com.
Photo Credit: Just Super; Creative #: 2225125266; Collection: iStock / Getty Images Plus
