Ownership & Management

Management| Ownership

In all that we do, we strive to lead with integrity, humility, and a clear sense of purpose, underpinned by proven industry expertise. We recognise that transformation and social justice are not fixed destinations, but continuous journeys—ones we are proud to navigate in partnership with our employees, clients, and communities. Our commitment is reflected not only in our values, but in the consistent application of best practice and the delivery of measurable results across the security sector.

Management| Ownership

In all that we do, we strive to lead with integrity, humility, and a clear sense of purpose, underpinned by proven industry expertise. We recognise that transformation and social justice are not fixed destinations, but continuous journeys—ones we are proud to navigate in partnership with our employees, clients, and communities. Our commitment is reflected not only in our values, but in the consistent application of best practice and the delivery of measurable results across the security sector.

Our company is proudly owned by its executive directors, who are actively involved in both the day-to-day management and the strategic direction of the business. In line with our commitment to transformation and inclusivity, 30% of the company is owned through various Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) initiatives. This ownership structure is designed to reward and empower high-performing Black employees, giving them a meaningful stake in the company’s long-term success.

The company’s founders remain closely engaged, ensuring that the original vision, values, and standards of excellence continue to shape our operations. Each director holds relevant tertiary qualifications aligned to their role, ensuring that leadership is both knowledgeable and professionally equipped. Collectively, the directors bring decades of hands-on experience in the security industry, offering a depth of insight and expertise that benefits our clients and our people alike.

United by a shared passion for excellence, the directors are committed to building a sustainable, high-performance organisation. Their practical approach, industry knowledge, and unwavering dedication form a strong leadership foundation that continues to guide the company’s growth and innovation.

Richard Groenewald

Managing Director

MBA (University of Cape Town), National Diploma in Electronic Engineering, Diploma in Datametrics (Unisa)

With over 40 years’ experience, Richard is a respected authority in the South African security sector, recognised for pioneering innovative solutions and challenging conventional approaches. His work has consistently shaped the evolution of industry best practice. Combining strong business acumen with deep technical expertise, he has held influential roles in both consulting and executive management across leading organisations. Richard is committed to delivering solutions that are well-conceived, expertly executed, and consistently exceed client expectations.

Graeme Auret

Commercial Director

CA (SA), BCompt (University of South Africa), DipAcc (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Advanced Management Program (AMP) Insead Business School – France

Graeme is a Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years’ experience across a wide range of finance disciplines. Prior to joining Xone, he served as Managing Executive of Corporate Banking at Nedbank, and previously held senior Corporate Finance roles at Deloitte (South Africa) and Ernst & Young (London), leading numerous mergers and acquisitions in an advisory capacity. Graeme brings extensive expertise in finance, accounting, and contractual negotiations, with a proven track record in complex deal execution, financing structures, debt advisory, and strategic financial planning.

Krishnee Naidoo

HR & Transformation Director

Higher Certificate in Personnel & Training Management

A seasoned HR professional, she brings expertise in talent and succession management, performance management, industrial relations, organisational development, compensation and benefits, and transformation. Her role at Xone is to implement the people strategy through robust processes and practices, and to champion the company’s transformation agenda. Believing that people are key to business success, she is dedicated to implementing policies and best practice to drive organisational transformation and achievement.

Frik Wiese

National Operations Director

BA (B Mil) (Stellenbosch University)

Frik brings decades of operational security expertise, built on a distinguished Defence Force career in which he earned multiple commendations, including recognition from the Chief of the Army. He has since held senior positions with Saracen Security International across Africa, served as Operations Director at Specialised Industrial Risk Management, and delivered industrial security operations in South-East Asia for multinational corporations such as Chevron Texaco, Holcim Cement, and Newmont Mining. Returning to South Africa in 2009, Frik led major security operations before joining Xone in 2016, where he drives operational excellence across diverse, high-risk environments.

Ian Downie

Sales & Marketing Director

BA Law (Stellenbosch University), LLB (Johannesburg University), CWA DIP

Ian offers deep expertise in physical risk management, security technology, and integrated solutions. He co-founded his own risk management firm, having previously served as a partner at Visum Risk Management, and later spent seven years advising blue-chip clients on technology-led security strategies. His track record includes designing advanced solutions such as remote monitoring platforms and turnkey integrated risk programmes combining people, technology, and processes. At Xone, Ian leads strategic partnerships and client engagements, driven by his belief that customer satisfaction is the ultimate benchmark of success.

Raphaël Andro

Projects & Logistics Director

ESAIGELEC, Ecole Supérieure Atlantique d’Ingénieur en Génie Electrique, France. Master Degree in Electrical Engineering, option Power Electronics.

With more than 20 years’ experience delivering large-scale, complex security technology projects, Raphaël has overseen the design and implementation of systems for nuclear facilities, government institutions, and other high-security environments. His expertise spans project management, systems integration, and procurement strategy, ensuring delivery from concept to completion. At Xone, he brings all purchasing requirements under a single area of accountability and directs project execution, guided by his commitment to deliver on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of client satisfaction.

 

Logistics and Warehousing​

Security is high-stakes and fast-moving. From storage to last-mile delivery, every point in the supply chain faces threats like theft, tampering, and unauthorised access — all under tight operational deadlines.

What sets this work apart is the need to protect assets in constant motion. It takes a mix of trained personnel, real-time monitoring, and smart technology to secure goods without slowing down business. In logistics, security isn’t just protection — it’s performance-critical.

Industrial and Manufacturing

Industrial and manufacturing environments pose unique physical security challenges due to their large perimeters, multiple access points, and mix of personnel. Protecting valuable equipment and hazardous materials requires strict access control and constant surveillance.

Balancing security with operational flow is also critical, as disruptions can affect productivity. Facilities must guard against both external and insider threats with layered, adaptable security measures.

Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry presents a unique set of challenges for security providers, requiring a careful balance between maintaining robust safety protocols and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Unlike high-security environments where visibility and authority are prioritised, security personnel in hotels, resorts, and similar venues must often operate with discretion, blending into the background to avoid disrupting the guest experience. 

Smart Cities and Gated Estates

Represents lifestyle, balancing comfort and convenience with security and vigilance. An individual resident’s requirements need to be met within body corporate rules while ensuring protection of the community.

Our security personnel, whether managing the ambassadorial security role of access control and patrols or monitoring operations in the control room or part of a rapid response tactical team, are not only trained on the requirements to fulfil their roles to meticulous standards, but they are also trained to represent and behave in accordance with the brand of the estate.

Mining Industry

Mining operations demand robust and adaptive security solutions due to their remote locations, expansive sites, and high-value assets. Securing personnel, equipment, and extracted resources requires vigilant access control and continuous monitoring.

This sector faces unique risks—including illegal access, sabotage, and safety breaches—necessitating layered security protocols that evolve with site phases. Maintaining protection while supporting operational continuity is essential, especially in high-risk or labor-intensive environments.