Julia Vincke, M.A., has a range of security experience, including law enforcement, corporate security, and international level security.
Describing her career, Vincke says, "I started my career in law enforcement, working for many years (17) as a police officer. That experience grounded me in investigative work, crisis response, and people leadership under pressure. I later worked in high-risk international environments like Afghanistan and Libya, advising and managing complex security operations -- experiences that deeply shaped my resilience and strategic thinking. After transitioning to the private sector in 2015, I held leadership roles in the retail and automotive industries before joining BASF in 2022. Along the way, I earned a degree in criminology, which complemented my practical experience and helped me approach security topics from a broader analytical lens."
Now the Vice President of Security (CSO) at BASF, a chemical manufacturing company, Julia Vincke is responsible for the security of the organization's global operations -- including site protection, investigations, travel security, executive protection and crisis management.
"In the chemical industry, we face unique risks due to our global footprint, the nature of our products as well as the complexity of our sites and supply chains," Vincke explains. "Ensuring the safety and security of our people, assets and information while complying with international regulations demands a very tailored and highly proactive security strategy. That is particularly important, given recent geopolitical tensions which shape the global security landscape. Additionally, fostering a strong security culture across such a decentralized organization is both a challenge and an opportunity. If an organization promotes a culture of accountability, ownership, and care, people will naturally become active participants in protecting assets, information, and each other."
Seeing former team members now in leadership roles, especially women in what was once an overwhelmingly male field, is incredibly fulfilling. Diversity is not just a buzz word; it is a motor for success.
In addition to her role at BASF, Vincke also serves as a member of the board for the International Security Management Association (ISMA).
"Being part of ISMA is an honor and a great source of inspiration," Vincke states. "It's a unique forum where security leaders from different industries share knowledge, challenge each other and work collectively to raise the standard of global security. I joined because I believe in the power of collaboration and mentorship. As a board member, I'm particularly committed to strengthening diversity in our field and ensuring that rising talents -- especially women -- have the opportunities and support they need to thrive."
Vincke has celebrated many achievements throughout her 25 years of security. When reflecting on her greatest accomplishment thus far, she mentions that it is ongoing.
"My greatest accomplishment isn't a single event; it's building and empowering diverse security teams over the years," Vincke explains. "Seeing former team members now in leadership roles, especially women in what was once an overwhelmingly male field, is incredibly fulfilling. Diversity is not just a buzz word; it is a motor for success."
Her role at BASF enables her to reach a greater amount of people and help them rise through security talent programs.
"At BASF, we run multiple security programs. In this context, we established a task force against sexual harassment and discrimination which just recently won Germany' s Impact of Diversity Award 2025. This indeed is a great accomplishment and a team effort," Vincke reflects. "I'm also proud of the talent programs we support, especially the Young Security Professionals Academy (YSPA) which was founded by a dear friend and security executive, Lana Djurkin-König. It is vital for the security industry to promote the next generation of security professionals. Creating a format and culture where young talents feel valued, safe, and able to grow, that's a matter close to my heart."
For upcoming security professionals looking to grow their career, Vincke encourages them to adopt a forward-thinking mindset.
"Be curious, be courageous and build your network. Security is evolving, it's no longer just about gates, guards and guns. You need to understand business, geopolitics, people and technology. Don't be afraid to take on assignments that stretch you or take you out of your comfort zone. And finally, find mentors and become one yourself. We grow strongest when we grow together."