Empire Safe & Vault has promoted Juan Morales to CEO, effective late August, while Joseph Nicosia takes over as chief operating officer. The company announced the leadership transition as the next step in its growth strategy.
New leadership brings military and law enforcement experience
Morales joined Empire in 2024 as a safe and vault security technician. He previously served as COO before his promotion. His background includes leadership and instructional roles with the United States Marine Corps and the New York City Police Department.
He holds a degree in business management with a concentration in organizational psychology and is pursuing graduate studies in security management. Morales will focus on strengthening operations, developing the workforce, expanding service capabilities, and building strategic partnerships.
“Empire has been protecting people, businesses, and institutions since 1904. That history carries weight,” Morales said. “My responsibility is not simply to preserve what has been built, but to strengthen it by developing our people, improving how we operate, expanding our technical and security capabilities, and positioning Empire for its next generation of growth.”
Operational oversight shifts to Nicosia
Nicosia will oversee order fulfillment, build-to-spec production, delivery, installation, and service. His responsibilities cover the company’s Manhattan showroom and Bronx warehouse. He joined Empire in March 2025 as a security consultant and moved through the ranks to vice president of operations.
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Nicosia has 18 years of operations and team leadership experience. Before joining Empire, he ran a private security company and spent more than a decade with the NYPD. He began his career managing his father’s flooring company at age 19.
“Physical security isn’t a product; it’s a process. It means the right level of security, the right installation, location, placement, the right service plan, and the right people executing all of it,” Nicosia said.
Richard Krasilovsky, the company president, praised both leaders. He noted that Nicosia learned the business from the ground up before being promoted. “Joe has run crews, led teams under pressure, and built a business of his own,” Krasilovsky said.
Company background
Empire Safe & Vault designs and specifies high-security safes, vaults, and custom interiors for jewelers, retailers, financial institutions, and private residences. The company operates a flagship showroom in Manhattan and a warehouse in the Bronx. It delivers products throughout North America and overseas.
