COQUITLAM, British Columbia — Mobile video surveillance provider Seon will promote its current chief operating officer, Tom Gill, to the role of president on Dec. 31, parent company Safe Fleet announced on Wednesday.

Gill will replace Terry Akiyama, Seon’s current president and co-founder. Company officials said that Akiyama has decided to retire as president but will transition to a new role as chairman to provide continued leadership.

“We thank Terry for his leadership over the past 15 years,” said John R. Knox, president and CEO of Safe Fleet. “His entrepreneurship and relationship-building skills were instrumental in growing Seon from a small startup company to the global leader in mobile surveillance for buses.”

Safe Fleet, which also includes school bus equipment suppliers Specialty Manufacturing and Transpec, acquired Seon in September.

Gill joined Seon as chief operating officer in 2009. His experience in the video surveillance industry also includes executive roles at Silent Witness prior to its acquisition by Honeywell in 2003.

“Tom’s unique combination of financial know-how, operational leadership and strategic thinking makes him the ideal candidate to lead Seon in its continued growth trajectory,” Akiyama said. “I look forward to working with him to transition responsibilities, as well as partner and customer relationships, over the upcoming months.”