Boyce promoted to chief exec at Defender Direct

One of the area’s largest private companies has a new CEO.

Indianapolis-based Defender Direct Inc. has promoted president Jim Boyce to president and CEO, the residential security company announced Wednesday. Company founder and CEO David Lindsey has become chairman of the board.

Boyce joined Defender Direct’s board of directors in 2010, became the company’s chief operating officer in October 2011 and president in June 2014.

He previously had executive roles at two Cincinnati-based companies: Procter & Gamble Co. and Convergys Corp.

Defender Direct, founded in 1998, was one of the area’s fastest-growing companies for years and is now among its largest private companies.

The business ranks 29th among private companies in the state and 17th in the area with $424.5 million in revenue in 2013.

Defender Direct has about 2,200 employees at 140 offices in 48 states, with more than 700 in Indiana.

The  company is ADT Corp.’s top dealer and also sells Tyco Security Products. The business branched into other home services when it acquired local heating, cooling and plumbing powerhouse Williams Comfort Air in 2012.

“We have tremendous confidence in Jim to continue Defender’s growth trajectory and live out our enduring purpose of growing leaders,” Lindsey said of Boyce’s promotion. “He has been instrumental in the growth of our company, and his efforts have been a true embodiment of our cultural ideals.”