Chief Nishan Duraiappah was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada. Chief Duraiappah began his career with Halton Police in December 1995. He served in a variety of assignments throughout his career including front line policing, specialized investigations and Diversity and Community relations. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Halton Police in 2015 leading front line policing, community mobilization as well as innovation and technology.

In October 2019, Chief Duraiappah was appointed Chief of Peel Regional Police. Chief Duraiappah arrived with a mandate for change and the strategic goal of becoming the most progressive police service in Canada.

The 3500 members of Peel Regional Police are responsible for policing the 1.7 million population of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga. Amidst the first year of his command, Peel Regional Police championed:

• The creation of its first-ever community-embedded Intimate and Partner Violence Unit to respond to the growing needs in our Region
• A re-emphasis on front line policing
• A road map for Innovation and Technology, as well as a Digital Officer Transformation plan to better equip officers to serve the community
• The adoption of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) framework and establishment of a CSWB Bureau to modernize traditional community policing

Chief Duraiappah is committed to the safety and well-being of the community he serves, with one of the primary focuses being mental health and seeking multi-sectoral collaborative partnerships to reduce risk in the community.

Chief Duraiappah is a Board of Director for the Canadian Association of Chief’s of Police (CACP) and is a Past-President of the Ontario Association of Chief’s of Police (OACP) 2022/2023. Chief Duraiappah is also the Canadian representative on the Board of the Major Cities Chief’s Association (MCCA), which is a professional organization representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada. He is also an executive of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO).

Chief Duraiappah is heavily involved in the community and sits on several volunteer Boards, including the Runnymede Healthcare Centre, SAAAC Autism Centre, the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CSKA), and the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN). He is a Senate Member for the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Infantry Regiments of The Lorne Scots, and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario.

He is also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and is an Officer of the Order of Merit Canada. In 2022, Chief Duraiappah was appointed to the Order of Ontario.

Brett Valente, CFI, CFE, is an Investigator with RONA specializing in fraud and loss prevention. With 19 years of investigative experience, he leads complex investigations into internal theft, organized retail crime, and financial fraud. Brett collaborates with corporate leadership and law enforcement to mitigate risk and strengthen internal controls. 

As the Director of Signature Brands in Canada for Genetec, Nada Ebeid oversees the market growth for financial and banking, retail, cannabis, hospitality, and other signature markets. She’s responsible for helping customers meet their security solution goals and empowering them to leverage their security systems to improve other areas of their businesses.

In addition to holding a degree in Electrical Engineering, Nada has over 15 years of experience in the industry, occupying several roles related to engineering, product management, and business development

Sharon Bauer is the founder of Bamboo Data Consulting, a privacy and security consulting firm. Sharon has been named one of the top 20 women in cybersecurity in Canada. Sharon provides privacy solutions to companies in industries such as technology, marketing, retail, fintech, health and wellness, and education. She develops creative privacy programs and solves hidden privacy challenges for companies that are startups all the way through to multinational corporations. Sharon enables businesses to meet their strategic business goals by using data in a compliant and responsible manner that builds trust with consumers, partners and investors. Sharon acts as a virtual Chief Privacy Officer with the aim of using privacy and trust to protect the business of today and build valuation for tomorrow. Sharon has made a positive impact on many businesses and household brands by implementing Privacy by Design to products that are used by the public at large.

Sharon was a litigator for 10 years and previously worked at KPMG where she worked with companies to embed Privacy by Design into their products, services, and processes. Sharon frequently speaks and publishes on emerging privacy trends and technologies.

Nayomie is the National Client Services Manager at Blackbird Security, where she leads client performance, service delivery, and issue resolution across complex retail environments. Since joining Blackbird, she has worked closely with retail loss prevention teams, store leadership, and operations stakeholders to strengthen on-site execution, improve guard performance, and support measurable risk reduction. Nayomie brings a structured, solutions-driven approach to compliance, incident response, and stakeholder communication.

Detective Nathan Rowan began his career with the Hamilton Police Service in January 2010, building a reputation for leadership, strategic thinking, and operational excellence. Over the course of his career, he has served in a wide range of specialized roles, including Front Line Policing, Street Crime Enforcement, and Major Drugs and Gangs, gaining extensive investigative and enforcement experience.

In 2020, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led investigations within the Crimes Against Children Unit before joining the Intelligence Branch as a member of a major project team focused on complex, high-impact investigations.

Recognizing a growing trend in organized, high-level retail theft, Detective Rowan took proactive action by launching Project Sommes in August 2025. This multi-jurisdictional investigation was designed to disrupt and dismantle a sophisticated retail theft network. Working collaboratively with retail partners and law enforcement agencies, the project prioritized community safety, strategic enforcement, and strengthened border integrity.

Nicholas Mathe is a Product Line Manager at Genetec, where he leads digital evidence management solutions used by retailers and public safety organizations. He works closely with engineering teams and frontline security professionals to design tools that simplify investigations, improve cross-team collaboration, and strengthen compliance.

Joe Esterreicher is a Director of Loss Prevention & Risk Management with deep experience supporting luxury retail operations. Based in Toronto, he partners closely with store teams and leadership to reduce shrink, strengthen safety, and protect the customer experience through practical, data‑driven strategies. Joe is known for translating risk into actionable insights and building programs that balance strong controls with operational realities on the sales floor.

Paula serves as an Account Executive at Verkada, empowering retailers to safeguard their people and property through cloud-first security. Focused on simplifying complex physical security stacks, Paula delivers scalable solutions that combine video security, access control, and environmental sensors into a single, intuitive platform.

Vy Hoang is the Chief Customer Officer and Partner at i3 International, an AI technology company delivering affordable, integrated AI solutions for the retail and commercial sectors.

At i3, data is viewed as the foundation for solving some of the most complex challenges in modern retail. By consolidating video, POS transactions, IoT sensors, and system metadata into a unified platform, organizations gain a clear understanding of what is happening across their operations. With the advancement of AI, this data can now be analyzed in real time, enabling predictive insight and faster decision-making. Applied to safety, security, operational performance, and asset protection, AI-driven alerts trigger structured responses and create a true closed-loop process that reduces recurring issues and allows teams to focus on higher-value work.

With more than 37 years at i3, Vy has helped guide the company’s evolution into a technology platform holding 10 U.S. and Canadian patents in AI and data analytics. His work centers on optimization and behavioral impact, ensuring that insights lead to action and measurable improvement across organizations.

Vy holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business. His personal journey as a refugee in the 1980s and a cancer survivor continues to shape his disciplined, purpose-driven leadership. He believes business is built on family values, fostering a culture at i3 where employees feel supported and clients and partners are treated as an extension of that family.

Deputy Chief Mark Dapat is a collaborative leader with extensive experience guiding Peel Regional Police’s vision of becoming a progressive police service in Canada. A life-long advocate of Peel’s diverse communities,Deputy Chief Dapat’s journey with the Peel Regional Police began in 1997 playing key roles in various areas of policing, including Front line policing, special enforcement and investigations and community safety and well-being.

Deputy Chief Dapat has been instrumental in implementing and integrating system transformational initiatives across the service through his work on the Community Safety and Well-Being Strategy.

He leads the Community Safety and Well-being Command pillar at Peel Regional Police and is responsible for recruiting, training, member wellness and community mobilization.

Mark represents the Peel Regional Police on several Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police committees, including the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Community Safety and Crime Prevention committee that he co-chairs. He is also a member of the Canadian Association of Chief’s of Police – Crime Prevention and Community Safety and Well-being Committee.

Matthew Hill is the chief executive of PRA Law Firm, a premier legal practice renowned for its expertise in representing retailers in restitution and civil penalty claims. His leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of the firm’s operations with precision and vision, orchestrating the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to propel growth, elevating client satisfaction, and reinforcing PRA Law’s position as a dominant force in the retail sector.  With over 15 years of distinguished leadership, he has driven the firm’s exceptional growth and success.

Matthew Hill has demonstrated expertise in working with retailers to pursue claims against shoplifters and dishonest employees; his efforts have been instrumental in collecting civil penalties and offering restitution to help affected retailers recover losses. Retailers reinvest recovered funds into programs that enhance security measures, such as securing goods and funding security cameras and loss prevention staff. His strategic outreach to new clients, particularly those experiencing losses due to staff-related issues, has further solidified his reputation as a leader in the field.

Before his current position, Mr. Hill served from 2019 to 2022 as general manager at PRA Law Firm, during which he honed his skills in managing client relationships and overseeing operations within the firm. Previously, his tenure as executive director of the firm from 2014 to 2018 marked a period of significant growth, where he played a pivotal role in expanding its client base and enhancing service delivery. He is committed to supporting honest retailers and clients who are losing money due to theft by improving their loss prevention programs, ultimately keeping prices affordable for consumers.

Matthew Hill is affiliated with the National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association. He is also a member of The Loss Prevention Foundation.

For years, Pamela Barnum was the only woman working undercover in a Drug Enforcement Section with ninety-two specialized officers. During that time, she learned real-world techniques for building trust and interpreting nonverbal cues. Pamela later accepted a position as a federal prosecuting attorney. She spent countless hours in the courtroom, perfecting her expertise as a trust strategist and nonverbal communication expert.

Following a successful 20-year career in the criminal justice system, Pamela pursued graduate studies in corporate negotiations. As a trust strategist and communications expert, Pamela delivers techniques once considered a “secret second language.”

Pamela shares her experience, research, and expertise with humor, honesty, and energy, blending actionable strategies with memorable stories. She is a popular TEDx speaker and co-host of the hit TV show Building Bad. She is a featured expert and contributor to print media and television news programs in Canada and the United States.

Dean Henrico, Senior Vice-President of Asset Protection for Canada’s largest retailer, stands at the forefront of proactive asset protection. Through innovation and leveraging emerging technology, Dean has transformed the retail landscape and created both a safer and more profitable retail environment.

Beginning his retail career over 37 years ago, Dean rapidly ascended the ranks due to his visionary skills, passion, dedication and work ethic. Dean has been with Loblaw Companies Ltd. for over 20 years and was promoted to Vice-President at the age of 34 and Sr. Vice-President two years later. Prior to joining Loblaws, Dean held executive roles, in both Operations and Asset Protection, with Zellers and Wal-Mart Canada Ltd. In his current role, Dean leads the largest retail asset protection team in Canada which consists of the Security, Health and Safety and Medical Services teams.

Dean is a subject matter expert on all aspect of providing a safe environment for customers and employees and through innovation and process improvement, Dean has played a pivotal role in protecting Loblaws bottom line by preventing all forms of loss. Dean’s leadership and visionary planning skills has cultivated a team culture of excellence, accountability, and urgency.

Dean is adept at developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate risk, reduce loss, and safeguard Company assets. Dean is skilled in managing cross functional teams, fostering collaboration, and driving operational excellence. Dean has a deep understanding of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technology.

Dean believes that community safety is a join responsibility that does not rest solely on the shoulders of law enforcement. Dean works closely with key Chiefs of Police and elected officials to help promote community safety. Under Dean’s leadership, Loblaw Companies Ltd. was the first Canadian retailer to deploy game changing technology such as AI technology to lock shopping carts with unpaid merchandise, body worn cameras for front line staff  and time delayed safes.

Outside of work, Dean is a dedicated father to his two sons and a world traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations.

Matt Hall is a visionary leader in security, risk management, and asset protection with over two decades of experience driving enterprise-wide safety and security strategies across North America. As Senior Director of Asset Protection at lululemon, he oversees security & safety operations for more than 500 retail locations and leads a team of 100+ professionals focused on mitigating organized retail crime, fraud, and workplace safety risks. Matt has played a pivotal role in shaping crisis management and business continuity programs, forging strong alliances with global partners and law enforcement agencies to enhance organizational resilience. A recognized advocate for technology-driven security solutions and inclusive leadership, he serves on industry committees with the National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association. 

Kim Furlong is President & CEO of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), bringing over two decades of experience at the intersection of public policy, business, and advocacy. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Kim leads RCC at a pivotal time for the retail industry—championing members’ interests, shaping national policy, and building strong partnerships across sectors.

Before rejoining RCC in 2025, Kim spent six years as CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA). There, she played a key role in elevating the voice of Canada’s private capital sector, influencing public policy, and strengthening the country’s investment ecosystem.

Prior to CVCA, Kim spent a decade at Amgen Canada leading External Affairs, and also served as a senior political aide in two federal ministerial offices.

Throughout her career, Kim has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and effective advocate, with a deep network spanning business, government, and media. She is passionate about building consensus, delivering results, and helping industries thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

Kim is an avid cyclist, enthusiastic foodie, and lifelong book lover. Originally from the picturesque town of Percé, Quebec, she is a proud French Quebecer. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and their twin boys—affectionately known as “the Peanuts.”

Inspector John Pauls is in his 25^th year of policing.  John began his career with the Halton Regional Police in 2001 working in Uniformed Patrol and the High Schools as a School Liaison Officer.  In 2006 he moved over to the Hamilton Police Service working in Frontline Patrol as well as being a part of the High Enforcement Action Team, Divisional Crime Manager and member of the Public Order Unit.  In 2011 he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led investigations in the Crimes Against Children Unit and Frontline Patrol.  In 2016 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant taking on roles in Frontline Patrol and the Case Preparation Unit.  In 2023 he was promoted to Inspector working in the Field Support Unit, overseeing the Communications Branch, Case Preparation Unit, and Court Services, before moving over to the Investigative Services Division where he oversees Intelligence, Major Drugs and Gangs and the BEAR Unit.

As Project Sommes progressed the need to collaborate and work with partnering agencies was apparent.  Project Sommes provided the opportunity to partner with other policing agencies, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, and work collectively with retail partners and members of Canada Border Services.

As the Founder and CEO of Lion Guard Corporation, Zaafir Chaudhary has spearheaded the firm’s rapid ascent to becoming a dominant force in Canada’s competitive security landscape. Through a strategy of aggressive scaling and operational excellence, he has transformed a local startup into a high-growth enterprise recognized for its robust protection services, market agility and world class management team. Zaafir remains dedicated to setting new industry benchmarks by integrating innovative security solutions with a relentless commitment to client safety and organizational expansion.