Speakers

Chris leads the Global Security, BCP, Asset Protection, Investigations, Digital, and Safeness strategies and teams to protect the Gap Inc’s multi-brand organization operations in North America, Europe, and Asia including HQ assets/facilities, Store and On-line Fulfillment Centers, and 3500+ stores, supported by 109,000+ employees who deliver approximately $16 billion USD in annual sales.

Chris has a diverse 30-year public and private sector Loss Prevention/Law Enforcement background. He started his career as a commissioned officer in the US Army’s Military Police Corp. A combat veteran, Chris led and trained Military Police units in South Korea, several US locations, and Mogadishu, Somalia during the Somalian conflict.

He transitioned his career to the private sector joining Target Corporations Assets Protection team. Chris developed innovative training and tactics including some of the pioneering Organized Retail Crime (ORC) teams and task forces; remote monitoring centralized investigative centers; and the first ever private sector forensics lab serving both Retail and Law Enforcement needs.

Prior to his current role, Chris served Gap Inc. as the Senior Director of LP for Banana Republic, Vice President LP for the Old Navy Brand and most recently as the Head of Loss Prevention (interim) leading all of the GAP Inc Loss Prevention, Security, and Business Continuity (BC) teams and efforts. He built a track record of building strong teams, innovation, and integration with the core business to achieve significant financial improvements and create a safe and secure employee and customer environment. Chris adds a genuine love for people and a passion for storytelling and teaching that inspires teams and impacts leaders across the organization.

An active member of the community, Chris has led and participated in multiple Habitat for Humanity builds and a service trip to Jamaica to improve infrastructure for under-served schools. He is a member of National Board of Directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and a proud leader in Old Navy’s support efforts including Safety Day events that have raised $8 M; delivered of child safety education to parents, and support of the “Hope bag” initiative to help victims of exploitation. Chris was honored with the NRF LP Volunteers in Action Award in 2015 and the NCMEC “Hope Award” in 2018.

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.

Vincent graduated from Dalhousie Law School and articled for Cooper, Sandler & West in 1996-1997. He was a researcher for Commissioner Fred Kaufman at “The Commission on Proceedings Involving Guy Paul Morin.”. He joined the downtown Toronto Crown Attorney’s Office in 1998. In 2004, he was tasked with providing legal advice to the Toronto Police Service Criminal Intelligence and Organized Crime Enforcement branches. That later became the MAG Guns and Gangs initiative. In 2007, continuing his role with the Ministry, he was also named counsel to the Firearm Investigation and Enforcement Services Directorate of the Canadian Firearm Program administered by the R.C.M.P.. He was promoted to General Counsel in 2017. He is now the team leader of the Gun and Gang Support Unit, a group tasked with assisting police agencies across Ontario tackling organized crime. He was awarded the title of King’s Counsel in 2023.

He has lectured extensively to police forces throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico, as well as Judges, Crown Attorneys, and defence counsel on firearms, organized crime, search and seizure, and police use of force. He is recognized as a Subject Matter Expert on organized crime and firearms by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He was the keynote speaker in Vienna at a meeting of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) discussing the importance of tracing firearms. He is presently working with the UNODC and Interpol on some training initiatives to counter firearm trafficking in Africa and South America. He is also engaged in a project with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute to counter the involvement of organized crime and terrorist groups in the trafficking of precious metals.

Dr. Larry Barton is considered one of the world’s leading experts on crisis prevention, response and trauma recovery for employees with a specialization in retail. He is Distinguished Professor of Crisis Management and Public Safety at the University of Central Florida.
At the age of 27, Dr. Barton began his career as the youngest person ever appointed to the faculty of Harvard Business School after early research and lecturing on retail theft, assaults in the workplace and organized retail crime. He has published over 50 peer reviewed articles in the law enforcement, legal, human resources and communications disciplines, is the author of five widely adopted textbooks on these issues and he co-authored an article on retail crime and violence in Loss Prevention Magazine that was named Article of the Year.
In private practice today, he serves a 24/7 on call consultant to many of the world’s leading employers on emerging safety awareness programs aimed at lowering employee and customer exposure to violence and theft, including leading retailers in Canada and the US in the apparel, sporting goods, beauty and grocery sectors. He has managed over 3,200 cases of workplace violence, suicide and suicidal attempts, organized crime retaliation and insider threats generated by retail employees and former associates.
Dr. Barton has partnered with law enforcement agencies to transfer the lessons from the private sector to policing since 2006; he is a frequent guest speaker at The FBI Academy and has worked with numerous government agencies in Canada including gaming commissions on identifying and diffusing escalating situations.
During high profile crisis situations, he is a frequent on-air commentator the BBC and CNBC.
More information is available at Wikipedia: larry barton

Jeff is the Vice President Operations at Lion Guard Security a company that specializes in providing security services to the retail industry. Jeff’s portfolio includes leading day to day business operations, staffing, client relationships, sales, and marketing to provide professional security services to our clients.

Jeff has 25 years of experience in retail and asset protection with Best Buy Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart. Prior to his current role Jeff was with Shoppers Drug Mart for 15 years in progressive asset protection leadership roles; the last five years at Shoppers Drug Mart he was the Senior Director of Asset Protection leading the National Asset Protection team of 30 professionals that oversaw the asset protection programs, shrink mitigation strategies, physical security and emergency response programs for over 1,300 retail pharmacy locations, more than 60 specialty pharmacy locations, and five corporate and regional offices with over $21B annual retail and pharmacy sales. Jeff has a passion for Diversity, Education and Inclusion within the retail and security industry. He was an active member of the Loblaw DE&I council and for two years co-led the Shoppers Drug Mart Proud to be Me resource group representing the 2SLGTBQIA+ community. Key accomplishments were promoting Shoppers Drug Mart retail stores a safe place for the 2SLGTBQIA+ community, adding the use of pronouns within both the corporate and retail stores and leading Shoppers Drug Mart in it first Toronto Pride in 2021. 

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.

Ranko, the founder and CEO of Blackbird Security since 2015, is deeply committed to the
company’s success. He is actively involved in overseeing all departments and values education,
leadership, and ethics in his team members. Ranko personally engages in the hiring and
onboarding of managers, ensuring they possess these qualities. He is dedicated to maintaining
high standards of security service delivery and is passionate about tactical security.

One of Ranko’s primary goals is to support his employees effectively. He believes in fostering
strong relationships within the organization, understanding that this is crucial for building strong
client relationships. To prioritize the well-being of his staff, Ranko has brought in healthcare
professionals like physiotherapists and counselors, who not only assist employees directly but
also advise the HR department on health benefits packages.

Ranko’s commitment to employee well-being and strong relationships has helped shape
Blackbird Security’s culture, fostering positivity and enthusiasm among the team. This
philosophy motivates management and staff to deliver the best possible service. Additionally,
Ranko recognizes the importance of ongoing education and is leading by example by pursuing an
MBA at UBC School of Sauder.

Tony Hunt is a corporate security and retail loss prevention professional, consultant, educator, thought leader, board member, and media commentator with 37 years of industry experience.
One of his key roles is General Manager of Loss Prevention for London Drugs Limited, where he leads a dynamic group of retail loss prevention professionals supporting customers across Western Canada. In addition to his role at London Drugs, he serves as Director of Security for London Air Services, Director of Security for Sonora Resort, and consults to clients of several security businesses.
Tony’s expertise encompasses Retail Loss Prevention, Corporate Security, Investigations, Security Design, Emergency Management, Business Continuity, Cyber-Threat, and Enterprise Security Risk Management.
Tony holds a robust portfolio of leadership positions within the industry. Tony is President of the Professional Investigators Association of British Columbia, he serves on the RCC National LP Advisory Committee, the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association Safety Task Force, and he is Research Chair for BC’s Save Our Streets Coalition.
As a Criminal Justice Instructor at Langara College, Tony shares his knowledge and practical experience in educating future security industry leaders.
Widely recognized as an energetic industry commentator, his approach to security in the retail sector is proactive and forward-thinking, emphasizing not only risk mitigation, but also the adoption of innovative practices that enhance the customer experience.

Mr. Michael Lamb (retired), LPC has over 40 years of experience in the asset protection / loss prevention industry. He most recently served as the Vice President of Asset Protection & Safety for the Kroger family of companies based in Cincinnati, OH. Mr. Lamb oversaw the strategic and tactical direction related to the shrinkage, waste control and safety across the Kroger enterprise, consisting of approximately 2800 store locations. Prior to his position at Kroger, Michael served as the Vice President of Asset Protection & Safety for Walmart US from January 2013 until April of 2017. Additionally, Mr. Lamb served as Vice President of Asset Protection, Regulatory Compliance and Safety for The Home Depot from September of 2007 through March of 2012.
Michael also serves on the Loss Prevention Research Council Board of Directors, Board of Directors for RILA’s Asset Protection Leaders Council, the Editorial Board for Loss Prevention Magazine, Executive Council of The Loss Prevention Foundation, The Advisory Council for APEX, and on the Advisory Committee of NASP.

Kevin Luh is a Fraud Management Director in Deloitte Canada, leading the payments fraud practice. With more than a decade of experience in advisory, Kevin has supported organizations across the payment ecosystem, including retailers, issuers, acquirers and networks, to evolve their fraud strategy and implement technology-enabled transformations as alternative payments, digitalization and loyalty programs are introduced to the market. Kevin also manages the fraud management ecosystem and alliances relationships for Deloitte Canada, where he collaborates with emerging fraud technology companies and FinTechs to bring AI and innovation to combat fraud. Prior to joining Deloitte, Kevin has held different product management roles at leading fraud solution and AI analytics companies.

Kevin Sprake, is a seasoned global ecommerce payments and fraud prevention executive, leading Riskified’s Global Channel Partnerships since July 2021. Previously, as Managing Partner at The Fraud Practice, he drove engagements and managed the development of SaaS-based online learning programs. With over two decades of experience, Kevin has held executive roles in leading Payment-as-a-Service platform and analytics companies. He’s managed multi-billion-dollar merchant portfolios and led global teams for top ecommerce companies. Kevin has also served on the Merchant Risk Council’s Board of Advisors in North America, and as a global Board member.

Mr. Craig Greenberg is the Senior Vice President of Sales for Gatekeeper Systems, a global leader in loss prevention technology where he has been an executive team member for the last 20 years. He started his career in retail operations with American Stores where he cultivated an understanding of the day-to-day challenges and opportunities within retail environments. Before joining Gatekeeper Systems, Craig was introduced to the San Diego startup, Carttronics, and while there he successfully partnered with several retailers to adopt their cart loss prevention technology. In 2004, Craig transitioned to Gatekeeper Systems Inc., where he has focused on collaborating with key retail leaders to apply cart control technology to solving the fast-emerging problem of pushout theft. Craig has been instrumental in deploying Gatekeeper Systems’ cutting-edge solutions to improve safety and mitigate theft and loss while improving operational efficiency and profitability for retail partners around the globe.  

Craig joined the Loss Prevention Magazine’s Solution Partner Board in early 2024. Gatekeeper Systems is also a long-time sponsor of the Loss Prevention Foundation, and an INNOVATE Partner with the Loss Prevention Retail Counsel.

Brian Broadus brings over 20 years of experience with an extensive background in Loss Prevention, Retail Operations, Logistics, E-commerce, Technology, Store Operations, and Investigations. In previous roles as Senior Director and Vice President of Loss Prevention, Brian built and developed highly effective teams that leveraged technology in order to achieve unprecedented financial results for organizations such as Ross Stores Inc., Wal-Mart Inc., Bed Bath & Beyond, Sears Holdings Company, and Mattress Firm. Today, Brian serves as the Principal of the Asset Protection team for Solink, a Canadian-based cloud video management (VMS) company. At Solink, Brian works closely with loss prevention leaders in global retail chains, consulting them on how to leverage video and data technologies to improve profitability and safety across their organizations.

Jade is the Regional Loss Prevention Manager at Sephora Canada. Jade has been in the security industry for 16+ years with experience in leading teams, building and supporting shrink initiatives and programs, conducting internal investigations and managing inventory.

Jade believes in a strong collaborative and holistic approach to shrink and is adept at solving complex problems. With a strong focus on Ontario, Jade works closely with the LP field Leaders and other key departments to influence our retail store teams to think differently about shrink, drive innovation and activate thoughts into action in our stores.

D/Cst. Lancia is currently assigned to Intelligence Services – Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, and has been employed since May of 2008 with Peel Regional Police. Steve brings forth a strong investigative background, having worked in such areas as 12 Division Break and Enter Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, Homicide and Missing Persons and now the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau. Steve has conducted many expert exams on stolen and altered VIN vehicles, and continues to work to establish himself as one of Peel Regional Police’s premiere auto crime investigators.

Michael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated on thought leadership panels worldwide.

Michael is also the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts, including Canada’s top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail, plus the Remarkable Retail with author Steve Dennis, Global E-Commerce Tech Talks and The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, all available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and all major podcast platforms.