Speakers

Brendan Alexander

Director, Corporate Loss Prevention, British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch
Advisory Committee

Brendan serves as the Director, Corporate Loss Prevention for the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch. Brendan holds a degree from Simon Fraser University in Justice and Public Safety Leadership. Brendan has extensive experience in Loss Prevention in the retail, wholesale, hospitality and air services industries.

Don Berezowski

Divisional Vice President Loss Prevention & Safety, Sears Canada
Advisory Committee

Don Berezowski has worked with Sears Canada for 28 years and is currently the Divisional Vice President for Loss Prevention & Safety supporting all business channels of the corporation. Don has had many roles during his career including sales, operations productivity and presently in Loss Prevention. Don along with his team are responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring Loss Prevention programs that reduce corporate shrinkage and loss, as well as reduce workplace injuries. Don has been an active member of the RCC Loss Prevention committee promoting excellence in the profession as well as developing strong relationships with industry partners sharing and developing best of breed strategies to reduce loss.

Jay Bradford

Systems Engineer
Cisco Cloud Networking

Jay Bradford has been a Consulting Systems Engineer with Cisco for 4 years and specializes in the Cisco Meraki product line. Jay’s background is in WAN networking with a focus on security which he developed over the course of his 13 year tenure with a Canadian ISP.

Sonny Brar

Vice President, Member Programs & Services
Retail Council of Canada

Sonny Brar comes with over 14 years of Retail, Human Resources, Health, Safety, Energy and Environment experience. He is currently the Vice President, Member Programs & Services at Retail Council of Canada and is an honors graduate of Criminology, Justice and Public Safety from Manitoba. Along with other functions, Sonny leads and supports RCC’s HR, Health, Safety, Energy and Accessibility programs and sits on the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services H&S Steering Committee and Canada’s Retail Health & Safety Committee. Sonny has also had great successes in his tenure and has been a recipient of 3 Presidential Excellence awards with Maple Leaf Foods and Toys“R”Us along with several H&S successes with his tenure at Sobeys and Ikea.

Diane J Brisebois

President & CEO
Retail Council of Canada

Diane J. Brisebois is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and has held that position since 1995. Prior to joining RCC, Diane held the position of President and CEO of the Canadian Office Products Association for 14 years.

Retail Council is the largest retail association in the country representing more than 45,000 retail establishments of all shapes and sizes from coast to coast. RCC`s membership covers all retail segments including general merchandise, grocery and pharmacy and accounts for more than 70% of all retail sales in the country excluding auto and gas sales.

Diane has and also continues to serve on several boards across North America:

She currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the Quebec Employers Council, Stewardship Ontario, and the Advisory Boards of the St. Mary’s David Sobey Centre for Retail, the School of Retailing at the University of Alberta and LIMA Canada
She also served as the Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Society of Association Executives, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, the Fair Factory Clearinghouse and The Forum of International Retail Association Executives
Diane also served as a Director on the Board of Covenant House Toronto for eight years and the Board of the School of Retail at Ryerson University for more than 10 years

Diane has spent more than 37 years leading retail associations in Canada.
Ms. Brisebois is a native of Montreal, Quebec and now resides in Toronto, Ontario.

Patrick Brophy

eCommerce Product Manager
Moneris

Patrick Brophy is an ecommerce Product Manager at Moneris, dedicated to driving ecommerce capabilities for businesses through product innovation, education and community outreach. As commerce is becoming increasingly digital, Patrick looks to introduce solutions that allow businesses to easily and securely accept payments across environments. Patrick is a Certified Payments Professional through the Electronic Transactions Association with over 13 years of experience in the payments industry managing online, mobile and digital commerce solutions. Prior to joining Moneris, he was product manager at Vantiv, and previously, the National Processing Company.

Andy Buchanan

Director of Profit Protection
Rexall

As the Director of Profit Protection with Rexall Pharmacy Group Andy leads the teams focused on both traditional Loss Prevention and also Internal Audit . Andy is a multi-talented executive with over 25 years of retail loss prevention experience ranging from Big Box, Grocery, Apparel, Pharmacy and Specialty retailers. He has successfully investigated and aided in the prosecution of several multi-million dollar ORC/Complex Fraud cases. Andy has had successes in both Asset Protection and Operational functions and while with Home Depot of Canada was chosen to serve in the capacity of process improvement advisor as the only Ex Pat on the ground for Home Depot in China. He has served the industry for more than two decades and his skill set encompasses Human Resources, Operations, Safety, Enterprise Risk Management, Privacy, Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery and Loss Prevention, which he has employed successfully throughout North America and Asia. While at Mark’s, Andy was twice recognized with the Retail Council of Canada Excellence In Retailing Award – Loss Prevention Category in both 2012 and 2015 for programs developed under his leadership. His experience in ORC has gained him the respect and partnership of retailers and law enforcement partners on both sides of the border.

Michael Castro

Senior Director, Information Security and Risk Management
Loblaws Companies Ltd

Michael Castro currently holds the role as Senior Director, Information Security and Risk Management for Loblaw Companies Ltd. With over 18 years in Information Security, and over 20 years overall in IT, Mr. Castro’s diverse background has provided him the opportunity to balance cyber, security and business while providing governance that addresses risk to the organization, in accordance with the business model. Prior to joining Loblaw Companies, Mr. Castro has held numerous Senior Info and Cyber Security roles in the areas of Oil & Gas, Finance, and Retail. Michael Holds a Bachelor’s degree from McMaster University and a Masters in Business Administration and IT Management from Athabasca University. He also carries designations for CISSP, CISA, CISM and C|CISO.

Michael Coladipietro

CPP, Director, Risk Management
Longo Bros. Fruit Markets Inc.

Michael has been active in the security and loss prevention industry since 1998, having worked in various organisations including the Canadian Forces, Starbucks and Canada Post. Michael currently leads the risk management portfolio at Longo Brothers Fruit Markets, where he is responsible for Asset Protection, Emergency Management, and Business Continuity programs. Michael holds a Certified Protection Professional designation from ASIS.

Grant Connelly

Loss Prevention Manager, TSC Stores L.P.
Advisory Committee

Grant Connelly has over 16 years of Retail Loss Prevention experience with companies such as Hudson’s Bay, Nike Canada, and is currently the Loss Prevention Manager for TSC Stores L.P. responsible for Store Loss Prevention/ Safety & Security, Training, Internal Audit and DC Security. Grant was part of the team awarded the Retail Loss Prevention award by the Retail Council of Canada in 2009.

Dan Demers

Senior Manager of Strategic Business Development
CannAmm

Mr. Demers serves on the executive team, as the senior manager of Strategic Business Development responsible for the sustainable future of CannAmm. By providing trustworthy information, tools, and best practices for occupational testing, he seeks to achieve his mission of effectively and sustainably increasing safety for the benefit workers and their families.

Dean Dolan

Counsel to the Toronto Office
Baker & McKenzie

Dean Dolan is Counsel to the Toronto office of global law firm Baker & McKenzie. Previously, he was in-house counsel at Walmart Canada Corporation, where he held the position of Vice-President, Associate General Counsel, and Privacy Officer, and was the senior lawyer responsible for data privacy, litigation, and employment and labour law matters. Mr. Dolan is a well-known and highly regarded privacy practitioner in the Canadian in-house legal and privacy professionals community. Mr. Dolan has served on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Bar Association’s Privacy Law Section, the Advisory Board of the Conference Board of Canada’s Chief Privacy Officer’s Council, the Executive of the Retail Council of Canada’s Privacy Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers. He is an author, and frequent speaker on privacy, labour and employment, and litigation matters.

Rita Estwick

Director, Enterprise Security Development
Canada Post

Rita Estwick is with Canada Post Security & Investigation Services. In her capacity as Director, Enterprise Security Development, Rita is responsible for mitigating risks and creating positive customer experiences through collaborative partnerships, education and security thought leadership. Her efforts in establishing strategic partnerships with both the business and law enforcement communities have resulted in her being recognized twice on the cover of Canadian Security Magazine and participation at various educational conferences throughout Canada. As a result of her leadership, Rita was the recipient of Retail Council of Canada’s inaugural Retail Loss Prevention Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2015.

Kevin Gordon

Assistant Vice President, Strategic Risk Practice
Marsh Risk Consulting

Kevin Gordon is a consultant in the Strategic Risk Practice for Marsh Risk Consulting specializing in Operational Risk and Business Continuity. In this role, he supports clients with identifying risks to operations and developing business continuity capabilities to help ensure the resiliency of their organizations.

Tony Hunt

General Manager of Loss Prevention
London Drugs Limited

Tony Hunt is the General Manager of Loss Prevention for London Drugs Limited. Tony’s team at London Drugs is responsible for physical security, asset protection, internal investigations, distribution and supply chain security, online fraud prevention, and business continuity. Most recently, he has been leading an Emergency Community Response to the British Columbia Wildfires for London Drugs. In addition to his role at London Drugs, he is also responsible for the security programs within some affiliated companies. Tony is the Director of Security for London Air Services and London Aviation Centre, and the Director of Security for Sonora Resort and Conference Centre.

Ron Kornblum

Director of Corporate Security
Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Ron Kornblum, Director of Corporate Security for Loblaw Companies Limited has worked within the Loss Prevention industry for 25 years. Ron first began his career with Zellers Inc. and worked progressively over the next 11 years with The Hudson Bay Company in a variety of Loss Prevention roles. In 2003, Ron joined Indigo Books and Music as a Regional Director of Loss Prevention and was a senior member of the team awarded the Retail Loss Prevention award by the Retail Council of Canada in 2006. Since then, Ron has held the role of Regional Loss Prevention Manager for Old Navy managing their Canadian market and prior to joining Loblaw, Ron held the role of Director, Loss Prevention and Corporate Security for Walmart Canada where he oversaw the Training and Development, Product Protection, Profit Improvement and the Corporate Security and Investigation teams. Ron is a Certified Forensic Interviewer, Certified Fraud Examiner and has completed studies in Law and Security with Sheridan College, Cyberspace Security with Georgian College and most recently, Ron has achieved Black Belt status in Lean Six Sigma with Schulich School of Business.

Maria Kouryleva

Ecommerce Transportation Manager
Walmart Canada

Maria joined Walmart Canada in 2011, as a key member of the launching inbound team and Ecommerce fulfillment center operations in Toronto. In 2012 she was promoted to Transportation Manager where she played a key role in building the last mile delivery vision and execution plans for Walmart.ca. Maria has helped develop and create a number of programs for Walmart.ca such as parcel delivery lockers, GTA private fleet, and northbound cross dock. Prior to joining Walmart Canada, Maria had spent 8 years in international logistics and supply chain. She has held various roles primarily concentrating on international logistics, customs clearance, and customer service.

David S. Lipkus

Partner
Kestenberg Siegal Lipkus LLP

Mr. Lipkus manages all internet based counterfeiting investigation and enforcement for Kestenberg Siegal Lipkus LLP. He also conducts web based training of law enforcement throughout the year on behalf of several brand holders. He is active in educating law enforcement, customs, investigators and others about the impact of piracy/counterfeiting; particularizing ways in which to distinguish between authentic and pirated\counterfeit products; outlining techniques to assist law enforcement in obtaining criminal search warrants; and assisting law enforcement on behalf of brand owners in identifying and prosecuting criminal cases.

Cynthia Mathieu

Professor
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Cynthia Mathieu is Professor of Organizational Behavior, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. She consults with organizations and teaches on topics relating to dark personalities in the workplace, employee selection, organizational fraud and leadership. She has published empirical research on leadership, narcissism and psychopathy in the workplace.

James McKay

President
The AVLECA Group Inc.

Jim McKay is President of The AVLECA Group, a boutique consulting firm based in Oakville, Ontario. As a trusted advisor to executives and leaders in industry, his firm helps clients develop strategy, deliver programs and drive engagement, connecting the dots from the shop floor to the board room. Prior to founding AVLECA, Jim spent over five years as a supply chain executive at Walmart Canada, with leadership positions in End to End Supply Chain Strategy and Transportation. At Praxair, Jim led various teams ranging from logistics, product management, continuous improvement and industrial sales.

Patrick Menke

Director of Integrated Resources
Tyco Retail Solutions

Patrick Menke has over 27 years of experience supporting retail customers with Loss Prevention Solutions. He provides strategic planning, consultative sales and technical leadership to our retail customers and the retail teams globally. He has held several roles such as a Field Technical Support Manager supporting the service and sales team with technical solutions and training. Patrick went on to be a Sales Engineer, designing and sourcing large, integrated video and EAS systems. Today, Patrick leads a team of Sales Engineers and Network System Application Managers as the Director of Integrated Solutions, supporting our sales professionals in the design of integrated video and EAS solutions. He is also responsible for researching the market to bring the most innovation services and solutions to our customers.

Gary Newbury

Last Mile Logistics Expert
Supply Chain Logistics

Gary specialises in strategic transformation within Retail Logistics. He is recognised as a visionary in “Last Mile Logistics”, the most complex area within retail supply chains. His 30-year experience is notable for rapidly transforming underperforming distribution networks and developing competitive advantage, driving growth and customer loyalty. As a leader within high growth B2C channels, he’s occupied several Interim C level roles, including leading one of Europe’s largest home delivery companies, serving many UK retailers including Amazon. Gary holds two Cranfield University Master Degrees. By profession, he is a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant. Recently, he earned CITT’s award for top academic standing, and is currently taking a Retail Management Certificate at Ryerson University. Thirty years ago, he moved into Retail Logistics to work on the largest non-grocery outsourcing programs of that era, and then headed up one of the fastest growing asset based 3PLs of the 1990s before setting up his practice helping companies accessing retail markets transform their operations and performance. Gary is on contract with Gordon Food Service, working on their Canadian Last Mile Strategies through to end of May.

Augustin Nguyen

National Retail Lead - Analytics Solutions Specialists
SAS Canada

Augustin is the National Retail Lead for Retail solutions at SAS Canada. He has 20 years of professional experience in the design and the implementation of mission critical solutions in the retail and distribution sector. Over the years, he has contributed to the success of many large scale enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation projects where he occupied leadership and advisory roles. In his current role at SAS, Augustin focuses on leveraging technology and advanced analytics to design solutions for retail customers spanning many business units, including: Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance and Operations. He also assists retailers to leverage technology and advanced analytics to combat shrink and prevent fraud.

Stephen O’Keefe

Loss Prevention Expert & Special Advisor
Retail Council of Canada

Stephen O’Keefe works with Retail Council of Canada to advise on the many aspects of loss prevention affecting shrinkage and profitability for retailers. He has 30 years of experience working directly with some of the largest retailers in Canada. Stephen held the role of Vice President of Loss Prevention and Risk Management with Walmart Canada, and was also a key member of a Global team dealing with Mergers and Acquisitions which exposed him to many different countries and in turn different Loss Prevention programs and philosophies. Stephen acts as an advisor to the Loss Prevention network of professionals in areas such as refund fraud, organized crime, restorative justice and the various legislative issues that come up over time.

Colin Peacock

Group Strategic Coordinator
ECR Community and OSA Group

Colin is the Group Strategy Coordinator for the ECR Community Shrinkage & On Shelf Availability Group. He holds a similar post in America with the RILA (Retailers Industry Leaders Association) Asset Protection Leaders Council. Prior to these appointments, Colin had a thirty-year career at Gillette and Procter & Gamble, where in his last fifteen years he held responsibility for the global leadership of their on-shelf availability, brand protection and shrink prevention capability. In this role, he was responsible for delivering new thief, counterfeiter, shopper and store manager insights, an innovation pipeline of new solutions, including RFID, and profit improvement projects.

Rui Rodriguez

National Director, Asset Protection
Holt Renfrew

An accomplished bilingual Loss Prevention & Security Executive with over 20 years of progressive experience within fast paced global Retail organizations, operating in multiple streams of business including retail store fronts, Online and Distribution network. Proven performance in linking corporate vision with department deliverables through empowerment and development of people and programs and utilizing process and technology to deliver best in class results and regularly achieving or exceeding results, reducing risk and improving the profitability of the organization. A strong motivator known within the industry for effective leadership and innovative thinking with a strong ability for building effective teams and sustainable programs.

Chief Saunders

Chief of Police
Toronto Police Service

Chief Saunders was appointed the 10th Chief of the Toronto Police Service on May 20, 2015. The City of Toronto is a vibrant diverse city covering 636 square kilometers with a diverse population of more than 2,600,000 people. The Toronto Police Service employs over 5300 police officers and 2700 civilian employees and has an annual budget nearing $1 billion dollars. It is the largest municipal police service in Canada and 5th largest in North America. During his 32-plus year policing career, Chief Saunders has had extensive investigative experience in Professional Standards, Urban Street Gang Unit, Intelligence Services, Drug Squad, Community Safety Command, the Emergency Task Force and served as the Unit Commander of the largest Homicide Squad in Canada.

Gordon Smith

National Accounts Manager (Canada)
Hikvision

With 20+ years of enterprise security experience, Gordon is acknowledged for his well-defined understanding of the video business. His interface and capacity to identify and align clients' emerging technology needs with products and services, offers a unique skill set that aligns with Hikvison Canada’s Enterprise Team. His successful and diverse background in Retail’s operational management, service delivery, and business-development disciplines underscores his expertise in engaging decision makers and devising winning sales strategies and solutions. Gordon’s uncompromising ethics and transparent communications underpin his business-focused value propositions that leverage competitive advantages via top quality service. His skills in optimizing team dynamics, uniting diverse agendas to common goals, and harnessing strategic and operational drivers to deliver results is what makes him a respected expert in Retail Security.

James Turner

National Strategic Manager
The New ADT Canada

James Turner has had a very exciting security career for the last thirty nine years. He was a federal agent with National Security, trained in Great Britain with MI6, was a covert operative for over twenty years, worked with Homeland Security for the cross border anti-terrorism programs. He started in the private security industry with Stanley Security and now with the new ADT/Protection 1 companies . He loves the day to day challenges in keeping our great country and its people safe. His enthusiasm and passion for the security industry is contagious and he prides himself in offering new and unique security solutions.

Thank you to all of our 2017 speakers!