RCC Loss Prevention Conference

Diane J. Brisebois, CAE, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Council of Canada (RCC). She oversees the largest retail association in Canada serving over 45,000 retail establishments including independent merchants, chain stores, mass merchants, big box and online retailers. RCC’s membership covers all segments of the retail market including general merchandise, grocery and pharmacy. Diane joined RCC as its President and CEO in January 1995. Diane has held CEO positions in the not-for-profit sector representing various industries for the past 35 years. Diane has and continues to serve on a variety of Boards across North America. Ms. Brisebois is Immediate Past Chair of the Fair Factory Clearinghouse (FFC), an organization established to enable collaboration between vendors and retailers in assessing and improving workplace conditions globally. Ms. Brisebois is also the Immediate Past Chair and a member of the Executive Committee of the Forum of International Retail Association Executives (FIRAE) which represents retail associations from more than 30 countries brought together to collaborate on issues affecting the retail sector globally. Ms. Brisebois also served for many years on the Board of Covenant House Toronto, on the Board and as Chairman of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation and on the Board and as Chairman of the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.