Kesara Kumaraperuma
National Retail Loss Business Partner
Myer

Assault and aggressive events in a retail landscape

A look at causes, case studies and some actionable steps to create a safer retail environment

In this presentation Kesara addresses the issue of assaults and aggressive events in the retail landscape, focusing on protecting both people and profits. We will review current statistics, examine causes, and identify contributing factors. Effective prevention and protection strategies, including training, security measures, policies, and technology solutions, will be discussed. Real-life case studies will highlight successful implementations. The presentation will conclude with actionable steps to create a safer retail environment.

Kesara comes from a legal background and has experience in governance and advisory roles prior to joining Myer. Currently, Kesara serves as the National Retail Loss Business Partner at Myer. In this dynamic role, Kesara spearheads transformative strategies in retail operations, focused on protecting people and profit. Their responsibilities encompass strategic planning and oversight of critical initiatives that align with Myer’s overarching goals, with a primary focus on operational efficiency and governance. Kesara works closely with Myer’s leadership team and stores to identify and maximize opportunities, supporting the delivery of the Customer First Strategy in line with Myer’s financial imperatives.

Top 100 Global Retail Influencer and Founder of the Retail Risk Conference Series, Paul Bessant, presents…

Paul Bessant’s THE RISK FACTOR

Paul Bessant
Founder
Retail Knowledge

Suzanne Frazer
Regional Security and LP Manager
Amazon

Rob Evans
Group Risk Manager
Forever New Clothing

Alex van Diggelen
Regional Profit Protection Manager
Myer

Daren Ng
VP & General Manager – Asia Pacific
Sensormatic Solutions

Paul Bessant’s The Risk Factor

Paul will be joined live on stage by arguably some of the most important and inspiring risk managers in Australian retail today:

Rob Evans
Rob started in Loss Prevention in the UK. He worked 10 years for Burberry, his last role there was a Senior Manager for Asset and Profit Protection overseeing Asia Pacific. Rob is currently Global Group Risk Manager for Forever New, having spent time at the Brandbank group and JD Sports since leaving Burberry.

Suzanne Frazer
Suzanne is a seasoned expert with over 25 years in Loss Prevention, Security, Risk, and Investigations. As a Regional Loss Prevention and Security Manager at Amazon, Suzanne’s insights and experiences are invaluable. She’s a driving force behind Amazon’s Women in Security Affinity group, uplifting and inspiring female talent in the risk industry. Suzanne’s role as the APAC POC for Amazon’s global training programs, including Women in Leadership and Together Becoming Allies, further solidifies her commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is also a passionate advocate for men’s mental health supporting Movember.

Alex van Diggelen
Alex is Regional Profit Protection Manager at Myer where he manages the fraud and intelligence operations, the investigations group, loss prevention and security projects and service delivery. He is also the lead for Myer’s RFID strategy and operations.

Daren Ng
Daren has lead the Sensormatic Solutions APAC business since 2018.

He has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership, sales and product management, having worked in the Retail Technology industry for companies like HP, NCR, SAP and Motorola, based out of various geographical locations across the Asia Pacific region.

Strategic in thinking and hands-on in execution, he has led culturally diverse teams trail-blaze new solutions to achieve explosive growth, through direct sales teams and indirect channel partners alike.

An inspirational leader who leads by example, his infectious enthusiasm for constant improvement is a catalyst for change, both organisationally and individually. His indefatigable call to improvement stems from his belief that “the best is yet to be”, shaping his “High D/I” management style.

A graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Computer Science, Daren currently resides in Singapore with his wife and two adult children, where you can often find him in the saddle of his mountain bike on the trails of Bukit Timah hill.

Make sure not to miss this great start to the conference…

Cynthia Grizzle
VP Asset Protection
Family Dollar

Tackling ORC at Family Dollar

Cynthia offers a US perspective in the fight against Organized Retail Crime

In her presentation Cynthia will explore:

• The challenge and how is it affecting the business
• Their strategy and action plan
• Successes
• Learning points.

As a visionary and innovative cross-functional partner, Cynthia has earned a reputation for investing in people—achieving alignment through clear and concise communication to connect the dots and help teams see the synergy between their actions and performance results. Driving Asset Protection excellence throughout her career with Foley’s Department Stores, Macy’s, and Family Dollar, Cynthia has consistently propelled strong P&L performance through effective shortage reduction programs, merchant collaboration initiatives, people programs, and training and communication initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Social Sciences in Criminal Justice and Psychology and is a Master of Business Administration Candidate, both from the University of North Texas. 

Stuart Forsyth
National Security Manager
Coles

Mike Greenwood
Police Officer
South Australia Police

Katarina Demasi
Security Administrator (ORC)
Drakes Supermarkets

Tackling ORC in Australia and internationally

A panel discussion on the latest exciting initiatives in Australia with insights from the US

Mike Greenwood
Originally from Leeds, West Yorkshire, Mike immigrated to Australia with his family in 2011. He joined the South Australian Police in 2013 and after time at both uniform patrol and district policing moved on to Investigations and project SHIELD.

In 2022 Mike was assigned to Operation Measure which was an initial three-month trial to target recidivist theft offenders and Organised Retail Crime.

Since its initial set up in 2022 Operation Measure has since won best Policing – Retailer collaboration awards at the 2022 and 2023 Retail Risk and is continuing to work alongside retailers and loss prevention leads to tackle organised retail crime in South Australia.

Katarina Demasi
Katarina is Security Administrator at Drake Supermarkets. She has over 18 years of experience in the Retail Industry, two time Fraud Awards winner and an extensive background in Security & Loss Prevention, focusing on ORC.

Cynthia Grizzle
Cynthia is VP Asset Protection at Family Dollar in the US. She has earned a reputation for investing in people—achieving alignment through clear and concise communication to connect the dots and help teams see the synergy between their actions and performance results.

She is adept at leading cultural transformations while developing and championing the execution of national and enterprise-wide strategies that improve processes, drive collaboration, and achieve company objectives.

Throughout her career, I have gained significant experience working for a multi-unit, high-volume retailer with deep roots in loss prevention and asset protection, or security, as well as experience leading, mentoring, and developing a diverse workforce.

Robyn Chatwood
Partner
Dentons

Retail and Artificial Intelligence: emerging risks

Robyn provides insights into the use of artificial intelligence in the retail sector, including some of the emerging risks posed by AI

In her presentation Robyn will explore:

• What is artificial intelligence – getting the terminology and concepts sorted
• The common uses of artificial intelligence in the retail sector and typical practical benefits – covering the variety of advanced solutions in different segments of the value chain (from virtual agents such as chatbots to smart shelves and personalised offers.
  • Emerging risks and challenges associated with AI – the dark side of AI in retail.
  • Key risks relate to data security and privacy – and customer related and ethical concerns.
  • Also covered are some of the more well documented risks including unexpected errors, undetectable attacks and cybersecurity, dynamic pricing and colluding robots, hallucinating machines, discrimination and bias.
  • We discuss how generative AI can facilitate fraud and customer impersonation.
  • Also in focus are the risks of job displacement – a topic that is the subject of debate in the retail sector.
• Some strategies to consider when implementing AI solutions in your retail organisation.

As a technology partner and specialist in privacy and cybersecurity, Robyn is at the frontier of developments in artificial intelligence across borders – acting for many of the world’s largest retailers and sophisticated global organisations.  Robyn has a Bachelor of Economics, Masters of Business Administration, and a is Juris Doctor – and a lifelong fascination with how technology impacts people and business.  This session aims to be informative – but may leave you feeling that the machines are about to take over….

Robyn is an intellectual property and technology lawyer in the world’s largest law firm, Dentons.  She has over 20 years of experience as a lawyer advising on retail risk – and 15 years in commercial roles including managing retail chains and in internal audit in the oil industry.   Robyn advises many of the world’s leading retailers and has transactional experience across over 80 jurisdictions.  She worked from the firm’s London office for many years specialising in international licensing.  Robyn’s focus increasingly is on technology disruption in the retail sector, including relating to many of the loss prevention and security aspects such as artificial intelligence generally, facial recognition tools, and the use of virtual and augmented reality technology.

Craig Greenberg
Chief Commercial Officer
Gatekeeper Systems

Tech against threats: protect employees, customers and brand image

Protect more than merchandise by enhancing team OH&S through innovating Safer Retail Environments

Join Craig as he discusses the rise in violence in retail around the globe and how loss prevention and asset protection technology can be deployed to not only protect merchandise from theft,  but importantly, protect employee, guests and brand image from in-store confrontation, which in today’s environment, is ending too often in violence.

Craig is the Chief Commercial Officer 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.

Robyn Chatwood
Partner
Dentons

Recognise me? FR a retail setting – lessons from recent developments

A round table covering recent retailer experiences in Australia with facial recognition technology

Did you know that scientists have discovered that your breath is as unique as your fingerprint? Nowadays, the biometric landscape covers everything from fingerprints, palm veins, faces, brain (electroencephalogram) and heart (electrocardiogram) signals, DNA, irises and retinas, scent, voice, shape of ears and other measures. Researchers are also examining personal behavioural characteristics such as mouse movement, typing rhythm, signatures and other measurements – coined by the new term behaviometrics.  The new frontier is using potentially more reliable identity verification techniques available by harnessing and collecting biometric identifiers.  Given the race to have more secure systems, it seems natural for businesses to turn to the use of biometrics as a means to authenticate access – however the collection and use of biometric data raises privacy concerns – and a number of other issues about the ultimate use.

In this round table, Robyn Chatwood will lead a discussion on the recent use of facial recognition technology in retail settings in Australia.

• Retailers are trialling the technology to identify potential shoplifters to reduce theft and to protect staff from abusive customers.
• However, concerns have been raised in recent times about other uses of the images – whether for marketing purposes, to monitor customer behaviour or other uses.  High privacy impact technology, such as facial recognition tools, carry significant risk.
• The current privacy laws require retailers to only collect sensitive biometric information if reasonably necessary for their functions or activities, and where they have clear consent.  These laws are set to be amended significantly in the next year.
• Is it time to consider the various approaches to achieve loss prevention and safety goals whether using less intrusive technology or other methods?
• The round table aims to be a thought-provoking session about how to get the balance right between security and privacy in retail.

As a technology partner and specialist in privacy and cybersecurity, Robyn is at the frontier of retail technology developments in across borders – acting for many of the world’s largest retailers and sophisticated global organisations.  Robyn has a Bachelor of Economics, Masters of Business Administration, and is a Juris Doctor – and a lifelong fascination with how technology impacts people and business and how the law needs to evolve to cope with the new retail-tech era.

Suzanne Frazer
Regional Security and LP Manager
Amazon

Women’s leadership in Security

Join Suzanne to discuss how to uplift inspire and empower women in the Security Industry , to retain and promote talent through the use of an affinity group

Suzanne runs the regional affinity group Amazon Women in Security. Join her at this round table to find out more about how the group works and discuss the benefits for your people and business.

Suzanne is a seasoned expert with over 25 years in Loss Prevention, Security, Risk, and Investigations. As a Regional Loss Prevention and Security Manager at Amazon, Suzanne’s insights and experiences are invaluable. She’s a driving force behind Amazon’s Women in Security Affinity group, uplifting and inspiring female talent in the risk industry. Suzanne’s role as the APAC POC for Amazon’s global training programs, including Women in Leadership and Together Becoming Allies, further solidifies her commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is also a passionate advocate for men’s mental health supporting Movember.

Daren Ng
VP & General Manager – Asia Pacific
Sensormatic Solutions

Retail trends and shopper insights 2024/5

A briefing on the latest trends and insights for Retail

Daren will deliver a briefing for retailers, also considering:

1. What you can do about the retail and shopper trends
2. What retail data do you have, and are you looking for to better manage your operations?
3. A guide to better retail operations/data management.

Following his presentation Daren will host a round table for more in-depth discussion of these trends and insights.

Daren Ng

Daren has lead the Sensormatic Solutions APAC business since 2018.

He has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership, sales and product management, having worked in the Retail Technology industry for companies like HP, NCR, SAP and Motorola, based out of various geographical locations across the Asia Pacific region.

Strategic in thinking and hands-on in execution, he has led culturally diverse teams trail-blaze new solutions to achieve explosive growth, through direct sales teams and indirect channel partners alike.

An inspirational leader who leads by example, his infectious enthusiasm for constant improvement is a catalyst for change, both organisationally and individually. His indefatigable call to improvement stems from his belief that “the best is yet to be”, shaping his “High D/I” management style.

A graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Computer Science, Daren currently resides in Singapore with his wife and two adult children, where you can often find him in the saddle of his mountain bike on the trails of Bukit Timah hill.

John Papadimitriou
Director
Safeguard Retail

One size does not fit all

Guiding principles on deploying multi-site security solutions with predictable pricing and effortless timeframe

When your shrinkage problem keeps changing, how do you deploy multi-site security solutions (for small box retail) with predictable pricing and effortless timeframe? Join John for a discussion about a set of guiding principles you can use to work through with your installers to suit your commercial targets. The session will be structured as follows:

The Loss Prevention Manager’s Dilemma

• Not all stores are created equal 
• The Loss Prevention / Profit Protection “ethos” is different between companies
• Each Brand’s departmental heads have goals that need managing
• Speed of resolution (or lack of) feeds the cycle
• There is a smorgasbord of tech out there and one size does not fit all
• All these conspire to make things hard for one type of technology solution to fit all your problem

The 5-step process to clarifying options and selecting the optimal choice

• Define your shrinkage hierarchy and targeted savings
• Work with your installer to provide technical solutions to each problem. Use their other retail customerss knowledge as a feedback loop
• Ask your installer to package price each option for a fixed and flexible national price (whether 5 stores or 100) – this gets rid of “quote time” when urgent things arise
• Optimise the supply chain with your installer so the deployment of packages can be instantaneous

Questions 

Mike Jennings
Reveal Media

Adam Ross
State Manager, Electronic Security
C.R. Kennedy

Body cameras for team safety

Explore the benefits of body cameras in improving safety in stores and practical tips on how to get started

Join representatives from Reveal Media, C.R. Kennedy and a major Australian retailer for an engaging roundtable discussion on the deployment of body-worn cameras (BWCs) to improve team safety. The session will explore how incidents can be reduced using body cameras taking the in-field experience in the Australian market and the practical steps you can take to deploy body-worn video in your organization. The session will explore topics such as building a business case, tackling privacy concerns, and how to ensure user and leader engagement.

Philip Ogden
Regional Sales Manager Australia and New Zealand
March Networks

Saving time and money with intelligent video surveillance

How to utilize advanced analytics and real-time alerts to provide actionable insights

Intelligent video surveillance is not only about enhancing security but also about improving efficiency and increasing profits. These solutions utilize advanced analytics and real-time alerts to provide actionable insights that save time and money. Join Philip at this round table to discuss:

• Technological advancements in video analytics that make surveillance systems smarter, more accurate, and more efficient.
• Real examples of how organizations use these technologies to streamline operations, reduce losses, and improve decision-making processes, demonstrating a clear return on investment.

Cameron Blair
General Manager of Retail
MA Services

Jennifer Locke
Detective Inspector, Criminal Proceeds Squad, Economic Crime Division
Victoria Police

Arresting the issue: enhancing police response to retail crime

A discussion about current police strategies and operations with retailers

Join Jennifer and Cameron to discuss current police strategies and operations with retailers, and how we can work together to generate effective outcomes.

Jennifer Locke
Jennifer has been a member of Victoria Police for 23 years. She was a Detective Senior Constable at the Purana Taskforce during the underworld shootings. That legacy is still playing out with court cases still afoot 15 years later adding to her busy workload.

Jennifer worked as a uniform Sergeant in the Melbourne CBD, before secondments to Melbourne Criminal Investigation Unit investigating serious offences within the Melbourne CBD, followed by a secondment at the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad which investigated cross-border syndicate offending across multiple police divisions within metropolitan Melbourne.

In 2017 she was promoted to Detective Sergeant again at the Purana Taskforce, with a renewed focus on targeting money laundering activities within the State of Victoria. It was here that she found her passion for ensuring the generating of illicit wealth by organised crime groups is disrupted.

In 2019 she was promoted to Detective Senior Sergeant at the Armed Crime Squad. During this time Jennifer assisted Crime Executive with the preparation of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy along with the Illicit Firearm Strategy, both of which are documents visible to the public, which outlines the Victoria Police vision and plan for tackling serious crime.

Jennifer is currently the Officer In Charge of the Criminal Proceeds Squad, Victoria Police. During the 2022/23 financial year $33.3m of offenders’ assets was forfeited to the State of Victoria.

Cameron Blair
General Manager of Retail
MA Services

Chasing the high: factors contributing to offender motivations

Matt Godward
Regional Sales Manager
Verkada

Building an integrated security ecosystem in retail stores

Disparate security tech, operating in silos – what is the answer?

Join Matt at this round table to discuss the challenges of managing today’s security systems and the pros and cons of adopting a one- platform approach. Points to be covered are: 

• The common challenge: Our electronic security ecosystem consists of disparate tech, operating in silos. As a result, our Video Security is not integrated with our Access Control, our Alarm events are not Video Verified by our cameras, our POS and Order Management solutions don’t integrate with our Video Security
• In additional to operational inefficiencies, when a device fails, we are juggling different HW warranties and customer support teams to resolve issues
• The pros and cons of adopting a one platform approach and the impact this can have on maintenance costs for large retail organisations
• We will ask the question – are integrators slow playing the migration to integrated cloud managed platforms, to protect their own revenue streams associated with maintenance, troubleshooting and service agreements?

Matt was Verkada’s first hire in the ANZ region just over three years ago. Today the team in Sydney is 50 strong and still growing! Matt manages relationships with Verkada’s Enterprise Customers, with a particular focus on the retail vertical. 

Rafal Loretz
Business Development Manager
i-PRO APAC

Matthew Terrey
National Sales Manager
i-PRO APAC

Boost your data insights with Edge AI Analytics

Use video intelligence to enhance retail security, shopper insights and operational workflows

A discussion on how to use video intelligence to bolster your data lake insights to add contextual meaning to all forms of customer interactions.  Join Rafal and Matthew to discuss how forward-thinking Edge AI based cctv cameras can benefit the retail environment, enhance security and customer service; and provide open platform video insights to correlate directly with your traditional data insights platforms for intelligent customer management. Including:

• Improving security and data privacy with Secure Edge analytic capabilities
• How Edge Analytics compliment traditional Server-based analytics and data insights platforms.

The trademarks Retail Risk, Gala Dinner and the Fraud Awards are owned and licensed for use by Really Effective Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved.