THE PPFF TEAM
We are delighted to honour the dedicated members of the Profit Protection Future Forum (PPFF) committee, who collectively possess over 250 years of experience in retail loss prevention. As we celebrate 10 years of their ongoing commitment and service to PPFF, we thank them for their invaluable contributions, which safeguard the retail industry and drive innovation and best practices.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NEIL REDFERN
Director & Chairman
Managing Director - Redfern Retail Risk (AU)
Neil Redfern (Diploma Security Risk Mgt & Fraud Risk Mgt) is a Retail Security and Loss Prevention executive, with 30 years of industry experience working for some of Australia's largest and most iconic retailers. Driven to protect businesses against financial loss associated with criminality and other forms of risk directly impacting stakeholders, assets and reputation.
Neil has comprehensive retail knowledge of Total Loss strategies, Compliance Management frameworks, Risk Management, Crime Prevention and Resolution, Physical Security Systems, Merchandise Protection strategies, as well as the end-to-end management of retail profit risk / security professionals. Neil’s vision for Redfern Retail Risk is to become Australia’s leading, trusted and most capable consulting service specialising in effective retail risk management solutions for its clients.
Neil is a professional, disciplined, and structured subject matter expert that is well networked, self-motivated who prides himself on supporting and giving back to his industry of specialisation.
Examples of this include not for profit activities, such as Chairman/Director for the Profit Protection Future Forum ANZ, and Griffith Criminology Institute (GCI), Industry and International Advisory Board Member QLD.
VERONICA DENNER
Director & Secretary
Group Head of Risk & Logistics - APG & Co (AU/NZ)
Veronica Denner is a seasoned professional in the field of loss prevention and risk management within the multi-branded apparel retail industry. As a trusted leader in her field, Veronica has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing comprehensive loss prevention programs tailored to the specific needs of each organization she has worked with. Her proactive approach and strategic mindset have helped her employers reduce shrinkage, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance overall profitability. Throughout her career, Veronica has earned a reputation for her integrity, professionalism, and dedication to excellence. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, her ability to build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, and her unwavering commitment to achieving results. As she continues to make valuable contributions to the retail industry, Veronica Denner remains a trusted advisor and a respected leader in the field of loss prevention and risk management.
MARK BOYD
Director & Treasurer
Head of Global Places & Security - Palo Alto Networks (JAPAC)
Mark Boyd is a highly experienced Corporate and Retail Risk Professional, known for his motivation, resourcefulness, and commercial astuteness. He has built a notable reputation for leading, coaching, and developing teams to achieve high performance. With a strong focus on operational best practices, business continuity, shrink and risk reduction, as well as optimizing business processes to maximize profit, Mark has consistently demonstrated the ability to set clear goals and objectives that drive improvement. Throughout his career, Mark has shown himself to be an innate problem solver, adept at analysing information and situations to make sound judgments while carefully considering risks and outcomes. His proactive approach and ambition, combined with his results-driven nature, have significantly contributed to his success as a change agent within organizations.
PROFESSOR MICHAEL TOWNSLEY
Director & Academic Lead
Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice - Griffith University (AU)
Professor Michael Townsley is a respected criminologist whose PhD research on the infectious nature of burglary risk has influenced the field of spatial criminology. For five years, he led Griffith University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the largest criminology department in Australia, where he prioritized academic excellence and practical applications in crime prevention.
Professor Townsley has held significant roles, including Director and Academic Lead of the Profit Protection Future Forum, focusing on retail crime reduction. Academic positions at UCL and the University of Liverpool support his international experience.
His expertise includes crime analysis and retail crime prevention. Currently, he is developing prevention scripts for retail fraud, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to crime prevention strategies. His work emphasizes data-driven solutions and community engagement, aiming to ensure impactful outcomes.
S T E E R I N G C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S
GLEN FORRESTER
Steering Committee member
Loss Prevention Manager - Foodstuffs (NZ)
​Glen Forrester is a well respected and professional leader with over twenty five years’ experience in Loss Prevention, Investigations, Security and Policing. Glen spent a number of years in Policing and as an investigator where he crafted his skills in law enforcement and as an investigator. Transitioning into the private sector, Glen brought his professionalism and expertise to the realm of corporate security and loss prevention. As an expert in his field, Glen has successfully developed and implemented policies, procedures, and comprehensive security strategies that have significantly recued theft, fraud and risk for the for the organisations he has worked for. Glen’s career is marked by a deep commitment to engage and collaborate with all stakeholders, forming respected and trusted relationships, and the dedication to stay current with emerging trends, technology and best practices. Glen’s vast experience and commitment to excellence makes him a highly respected figure in the field of Loss Prevention and Security.
TARA CONNOLLY
Steering Committee member
Group Loss Prevention Manager - Just Group (AU/NZ)
Tara Connolly (Diploma in Fraud Management & Security Risk) is proud to be a seasoned Loss Prevention Manager with an impressive track record spanning across three decades. She is highly skilled in Trend Analysis, Retail Operations, Risk Management and Merchandise Protection strategies across Multi-channel retail organisations. Throughout her career Tara has designed and implemented comprehensive Loss Prevention strategies that have delivered substantial cost savings for organisations. Tara’s keen eye for detail and exceptional problem-solving skills have consistently delivered remarkable results. Tara prioritises staying at the forefront of industry trends. Her focus and dedication to training and mentoring teams has culminated in a culture of vigilance and accountability within the organisations she has been involved with. With a deep understanding of the ever-revolving landscape of Loss Prevention, Tara is a trusted leader in the field, ready to provide strategic guidance and solutions to protect business assets. Tara won the award for ‘Woman of the Year’ at the 2018 Australian Fraud Awards.
MICHAEL HULME
Steering Committee member
Chapter Lead Profit Protection - The Warehouse Group (NZ)
Mike Hulme is a seasoned retailer with an illustrious career spanning over three decades, marked by his dedication to safeguarding businesses' assets and profit margins. With a wealth of experience garnered from prominent New Zealand retail brands, Mike has emerged as a stalwart in the realms of Loss Prevention, Profit Protection, Risk Management, and Safety.
At the forefront of his role as Chapter Lead in Profit Protection, Mike plays a pivotal part in fostering a secure and safe environment for businesses. His approach combines strategic foresight, deep operational insight, and hands-on implementation to effectively mitigate risks and minimize losses. Through his adept leadership, Mike ensures that businesses not only thrive financially but also uphold high standards of security and integrity.
Mike's expertise extends across various domains, including risk and data analysis, investigations, auditing, emergency response, and conflict resolution. He seamlessly integrates these skills into business decision-making processes, fortifying organizations against potential vulnerabilities and crises.
CARL RICHTER
Steering Committee member
Operational Risk Manager Asia - Cotton On Group (SGP)
Based in Singapore and spearheading operations across the dynamic Asia market, Carl Richter is a distinguished Operational Risk Professional with over 15 years of extensive experience in Retail Operations. Carl's expertise encompasses a comprehensive range of skills, including strategic management, customer engagement, loss prevention, compliance, profit protection, driving sales growth, and fostering cross-functional partnerships. His diverse skill set and profound understanding of the retail landscape have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Asia market while ensuring operational resilience and profitability. A graduate of Kaplan with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, Carl combines academic excellence with practical insights to drive sustainable business outcomes. His proactive approach to risk management and commitment to compliance standards have earned him recognition as a trusted leader in his field.
Carl's strategic vision and customer-centric approach have consistently driven sales growth and enhanced brand loyalty. Moreover, his ability to forge cross-functional partnerships underscores his dedication to building collaborative environments that foster innovation and drive organizational success.
GLENN SINCLAIR
Steering Committee member
Retail and Operational Risk Manager, Mitre 10 (NZ)
Glenn is a retail operational risk specialist who started his working life with the New Zealand Police where he spent most of his 14 years within the Criminal Investigation branch. Since leaving the police he has worked in loss prevention, profit protection, security, and several roles within general operational functions with some of New Zealand biggest retail and property brands.
Glenn’s expertise lies in his knowledge of operational procedures and best practice to reduce stock loss across the retail “buy, move, sell” process. Combined with his extensive history of investigating and reducing loss through external and internal theft, he is well suited to lead loss prevention, profit protection, security, and safety efforts in large retail organisations.
Glenn is a lifetime learner and knows the importance of connections and shared learnings within the safety and security industry. As a member of the New Zealand Crowded Places Committee, NZ Security Forum and the Profit Protection Future Forum, Glenn is well connected within New Zealand and Australia and continues to both share his experience and learn from others.
MATTHEW DICK
Steering Committee member
Head of Stores Risk & Compliance - David Jones (AU/NZ)
Matt Dick is an experienced career professional with over 20 years’ of leadership roles in Retail Operations, Loss Prevention and Security. His career has been marked by steadfast commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing loss, and ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. He has extensive experience managing retail loss prevention operations for one of Australia’s leading department store chains where he is known for exceptional problem-solving skills and leading best in class operational processes. He is known for consistently demonstrating a profound dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. Matt is a trusted and well respected leader in Risk Management and Loss Prevention operations.
NICOLE SMITH
Steering Committee member
Customer Relationship Manager - Checkpoint systems (AU/NZ)
Nicole has 22 year's experience in Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS Systems) and @source tagging. She also has extensive experience with the implementation of RFID in retail, merchandise protection technologies, training and education, customer service, product management, and is a subject matter expert in RF Labels and @source tagging.
Nicole is also the host and producer of the PPFF Podcast, Re-Tales : Conversations with Profit Protection.