Vice President, Asset Protection & Retail Operations
National Retail Federation
David Johnston is vice president of asset protection and retail operations for the National Retail Federation. In his role, he leads initiatives and member programs focused on asset protection and store operations, facilitating engagement across the industry and promoting best practices and policy initiatives around crime, violence, loss and issues challenging the profitability of retail store operations.
With over three decades of loss prevention and corporate security expertise, Johnston’s experience includes senior roles with global organizations as a practitioner, consultant and solution provider. His experience has afforded him opportunities to engage with many of today’s leading retail, grocery and food service brands across a variety of functions that include asset protection, global security, and digital and ecommerce fraud. He regularly speaks at industry and professional events in support of advocacy and industry issues.
Johnston has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in security studies from the University of Massachusetts.
Monday Jun 8
10:00am - 12:30pm
Texas C, Level 3
Retail executives at the Director level and above are welcome to join the NRF LP Council for a special meeting geared toward leaders in the industry. Come learn the direction of NRF LP initiatives along with special discussions and speakers focused on the future evolution of the LP/AP leader and profession. Discussions will include, leadership and development, enterprise security risk engagement, key advocacy efforts and more. Enjoy lunch and discussion with different levels of leadership and conversation with your peers.
This program is for NRF LP Council members and invited guests only. If you meet the requirements and would like an invitation to this program, please reach out to NRFprograms@nrf.com.
Wednesday Jun 10
10:00am - 10:45am
Texas C, Level 3
Today’s retail landscape is growing more complex, driving a profound shift in which asset protection professionals face both unprecedented opportunity and escalating challenges. The nature of risk itself is changing — retail domains are converging, and loss is expanding well beyond the singular metric of shrink. In this environment, traditional approaches to asset protection are no longer enough. This session brings a global perspective from two points of view on how organizations should be rethinking and rebuilding for greater efficiency and resiliency. Attendees will gain insight into total retail loss across organizational domains, alongside real-world strategies for executive risk management and enterprise security at scale. A key focus will be how artificial intelligence is reshaping retail risk: from predictive analytics, real‑time threat detection, and proactive intervention, to enhance both profit and business resiliency.
Tuesday Jun 9
4:45pm - 5:30pm
CIS Security Solutions Theatre
The NRF Ring of Excellence Award of the Year stands as the pinnacle of recognition for those who champion retail safety in loss prevention, asset protection and cybersecurity. Join us for this celebration of exceptional dedication and unparalleled contributions to the industry.
Wednesday Jun 10
8:00am - 8:45am
CIS Security Solutions Theatre
This dynamic panel brings together leaders from multiple Attorney General offices to explore how states are combating rising retail theft, gift card fraud and organized retail crime. Speakers will highlight innovative partnerships with law enforcement, the retail community and state legislators to distinguish everyday petty theft and larceny from coordinated criminal enterprises driving large-scale losses. Through data sharing, targeted investigations and strengthened legal frameworks, these offices are disrupting sophisticated theft rings while ensuring appropriate responses for lower‑level offenders. Attendees will gain insight into emerging trends, successful cross‑agency collaboration and proven strategies shaping the future of retail asset protection.
