The National Retail Federation (NRF) has revealed the recipients of the 2025 NRF PROTECT Awards, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to retail safety in areas such as loss prevention, asset protection, and cybersecurity.

The awards ceremony will take place on 24 June during the NRF PROTECT conference in Grapevine, Texas.

Experienced leaders honoured for asset protection and loss prevention

The prestigious Ring of Excellence Award was presented to five seasoned professionals recognised for their long-standing impact on retail loss prevention and asset protection.

 Among the recipients is Tony D’Onofrio, President of Sensormatic Solutions, noted for pioneering loss prevention innovations and advocating for stronger laws to combat organised retail crime.

Paul Jones, Senior Vice President of Sales at Gatekeeper Systems, was also honoured for his work in launching major programmes like eBay and PayPal’s PROACT loss prevention initiative, as well as his ongoing role in mentoring future talent.

Randy Meadows, formerly Senior Vice President of Loss Prevention at Kohl’s, was recognised for his extensive career improving shrink reduction and safety across multiple retail brands.

Kathleen Smith, retired Vice President of Asset Protection from Safeway, was acknowledged for overseeing loss prevention at thousands of stores and distribution centres, and for her involvement with several industry councils and advisory boards.

Cybersecurity leadership awarded amid rising digital threats

The NRF Retail Cybersecurity Leadership Award went to Diane Brown, Vice President of IT Risk Management at Ulta Beauty.

Brown has played a pivotal role in expanding Ulta Beauty’s information security team and has actively contributed to the NRF IT Security Council since its inception in 2014, serving as chair since 2022. She is also a board member of the Retail and Hospitality ISAC (RH-ISAC).

Christian Beckner, NRF Vice President of Retail Technology and Cybersecurity, highlighted Brown’s expertise in addressing cybersecurity challenges in retail and her role in educating peers on the importance of robust digital security measures.

NRF protect conference to spotlight retail safety and security

The NRF PROTECT conference, scheduled for 23 to 25 June at the Gaylord Texan Resort, will gather retail security professionals and industry leaders to discuss current trends in loss prevention, asset protection, and cybersecurity.

The event serves as a key platform for sharing best practices and innovations aimed at improving retail safety for employees, consumers, and communities.

The 2025 NRF PROTECT Awards underscore the ongoing efforts of retail professionals to safeguard the sector in an increasingly complex security landscape.

This announcement comes as retail businesses continue to prioritise loss prevention and cybersecurity in response to evolving threats, reflecting the industry’s commitment to creating secure shopping environments across the UK and internationally.