Asset protection is evolving beyond its traditional focus on shrink and theft prevention as retail organizations broaden their approach to managing risk. During a panel discussion at the National Retail Federation NRF PROTECT 2026, industry leaders said security teams are increasingly expected to help protect business operations, brand reputation and long-term growth.
Scott McBride, chief global asset protection officer and chief security officer at American Eagle, said the role has shifted from serving primarily as a protective function to becoming a strategic business partner. While responsibilities such as loss prevention, employee safety and asset protection remain essential, he said leaders must also adopt an enterprise risk mindset that supports broader organizational goals.
Panelists noted that recent global events, including the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, workplace violence and growing digital threats, have reinforced the need for organizations to view security risks as business risks. As a result, asset protection leaders are expected to communicate effectively with executive leadership, build cross-functional partnerships, and demonstrate measurable business value.
Several speakers emphasized the importance of learning directly from store teams. Rob Ruiz, vice president of asset protection at Sephora, said spending time in stores and listening to front-line employees helped identify practical solutions that reduced losses without requiring significant investments. He noted that employees closest to daily operations often provide the most effective ideas for improving processes.
Catherine Stasiowski, vice president of loss prevention and safety at Total Wine & More, encouraged teams to focus on incremental improvements while making the most of existing resources. By identifying opportunities with the greatest impact and collaborating across departments, her team generated meaningful cost savings that created momentum for future initiatives.
