SJA Leaders in Security 2026 Recap
Senior security leaders take center stage in Chicago
Security Journal Americas Senior Editor Alistair Hookway reflects on a memorable and inspiring SJA Leaders in Security Conference 2026.
On 16 July, Chicago set the stage for the SJA Leaders in Security Conference 2026, hosted in association with the Security Innovation Hub. More than 211 senior security professionals gathered at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile for an unmatched program of networking, insights and industry leadership.
Through a dynamic and carefully curated program of quickfire panel discussions, expert-led presentations, interactive workshops and the ever-popular returning fireside chats, delegates representing leading brands – including L’Oréal, McDonald’s, PepsiCo and Colgate-Palmolive – examined the challenges, emerging threats and evolving priorities shaping today’s security landscape.
Throughout the day, they shared insights and practical experiences on the risks, responsibilities and leadership strategies that continue to define the role of the modern security professional. The event also provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences and build meaningful connections with peers from across the Americas’ security industry.
“As threats to organizations grow more complex and interconnected, senior security leaders can’t afford to operate in silos,” explained Alistair Hookway, Senior Editor, Security Journal Americas. “SJA Leaders in Security 2026 has helped bridge that gap by once again bringing together the sharpest minds in security to tackle the most pertinent challenges keeping senior leaders up at night. It was a privilege to play host to the conversations that matter and seeing leading figures make connections that will last.”
Michael Gips, Conference Chair & Managing Director, ESRM at Kroll
“After every security conference, social media lights up with comments like “great event,” “powerful networking,” and “new learnings,” and for good reason.
“But how many elicit these types of (actual) testimonials: “Truly a one of one.” “The only conference I go to now.” “What distinguishes the program is that it encourages positive dissent.” “Put it on your bucket list.” “It left me feeling that I belong in the room with a bunch of brilliant leaders.”
That praise was reserved for SJA Leaders in Security. And we are only just getting started.”
Powerful sessions
The event kicked off with a morning networking reception before opening comments from Ian Stokes, CEO of Centurian Media, and Conference Chair, Michael Gips, Managing Director – ESRM at Kroll.
A thought-provoking Keynote Address from nationally recognized security strategist, researcher and educator Dr. Terry L. Oroszi followed. With over 30 years of cross-sector experience, Dr. Oroszi’s keynote brought fresh perspectives and insights into Artificial Intelligence with the frightening similarities between LLMs and a Magic 8 Ball resonating with the audience.
Following the keynote, the first panel discussion saw RC Miles, Global Director of Security for Bombardier Recreational Products, David Case, Head of Security for NXP Semiconductors, Bruce McIndoe, President of McIndoe Risk Advisory, and Theresa Durham, Chief Security, Safety and Risk Officer of the National Press Club, discuss the pertinent issue of geopolitical instability and the operational challenges that come with it. The discussion highlighted why resilience, preparation and adaptive leadership have never been more important.
Essam Choudhary, Co-Founder and President of the Security Innovation Hub, led the first presentation of the day as he discussed how the gap between innovation and the people responsible for acting on it has become an imposing threat. The presentation highlighted how the use of actual intelligence can allow your team to see clearly, respond faster and make better, more timely decisions.
Essam Choudhary, Founder & CEO, Security Innovation Hub
“The SJA Leaders in Security Conference is truly one of one. A highly curated, invitation only gathering built specifically for senior security leaders to connect, challenge conventional thinking and learn from one another.
“The expert panels were impactful. Each presenter and panelist felt like they were your insider contact breaking down complex topics in actionable ways. The pacing was exceptional. Every voice added something meaningful and thought provoking and every session created an opportunity for real dialogue.”
Testimonaials
“SJA Leaders in Security has been a terrific experience. I attend a lot of conferences and do a lot of speaking. This has absolutely been worth it. Put it on your bucket list.
“It’s smaller, there’s a lot of great engagement and the thing I love is the presentations are shorter and to the point. So, make sure it’s in your calendar and visit next year.”
Bart Brown, Vice President, Global Chief Security Officer – McDonald’s
“This is the only conference I go to now. The networking and education are top-notch. I think what differentiates this conference from the rest is the opportunity for positive dissent. I’ve never been to a conference where you have a room full of senior leaders that can actually have a discussion not just about what ails you, but how you can solve what ails you as well. I love it, I appreciate it.”
Steven Antoine, VP Public Safety and Security – Hornet Sports and Entertainment
“SJA Leaders in Security is a fantastically modern event that prioritizes quick, impactful sessions led by expert speakers and caters to security executives, all while being located in the amazing city of Chicago.
“The ingenious format and engaging sessions have converted me. I’m not sure I can go back to “traditional” conferences.”
Erin Belknap, Managing Director, Security – Sterling Bay
In the next session, Choudhary was joined by fellow panelists Veronica Glick, Partner of Mayer Brown, Dr. Terry Oroszi and Phillip Antoniou, Global Head of Sales & Marketing for Vaxtor Technologies, in a session moderated Kasia Hanson, President of the Global Council for Responsible AI. The group presented new approaches to how security leaders can build human readiness alongside technical capability whilst investing in the soft skills that make adoption stick.
After a number of insightful discussions, the conversations continued beyond the stage as attendees gathered for the first networking break. The day’s networking sessions created a space for delegates to share experiences, discuss common challenges and continue conversations sparked from the conference sessions.
The break was followed by a session moderated by Anderson da Silva, Director & Partner of NSA Global, who led a discussion on how security leaders can reframe near misses as measurable outcomes and how they can translate prevention into business value. Panelists Natalie Bannon, Director of Strategic Alliances at Gallagher Security, Alvar Orellana McBride, Executive Director of Griffin Risk, and Camila Marinho, Security Operations Manager of Security Industry Specialists, brought their own insights on how security leaders can build a more engaged security culture within their organizations.
McDonald’s Vice President and Global Chief Security Officer Bart Brown took to the stage next, drawing on his experience leading security for one of the world’s most recognizable brands to deliver a highly impactful and engaging presentation. He explored the importance of taking a strategic approach to talent mapping, sharing how organizations can identify high-potential professionals early, build structured leadership development pathways and cultivate the cross-functional expertise required of today’s modern CSO.
The next session focused on how futureproofing isn’t about chasing every trend or defaulting to the most convenient answer in the room. Moderator Mark Landry, Chairman of ASIS CSO Center Board, was joined by panelists Bob Wilkins, Director of Marketing & Category Management for Salto Americas, Erin Belknap, Managing Director (Security) for Sterling Bay, Charles “Chuck” Andrews, Founder of Friends of Chuck, and Maureen Carlo, Global Partner Strategist to discuss how futureproofing is instead about making disciplined decisions that preserve fidelity over time.
As attendees enjoyed a buffet-style lunch and made the most of another networking opportunity, preparations were underway for the next panel session – one of the many highlights of the conference.
Conference Chair Michael Gips was joined by co-moderator Christopher Stitt, Found & CEO of CrisisLead, who tasked Danielle Weddepohl, Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management at George Brown College, Harold Wax, Director of Global Security at PepsiCo, and Bart Brown with a crisis scenario they were only informed about during the lunch break. The unique crisis management exercise saw the panelists present their response framework live to the room after being given a short amount of time to come up with a plan. The audience was offered a rare, unfiltered look at how experienced executives actually think, prioritize and lead in real time when information is incomplete, stakes are high and the audience is watching.
Andrea Chedas, Director of Global Security Operations of Canada Goose, led the next session as she spoke with panelists Dora Cortés, Director of Security, Mexico & LATAM for L’Oréal, Lisa Oliveri, Director of the Global Security Operations Center at Twilio and Diego Serpa, Head of Security Brazil at Colgate-Palmolive. The panel highlighted how security leadership demands constant vigilance, high-stakes decisions and unshakeable composure – and how this quietly grinds people down.
In a highly energetic and engaging fireside chat, Keren Amaya, Global Travel Risk Manager of the British Council, spoke with Kit Bartels, Associate Director of SI Placement They focused on how the current job market for senior security leaders is now more competitive than it has been in years. They examined how security executives can sharpen their executive presence, build visibility and how they can translate operational results into a narrative that resonates at board level.
Leading into the post-networking drinks reception, Dora Cortés once more took to the stage to provide the final presentation of the day. She highlighted how there is no competition in security and how peer collaboration acts as a vital force multiplier. A perfect way to close the conference as attendees headed into networking drinks.
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