David Johnston

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, facilitating engagement across the industry and promoting best practices to include NRF’s annual PROTECT conference. He also provides subject matter expertise involving NRF’s policy initiatives around crime, violence, loss and issues challenging the profitability of retail store operations. 

With over three decades of loss prevention and global security expertise, Johnston holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the University of Massachusetts. His 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, digital and ecommerce fraud and enterprise security risk. Prior to joining NRF, Johnston led the corporate security, fraud and loss prevention functions for Inspire Brands, a global franchisor of several of today’s leading restaurant brands. 

Johnston remains an active leader in the asset protection industry, serving as a board advisor for the Loss Prevention Research Council. A recognized industry advocate, he frequently speaks at professional conferences and industry events on topics related to retail security, asset protection and emerging industry challenges. 

Committed to developing the next generation of asset protection professionals, Johnston serves on the advisory boards for the Loss Prevention Foundation, promoting professional accreditation, and for his local vocational high school’s criminal justice program, educating students on career opportunities in retail and asset protection.