Khris Hamlin serves as Vice President of Asset Protection & Retail Technology for Retail Industry Leaders Association, where he leads several of the retail industry’s premier executive communities, including the Asset Protection Leaders Council (APLC), Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council, Crime Against Business Committee (CAB), and Workplace Safety Committee (WSC). In this role, Hamlin works at the intersection of asset protection, retail technology, cybersecurity, enterprise risk, and operational strategy, helping retailers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of organized retail crime, workplace violence, cyber threats, AI innovation, supply chain disruption, and enterprise resiliency.
Hamlin is responsible for driving executive collaboration and industry alignment across some of retail’s most critical business challenges. He leads strategic conversations and initiatives focused on emerging technologies, data intelligence, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, retail operations, workforce safety, crisis management, and public-private partnerships. He also plays a key role in shaping the strategy, educational programming, and thought leadership behind the annual Retail Asset Protection Conference, while supporting enterprise-wide initiatives centered on innovation, community impact, and safer retail environments.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and operational expertise, Hamlin partners closely with senior executives across retail, technology, law enforcement, government affairs, and solution providers to identify scalable solutions, strengthen industry partnerships, and advance forward-looking strategies that support business continuity, customer trust, and enterprise-wide operational excellence.
Prior to joining Retail Industry Leaders Association, Hamlin served as Senior Vice President of Asset Protection, Inventory Control, and Distribution Center/Logistics Operations for Saks OFF 5TH in New York. There, he led enterprise-wide strategies across stores, supply chain, and corporate operations, with oversight of risk management, investigations, inventory control, transportation and logistics, distribution center operations, safety, shrink reduction, talent development, and organizational engagement. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, he played a critical role in strategic planning initiatives that enhanced operational scalability, strengthened enterprise performance, and delivered industry-leading business results.
Earlier in his career, Hamlin held progressive leadership roles in asset protection, operations, and store leadership with Nordstrom, Belk, and Macy's, building more than three decades of experience across retail operations, enterprise risk management, leadership development, and customer experience.
Hamlin is also an active leader within International Organization of Black Security Executives (IOBSE), where he serves on the Board of Directors within the role of Secretary. Hamlin supports initiatives focused on mentorship, leadership development, and advancing minority professionals within the security and asset protection industry.
He holds a master’s degree in psychology from University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from George Mason University.
