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Introducing our 2025 Panel Breakfast Moderator and Panelists!

CISO Panel

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Marc Varner 

CISO, Lowe's 

Marc Varner is responsible for the global security strategy and program, ensuring all Lowe’s information assets and technologies are properly protected. He has over 25 years of experience in technology and has expertise in global
cybersecurity strategy, security architecture and process, information security governance and controls and regulatory compliance. Prior to Lowe's, he served as vice
president and global chief information security officer at Yum! Brands, where he was responsible for global cybersecurity and strategic cybersecurity planning. He previously served as vice president and global chief information security officer at McDonald’s. Marc is on the advisory board of a number of leading cybersecurity companies and serves as a global chair for the Cyber Security Collaborative, which he co-founded in 2012. 

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John Scrimsher 

CISO, Kontoor 

John Scrimsher leads a global cybersecurity team responsible for developing strategies and executing all aspects of information and cybersecurity initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, John has built and led security organizations across global companies in the Technology, Automotive, and Retail industries, including iconic brands such as HP, Oracle, General Motors, and Wrangler & Lee Jeans
John has held the CISSP certification since 2004, obtained his MBA From Wake Forest University and is Directorship Certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD.DC)

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Dane Jones

CISO, Paycor

Dane Jones is a transformational cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience driving impactful change in business velocity and security. Respected for reducing security-related friction and modernizing legacy systems, Dane excels at building high-performing teams and creating cultures of excellence in information security. With a strong sense of accountability and ownership, Dane has a proven track record of leveraging technology to strengthen enterprise risk posture and optimize cybersecurity operations. He’s an expert in building scalable teams, products, and solutions while advising C-Level executives on strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and efficiency improvements.

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Margarita Rivera

CISO, Carnival Corporation 

As the Global Chief Information Security Officer of Carnival Corporation, Margarita Rivera brings over 20 years of expertise in safeguarding digital ecosystems for Fortune 50 and Fortune 200 companies across diverse industries. Her leadership has been pivotal in implementing cutting-edge cybersecurity frameworks, fostering a culture of security, and ensuring adherence to international standards across the organization. In her role as Global CISO, Margarita oversees the enterprise-wide information security strategy, aligning it with Carnival’s mission and global operations.

Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, Margarita empowers her teams and cultivates a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Her extensive expertise spans the design of advanced cybersecurity frameworks, management of complex incident response protocols, and the protection of critical operations, positioning her as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity field. 

Margarita holds a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida International University. She is also certified as a C-CISO, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, and CIPT. A recognized thought leader, author, and speaker, Margarita has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Authentic Leadership Award from the National Diversity Council. In her personal life, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and exploring culinary and cultural experiences.

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Eli Edelkind 

CISO, Cava

Eli Edelkind is a technology and cybersecurity Leader with over 20 years of experience building high-performance tech teams, delivering best in class solutions, reducing risk, and maintaining a high level of reliability. He is currently the Chief Information Security Officer for CAVA. In this role, he leads the team protecting the CAVA brand from cyber compromise and reducing the impact of cyber incidents, so they can continue to bring heart, health, and humanity to food. Previously he spent 8 years at Lowe’s Companies holding various cybersecurity roles, worked at L3Harris, and spent 12 years in numerous roles in the Marine Corps on active and reserve duty. He received a Bachelor of Science in information technology and national security affairs from the United States Naval Academy, an MBA, and a certificate in space systems operations. 

Moderator

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James Kimble

Sr. Dir, Lowe's

James Kimble is an accomplished IT and cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience driving strategic security initiatives and operational excellence. As the Senior Director of Enterprise Security Architecture at Lowe’s, James leads a global team responsible for securing applications and infrastructure across one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. He collaborates with executive leadership to align security strategies with business objectives, ensuring innovation while managing risk.

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