Florida’s retail sector spans national e-commerce platforms, grocery chains, automotive retailers, and specialty brands that process enormous volumes of customer transactions and payment data every day. Protecting these systems requires cybersecurity leaders capable of balancing security, customer experience, and operational speed. The professionals below represent security executives helping strengthen risk management, protect consumer trust, and safeguard digital retail infrastructure across Florida.
Chris Bitner — Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, The Winn-Dixie Company
Chris Bitner serves as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at The Winn-Dixie Company, where he oversees information security strategy, governance, and enterprise risk management for the grocery retail chain. His responsibilities include protecting customer payment systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening security frameworks across the organization.
Bitner is known for aligning cybersecurity initiatives with business strategy while fostering collaboration across executive leadership and operational teams. His background includes deep expertise in compliance, governance, PCI standards, and incident response within complex enterprise environments.
Chip Regan — Chief Information Security Officer, AutoNation
Chip Regan is Chief Information Security Officer at AutoNation, where he leads cybersecurity operations for the automotive retail giant. His role includes overseeing enterprise information security strategy, infrastructure protection, and risk management programs supporting thousands of employees and locations.
Regan brings more than two decades of experience across government, consulting, and private industry. A retired U.S. Air Force information technology officer, he has previously led security programs at organizations including General Motors and JM Family Enterprises, building enterprise security teams and implementing large-scale security architectures.
Edward Konop — Information Technology Security Lead, Chico’s FAS, Inc.
Edward Konop serves as Information Technology Security Lead at Chico’s FAS, Inc., where he focuses on protecting enterprise systems and customer data across the retail apparel company’s technology infrastructure. His work includes overseeing security operations, incident response, and risk mitigation programs.
Konop is recognized for building collaborative security teams and translating complex technical risks into actionable insights for business leadership. His approach emphasizes proactive threat monitoring, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of enterprise security posture.
Protecting Florida’s Retail Infrastructure
Retail organizations face a unique cybersecurity challenge: they must protect financial transactions, customer data, and digital storefronts while operating at massive scale and speed. The leaders featured here represent cybersecurity professionals helping retail companies across Florida strengthen defenses, maintain compliance, and build trust with millions of customers.
For a look at cybersecurity leaders advising organizations on governance, risk management, and compliance strategy, explore Cybersecurity Leaders to Watch in Florida’s Business Consulting Industry.