Dynon is first New Zealander in global Top 40 security leaders

Techday NZ

a day ago

Optic Security Group's Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director Nicholas Dynon has been named to the Life Safety Association's Top 40 Thought Leaders in Security & Life Safety for 2025, becoming the first New Zealander to appear on the list.
Dynon, who is based in Auckland, was recognised alongside security professionals from over a dozen countries, representing diverse sectors including life safety, physical security, cybersecurity, risk management, loss prevention, and intelligence. Three Australians were also included among the listees.
The Top 40 Thought Leaders are selected by a committee based on several criteria, including number of conference presentations delivered, webinar and podcast appearances, LinkedIn reach, authored journal articles, published media commentary, and volunteer leadership positions held over a 12-month period.
Optic Security Group Managing Director Mike Cunningham congratulated Dynon on this achievement. "What we know at Optic Security Group is that it takes years of hard work to become an overnight sensation. That is true at all levels of Nick's work, his dedication, and his approach to client engagement."
Cunningham also highlighted the significance of being the only New Zealander acknowledged in the Top 40, saying, "To be the only New Zealander recognised underscores Nick's commitment to the industry and Optic Security Group's customers across an unmatched service footprint in Australia and New Zealand. Well done, Nick, we at Optic are all very proud of your achievement."
A significant factor contributing to Dynon's inclusion was the international recognition of his research on the public acceptability of facial recognition technology in varied security and surveillance contexts. His work, published in Massey University's National Security Journal, has not only appeared in domestic outlets but was translated and featured in the Japanese press.
Beyond research, Dynon's voluntary leadership roles contributed to his Top 40 placement. He serves as secretary for the ASIS International New Zealand chapter, is a member of the New Zealand Security Association Security Consultant Special Interest Group, and co-founded the annual Women in Security Awards Aotearoa.
Dynon expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating, "I am honoured and humbled to be named among this esteemed group of security professionals. I'm particularly proud to be the first New Zealander to make the list, and I'm confident we'll be seeing more Kiwis recognised in the Top 40 going forward."
He also pointed to the ongoing technology initiatives at Optic Security Group. "We're advancing some exciting work in Optic Security Group in the emerging security technology space, including facial recognition, artificial intelligence, and advanced video analytics," he said. "It's an environment that promotes innovation, thought leadership, and a genuine desire to raise industry standards and take security thinking to new heights."
Dynon acknowledged the support provided by his employer, noting, "Ultimately, I'm grateful to Optic for providing not only an intellectually enriching workplace, but also for encouraging its people to seek opportunities for leadership and service to the industry and community."
In his current role, Dynon oversees operations at the OpticIQ Lab, a division specialising in the development, testing, training, and readiness deployment of analytics and AI-enabled security technologies. The laboratory is led by Vlado Damjanovski, noted for his expertise in CCTV, and operates from Adelaide.
Dynon's recognition marks a milestone not only for Optic Security Group but also for the profile of New Zealand's security professionals on the international stage.