Optic Security Group innovation leader named first-ever New Zealander in security Top 40

In a first for New Zealand, Optic Security Group’s Auckland-based Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director has been named in Life Safety Alliance’s Top 40 Thought Leaders in Security & Life Safety 2025.

Nicholas Dynon, Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director.

Optic Security Group’s Auckland-based Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director Nicholas Dynon has been named in Life Safety Alliance’s Top 40 Thought Leaders in Security & Life Safety 2025 – the first time ever that a New Zealander has been named in the prestigious list.

This year’s Top 40 list includes thought leaders representing over a dozen countries and from across life safety, physical security, cybersecurity, risk management, loss prevention, and intelligence. Three Australians were named among the listees.

“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.”

Candidates were scored by a committee against such factors as number of conference presentations delivered, webinar and podcast appearances, LinkedIn reach, journal articles authored, media commentary published, and volunteer leadership positions held in the twelve months from 01 May 2024 to 30 April 2025. 

“What we know at Optic Security Group is that it takes years of hard work to become an overnight sensation,” said Optic Security Group Managing Director Mike Cunningham. “That is true at all levels of Nick’s work, his dedication, and his approach to client engagement.

“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,” he said. “Well done, Nick, we at Optic are all very proud of your achievement.”

The publication late last year of Nick's research into the public acceptability of facial recognition technology across varied security and surveillance deployments was a key factor in his Top 40 listing. Published in the peer reviewed National Security Journal, his findings appeared in media articles internationally, including a translation in the Japanese press.

The listing also recognised Nick’s service across a range of voluntary leadership roles, including as secretary of the ASIS International New Zealand chapter, member of the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA) Security Consultant Special Interest Group, and co-founding organiser of the annual Women in Security Awards Aotearoa.

“I am honoured and humbled to be named among this esteemed group of security professionals,” said Nick. “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.”

“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.”

“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.”