James Kimble serves as the Senior Director of Enterprise Security Architecture, where he is instrumental in orchestrating collaboration with executive leadership and key stakeholders to establish and sustain strategic frameworks for securing applications and infrastructure. He is tasked with the role of guiding the mission, vision, strategy, and tactical direction of the Business Information Security Officers (BISO) and Enterprise Security Architecture teams. These teams are pivotal in advising business and technical leaders on optimizing information technology to drive their business objectives forward, all while mitigating overarching risks.

James embarked on his 30+-year career beginning with the United States Air Force (Tennessee Air National Guard), shortly after graduating high school, serving as an Aeromedical Evacuation Specialist during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His career trajectory in Information Systems, Technology, and Cybersecurity has been both rich and varied, commencing in the banking and fintech sectors, then advancing to significant roles with the primary contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency, and subsequently with the largest Carpet Co-op (Retailer) in the United States.

James co-founded a VoIP enterprise, where he served as the Vice President of Operations and Chief Technology Officer, spearheading the company’s growth and successfully taking the company public. His expertise in IT, Security and VoIP was further leveraged in the development and support of call centers for Asurion. Prior to his current leadership role at Lowe’s, James made substantial contributions during his 11-year tenure at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, culminating in his recruitment by Lowe’s to establish the Enterprise Security Architecture and BISO organizations.

James' career is characterized by a synergistic blend of deep technical proficiency and strategic business acumen, qualities that have been integral to the high-caliber execution of his responsibilities at Lowe’s.

CISSP & C|CISO

Highly accomplished and visionary Information Security and Technology Executive with a proven track record of delivering transformational security strategies and solutions that drive business value in the Retail and Hospitality sectors. With over 18 years of leadership experience, I bring a deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, IT architecture, and IT operations, coupled with hands-on knowledge of Tier 1 PCI-DSS compliance. My focus is on enabling organizations to manage risk while ensuring that security supports, rather than hinders, business velocity.

I am recognized for my ability to lead cross-functional teams, align security initiatives with business goals, and collaborate effectively with C-level executives and stakeholders. I have extensive experience in assisting organizations during mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and efficiency improvements, with a relentless focus on operational excellence and risk reduction.

Key strengths include the development of high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, credibility, collaboration and building strong relationships between security functions and business units. I am passionate about leveraging technology to enhance enterprise risk posture, optimize cybersecurity operations, and create scalable, secure solutions that propel organizations forward.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic IT and Security Leadership
• Cybersecurity and Risk Management
• Enterprise Security Architecture and IT Solutions
• PCI-DSS, NIST, ISO 27001, and Global Security Frameworks
• Cloud Security and DevSecOps
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures
• Executive Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
• Data Breach Response and Regulatory Compliance
• Global Privacy and Data Security Regulations
• Leadership, Team Building, and Mentorship
• Budgeting, Financial Planning, and Cost Optimization

I have a proven ability to design and implement cybersecurity programs that meet the highest standards while aligning with business objectives, positioning me as a strategic partner to the C-suite.

Specialties: Leadership, IT Security & Compliance, Risk Management, Security Architecture, Executive Collaboration, PCI-DSS, SOX, ITGC, NIST, CIS, CISSP, C|CISO, CIPP.