NRF Foundation's List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2018
The NRF Foundation has announced the 27 individuals named to "The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future," two more than last year's list. The honorees represent the best and brightest individuals impacting the retail industry.
“An industry as dynamic as retail needs leaders with a range of talents from creatives to humanitarians to entrepreneurs,” NRF Foundation executive director Ellen Davis said. “Each person on The List embodies these qualities in some way and is helping to steer the retail industry toward a bright future.”
NRF will also recognize Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon as “The Visionary,” an award given once a year to an outstanding retail industry leader with a long record of spearheading change in the industry.
“From risk-taking acquisitions like Jet.com to investing in the future of the industry by prioritizing workforce solutions and spearheading initiatives that empower businesses to be a force for good, Doug McMillon’s leadership has kept Walmart at the forefront of innovation,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
“This is an exciting time to be in retail as customers are more connected than ever," McMillon said. "We’re having fun thinking of new and innovative ways to serve them and to save them not only money, but time,” McMillon said. “I’m proud of the team we have in place and I’d like to thank our associates, because they are the ones serving customers every day and doing the work that is being recognized by the NRF, and for that we are truly humbled.”
"The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2018" is as follows:
Disruptors:
Jeff Barnett – CEO, Commerce Cloud, Salesforce
Adam Goldenberg – Co-CEO, TechStyle Fashion Group
Paul Hennessy – CEO, Vroom
Jeff Kearl – CEO, Stance
Chris McCann –President and CEO, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
Emily Weiss – Founder and CEO, Glossier
Dreamers:
Isabelle and Katherine Adams – Co-CEOs, Paper For Water
Michael Lastoria – Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director, &pizza
Carley Ochs – Founder, CEO and Designer, Bourbon and Boweties
Kate Ross LeBlanc – CEO and Co-Founder, Saje Natural Wellness
Givers:
Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale – Owner and Philanthropist, Gallery Furniture
Brittany Merrill Underwood – Founder and CEO, Akola Project
Karin Norington-Reaves – CEO, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Buddy Teaster – President and CEO, Soles4Souls
Hamdi Ulukaya – Founder, Chairman and CEO, Chobani
Influencers:
Matthew Boss – Managing Director, Equity Research, Consumer Discretionary/Retailing, J.P. Morgan
Amanda Curtis and Gemma Sole – Co-Founders, Nineteenth Amendment
Jonathan Sokoloff – Managing Partner, Leonard Green & Partners
Rob Sweeney – Global Head of Consumer and Retail Investment Banking, Goldman Sachs
Barbara Thau – Contributing Retail Writer, Forbes.com
Power Players:
Mary Campbell – Executive Vice President, Commerce Platforms, QVC, Inc.
James ‘JC’ Curleigh – President, Levi’s Brand
Jane Elfers – President and CEO, The Children's Place, Inc.
Helena Foulkes – Executive Vice President, CVS Health, and President, CVS Pharmacy
Greg Scott – CEO, New York & Company
The honorees will be celebrated January 14, 2018, at the NRF Foundation Gala during NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. Now in its fourth year, the Gala brings together hundreds of industry executives to honor those named to The List and awards scholarships to talented students working to become the next generation of retail leaders. This year's host of the event is Karen Katz, president and CEO, Neiman Marcus Group, Chair, NRF Foundation Board.
Proceeds from the Gala benefit the NRF Foundation, NRF’s nonprofit arm, which is committed to shaping the future of retail talent. The 2018 Gala is expected to raise more than $2.5 million for NRF Foundation programs – including educational and inspirational initiatives, student scholarships and RISE Up, a powerful, industry-backed credentialing program
For more on NRF 2018 be sure to check out RIS’ preview guide here.
