Kroger, Walgreens and Walmart executives named to NRF's 'List of People Shaping Retail’s Future'
WASHINGTON — The NRF Foundation, the non-profit arm of the National Retail Federation, on Monday announced the individuals who have been named to The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future. The 25 individuals selected, including Walgreens' Sona Chawla and Kroger's Lynn Marmer, represent power players, disruptors, givers, influencers and dreamers in the retail industry.
Honorees will be recognized during the NRF Foundation’s Inaugural Gala on Jan. 11 at Pier Sixty in New York City. “The List is about recognizing the power players, disruptors, givers, influencers and dreamers who are changing the face of retail — many doing so behind the scenes,” said NRF SVP and Foundation executive director Ellen Davis. “Unlike in any other industry, people interact with retail every single day, and these 25 individuals are making today’s innovative, customer-centric and unique shopping experiences possible, collectively making up one of the most impressive groups of professionals in retail.
After a thorough selection process, 25 individuals were selected in the following categories: Power Players, Givers, Disruptors, Dreamers and Influencers.
"Fearless leaders never shy away from what others may see as insurmountable challenges. These top retail executives have more than just elite status — they have vision, passion and heart," NRF Foundation stated, speaking to the Power Players. "Their forward-looking decisions have a ripple effect across the industry, but they’re not afraid to take risks or push boundaries. They guide, inspire, and, most importantly, challenge us to move beyond the status quo."
This year's Power Players include:
Margarita Arriagada, Chief Merchant, Sephora;
Sona Chawla, president of digital and chief marketing officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance;
Jim Gold, president and chief merchandising officer, Neiman Marcus;
Paul Raines, CEO GameStop; and
Melissa Reiff, president and COO, The Container Store.
"Givers [are] inspirational change-makers and big-hearted optimists who make retail shine as a force for good," NRF Foundation stated. "They see a need and use their skills and resources to fill it to the brim, bringing joy and new opportunities to their companies, communities and the whole wide world."
This year's Givers include:
Greg Buzek, co-founder and donor trustee, Retail Orphan Initiative (also, president IHL Goup);
Michael Levy, founder and president, Pet Food Express;
Lynn Marmer, group VP, corporate affairs, Kroger;
Johnny Morris, founder and CEO, Bass Pro Shops;
Shawn Outler, group VP, leased businesses, vendor collaboration & multicultural business development, Macy’s; and
Brig. Gen. Gary Profit, U.S. Army (Retired), senior director, military programs, Wal-mart Stores.
This year's Disruptors include:
Adam Brotman, chief digital officer, Starbucks;
Rick Caruso, founder and CEO, Caruso Affiliated;
Darrell Cavens, CEO, Zulily;
Julia Fowler, co-founder, EDITD; and
Jeffery Sears, co-founder and CEO, Pirch.
This year's Dreamers include:
Kirsten Blowers Stuckey, owner, designer, buyer, ShopRiffraff.com;
Jane Dailey, president, co-founder and fashion fairy godmother, Hollywood Fashion Secrets;
Casey Gerald, co-founder and CEO, MBAs Across America; and
Isabella Rose Taylor, fashion designer, artist and entrepreneur, Isabella Rose Taylor Fashions.
This year's Influencers include:
Tom Buxton, president and CEO, Buxton Co.;
Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill.;
Tonian Hohberg, founder, president and CEO, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising;
David Moin, senior editor, retail, Women’s Wear Daily; and
Deena Varshavskaya, founder and CEO, Wanelo.