Retail CEO Forum
Naples, FL

Program

Agenda

Print Agenda
  • Saturday Jan 25, 2025
  • Sunday Jan 26, 2025
  • Monday Jan 27, 2025
  • Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Keewaydin Island Half-Day Excursion

Enjoy the scenic adventure and breathtaking sights of Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico as they sail to the pristine Keewaydin Island aboard a luxurious catamaran.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Friends and Family Dinner

Start the week off right with a laid-back outdoor dinner surrounded by good company. It’s a casual evening to catch up, enjoy some great food, and ease into the days ahead.

8:00 AM – 9:30 PM

RLC Board Meeting

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

RLC & PPSC Meeting & Lunch

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

RILA Executive Committee Meeting

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

RILA Board of Directors Meeting

4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Welcome Reception & NFL Championship Games

Kick off the Retail CEO Forum at this casual opening reception, where you can meet and reunite with fellow Forum participants. Dress casually for a relaxed evening of fun and networking. Guests will gather around TVs & lounges to watch the Conference Championships and mingle with guests.

8:15 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM

Welcome to the RILA CEO Forum

Speakers
Corie Barry
Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy Co., Inc.
Chairwoman, RILA
Brian Dodge
President
RILA
9:20 AM – 10:00 AM

Harnessing the Power of AI in Retail

This session is the next iteration of the Forum’s AI conversation from 2024 moving from “what is possible and how to begin” to “what is happening and how to accelerate it.” This session aims to merge practical insights from CEOs leading AI initiatives within their businesses with the proven foresight of Accenture in a conversation suited for retail CEOs.

Speakers
Rodney McMullen
Chairman
The Kroger Co.
Julie Sweet
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Accenture
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM

Executive Connection

Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.

10:20 AM – 11:00 AM

The Example We Set – Reflections on Leadership

AutoZone Executive Chairman Bill Rhodes and YSC Consulting CEO Eric Pliner come together to offer profound insights on leadership. This session will explore the responsibilities leaders bear in shaping organizational culture, driving performance, and leaving a positive legacy.

Moderator
Eric Pliner
Former CEO, YSC Consulting
Accenture Luminary Network
Speaker
Bill Rhodes
Executive Chairman
AutoZone
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Executive Connection

Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.

11:20 AM – 12:00 PM

Boardroom Insights: How Boards are Navigating Today’s Biggest Challenges

This conversation features seasoned board members discussing the most pressing issues facing corporate boards today. The session will provide an insider's view of how boards are approaching control, compensation, capital investment, strategy setting, and effectively using board member strengths.

Moderator
Timothy Baer
Partner
TRB Partners
Speakers
Helena Foulkes
Board Director, Costco
Retired Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Hudson’s Bay Company
Theo Killion
Board Member, Torrid
Board Member, Claire's
Elliott Rodgers
Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Foot Locker
Board Member, Levi Strauss & Co.
12:00 PM – 1:20 PM

Executive Luncheon & Glass Blowing At the Ritz

Join RILA for a glassblowing workshop. This immersive, hands-on experience teaches participants how to shape molten glass into beautiful, handcrafted objects. Guided by skilled artisans, attendees explore blowing, sculpting, and molding techniques while working with specialized tools and high-temperature furnaces.

1:20 PM – 2:00 PM

Washington, DC 2025: What to Expect

This session will explore the potential impacts on the retail sector of the 2024 election. Two renowned political experts will discuss the new Administration makeup, analyze potential policy shifts, and how the 2024 election outcome will affect retail businesses.

Moderator
Michael Hanson
Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs
RILA
Speaker
Bruce Mehlman
Partner
Mehlman Consulting
2:00 PM – 2:20 PM

Executive Connection

Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.

2:20 PM – 3:00 PM

Retail Insights from Abroad

This session will feature insights into international retail trends and strategies. The conversation will explore how different markets are evolving, the impact of cultural differences on retail operations, and emerging global opportunities for growth.

Moderator
Deborah Weinswig
CEO
Coresight Research
Speakers
Rob Olson
Chief Operating Officer
IKEA North America Services, LLC
Joe Preston
President
New Balance Athletics Inc.
3:00 PM – 3:20 PM

Executive Connection

Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.

3:20 PM – 4:00 PM

Creating Exceptional Customer Experience

This dynamic panel will delve into the art and science of crafting outstanding customer experiences. The session will explore how industry leaders are reimagining customer interactions, leveraging technology, and fostering emotional connections to drive loyalty and growth.

Moderator
Ylan Mui
Managing Director
Penta Group
Speakers
Mark Breitbard
CEO
Gap Inc.
Tasia Filippatos
President, Disney Consumer Products
The Walt Disney Company
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Extended Break

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Building a Deep Connection with Your Audience

Creativity is central to retail and brand building. This session will explore the creative process through conversation and live song with Legendary Rockstar and Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge whose art has evolved and impacted audiences from concert venues to Broadway and film.

Moderator
Steve Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
L.L.Bean
Speaker
Melissa Etheridge
Grammy Award Winning Singer & Songwriter
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Coastal Glow: An Evening Under the Stars

Join RILA for a beachfront dinner event featuring gourmet cuisine, live music, and a cozy bonfire under the starlit sky, set against the serene backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.

8:15 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM – 10:05 AM

View from Wall Street

This session offers a unique perspective on the retail industry through the lens of Wall Street, featuring insights from financial analysts, investors, and retail executives. The panel will discuss current market trends, investor expectations, and how retail companies can effectively communicate their value proposition to the financial community.

Moderator
Scott Baxter
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Kontoor Brands
Speakers
Matt Boss
Retail Analyst
JPMorgan
Brian Czenszak
Portfolio Manager, Consumer Companies
Walleye Capital
Mari Shor
Senior Equity Analyst
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
10:05 AM – 10:25 AM

Executive Connection

Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.

10:25 AM – 11:05 AM

Transcending the Pool

As the most decorated US Female Olympian, Katie Ledecky’s groundbreaking career has transcended swimming and is empowering women and girls globally. This conversation will focus on Katie’s inspiring journey, building an unprecedented platform, and establishing her brand.

Moderator
Chris Blakeslee
President & Chief Executive Officer
Athleta
Speaker
Katie Ledecky
9-Time Olympic Gold Medal Winning Swimmer

Attend the can’t miss event for CEOs!

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