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The Retail CEO Forum is an invitation-only gathering for chief executives from the most recognized retail and product manufacturing brands. Over the course of three days, leaders engage in candid conversations, share unfiltered insights, and tackle the most pressing issues facing the industry—from AI and consumer shifts to workforce transformation and global risk.
What sets the Forum apart is its focus on peer-driven dialogue in a private, trusted environment. It’s where meaningful connections are made, bold ideas are explored, and CEOs leave recharged for what lies ahead.
Below, hear from RILA President Brian Dodge on why this moment—and this Forum—matters.
The retail industry is experiencing historic transformation. From artificial intelligence to shifting geopolitics, from evolving consumer expectations to the realities of workforce transformation—this is a moment that demands vision and conviction from the leaders who shape our sector.
The RILA Retail CEO Forum is designed for leaders like this.
Our 2026 program brings together a curated set of voices—top retail CEOs, global strategists, boardroom veterans, and cultural icons—for conversations that cut through the noise and speak directly to the challenges facing our community.
But this forum isn’t about stages and spotlights. It’s about CEOs learning from each other, exchanging unvarnished insights, and building trust that carries well beyond the event.
It’s retail’s most important room for a reason. We look forward to seeing you in it.
—
Brian Dodge,
President, RILA

Where retail’s most influential leaders connect, reflect & shape what’s next.
Our Past Speakers Have Included
George W. Bush
- 43rd President of the United States & Founder of the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Tim Ingrassia
- Co-Chairman, Global Mergers & Acquisitions, IBD
- Goldman Sachs
Anthony Hucker
- President & Chief Executive Officer
- Southeastern Grocers
Hal Lawton
- President & Chief Executive Officer
- Tractor Supply
Erik Nordstrom
- Chief Executive Officer
- Nordstrom
Pamela Stewart
- Chief Customer Officer – Retail North America Operating Unit
- The Coca-Cola Company
Russell Weiner
- Chief Executive Officer
- Domino's
Ken Hicks
- Chief Executive Officer
- PetSmart
Dona D. Young
- Chair, Board of Directors
- Foot Locker
Scott Baxter
- President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
- Kontoor Brands
Chris Blakeslee
- President & Chief Executive Officer
- Athleta
Mark Breitbard
- CEO
- Gap Inc.
Melissa Etheridge
- Grammy Award Winning Singer & Songwriter
Tasia Filippatos
- President
- Disney Consumer Products
Helena Foulkes
- Board Director, Costco
- Retired Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Hudson’s Bay Company
Meg Ham
- President
- Food Lion
Katie Ledecky
- 9-Time Olympic Gold Medal Winning Swimmer
Joe Preston
- President
- New Balance Athletics Inc.
Steve Smith
- President and Chief Executive Officer
- L.L.Bean
Julie Sweet
- Chair and Chief Executive Officer
- Accenture
Ted Decker
- Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
- The Home Depot
Elliott Rodgers
- Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
- Foot Locker, Inc.
Corie Barry
- Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy
- Chairwoman, RILA
Bill Rhodes
- Executive Chairman
- AutoZone