On February 3, against the backdrop of the 2026 RLC Global Forum in Riyadh, senior executives from across the global retail, luxury, and consumer ecosystem gathered for one of the industry’s most distinguished moments of recognition: the 2026 RLC Honors.
Co-hosted with Hamat, the ceremony spotlighted individuals whose careers have not only driven commercial success but have fundamentally transformed markets, redefined leadership standards, and strengthened the long-term resilience of the retail sector.
A platform for enduring leadership
Held on the sidelines of the annual RLC Global Forum in Riyadh, the 2026 RLC Honors were conceived as more than a celebration of personal achievement. The awards reflect a broader philosophy championed by RLC Global Forum: that true leadership in retail is measured not by quarterly performance, but by sustained impact over decades.
The Honors recognize individuals who have navigated industry disruption, cultural shifts, digital transformation, and evolving consumer expectations—while building brands and organizations that remain relevant through change.
In a retail environment shaped by omnichannel integration, geopolitical shifts, and new luxury consumption patterns, the emphasis on lifetime contribution sends a clear signal. Enduring leadership matters. Institutional memory matters. Responsible stewardship matters.
A shared commitment
The 2026 RLC Honors were presented in an intimate setting in Riyadh, co-hosted with Hamat, a longstanding supporter of RLC Global Forum and its international community.
Hamat’s involvement underscores a shared commitment to long-term value creation within the retail and consumer sectors. As Riyadh continues to position itself as a global business and lifestyle hub, partnerships between industry platforms like RLC Global Forum and regional leaders such as Hamat are instrumental in shaping the next chapter of growth across the Kingdom and beyond.
The collaboration also reflects the increasing importance of the Middle East, and particularly Riyadh, as a strategic meeting point for global retail leadership.
Honoring global impact in luxury retail
This year’s 2026 RLC Honors celebrated two individuals whose influence has extended far beyond their own organizations.
Marco Bizzarri, former CEO of Gucci and now an entrepreneur and investor, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail. During his tenure at Gucci, Bizzarri oversaw one of the most significant transformations in modern luxury, reshaping creative leadership, brand positioning, and cultural relevance on a global scale.
Under his leadership, Gucci evolved into a brand that captured generational energy while delivering commercial growth, demonstrating how heritage houses can adapt to new consumer values without sacrificing identity. His impact continues to influence how luxury brands approach creativity, executive leadership, and long-term brand equity.
Advancing women’s leadership in the GCC
Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Women’s Leadership in Retail at the 2026 RLC Honors.
A trailblazer in the GCC luxury retail landscape, Chalhoub has played a defining role in building the region’s premium retail ecosystem. Through Etoile Group, she introduced and scaled international luxury brands across Middle Eastern markets, contributing to the region’s emergence as a global luxury destination.
Beyond commercial expansion, Ingie Chalhoub has consistently championed women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. Her recognition in Riyadh reflects both her business accomplishments and her broader influence on advancing female representation in executive retail roles across the region.
Leadership as a collective achievement
While the 2026 RLC Honors focused on individual recipients, the evening reinforced a central theme: progress in retail is collective.
Behind every transformative CEO or founder stands a network of teams, creative partners, investors, suppliers, and communities. The Honors acknowledged this ecosystem effect—recognizing that sustainable industry evolution requires collaboration, mentorship, and shared ambition.
Speaking at the ceremony, Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum, emphasized this long-term perspective: “The RLC Honors stand for something more than short-term success or single achievements. They applaud consistency of leadership and a depth of contribution that spans an entire career. By presenting these Lifetime Achievement Awards, we celebrate individuals who have set industry standards and shaped the careers of the leaders who follow them. Individuals whose influence is woven into the very fabric of our industry.”
