2024 ceo summit / new york
Innovate for Impact
The exclusive, invitation-only 2024 CEO Summit—held on October 14-15 in New York City and co-hosted by Wharton’s Jay H. Baker Retailing Center and RLC Global Forum—once again brought together the most influential leaders in global retail for a powerful convergence of leadership, vision, and innovation.
Amid persistent economic turmoil and significant shifts in consumer behaviour, the Summit explored why innovation is no longer optional, but essential. Centered around the theme “Innovate for Impact,” the prestigious event addressed how the retail industry can rise to meet complex challenges with purpose-driven transformation.
In an increasingly polarized world, bringing together decision-makers who are shaping the future of retail has never been more vital. The 2024 Summit was designed to foster meaningful collaboration through high-value networking, immersive discussions, deep-dive sessions, and strategic exchanges, delivering inspiration and actionable outcomes.
Held under the Retail Leaders Circle name — now RLC Global Forum.
Our distinguished speakers
Mark DesJardine
Colie Edison
John Furner
Naveen Lokesh
Ethan Mollick
Kent Smetters
Dana Thomas
Teri Agins
Daniela Pierre-Bravo
Matthew R. Shay
Highlights
Agenda
The State of Retail: Adapting to a New Consumer Reality
As inflationary pressures ease, the retail sector is entering a new phase, defined by innovation, personalization, and heightened consumer expectations. John Furner will share how Walmart is not only embracing AI and retail media but also preparing for the 2024 holiday season by balancing value-driven promotions with the demand for premium experiences.
This session will dive into the strategies retailers are adopting to navigate the complex interplay of inflation, digital transformation, and evolving customer behaviors.
John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S.
Matthew R. Shay, President and CEO, National Retail Federation
Rethinking Fashion's Footprint: Inside the Battle for Sustainability
In a thought-provoking dialogue, Teri Agins interviews Dana Thomas on fashion’s environmental reckoning. This deep dive cuts through the industry’s struggles with sustainability, offering a front-row perspective on how key players are confronting waste reduction, embracing circularity, and unveiling the trends driving fashion toward a greener future.
Dana Thomas, Journal and New York Times best selling author, author of Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes
Teri Agins, award-winning journalist, lecturer, consultant and former senior special writer and “Ask Teri” columnist at The Wall Street Journal
AI Transforming Retail through Creativity and Efficiency
Ethan Mollick will take us beyond the hype of AI, delving into its real-world impact on the retail landscape. This session will uncover how AI-driven innovations— from holograms to bots—are reshaping the customer journey, unlocking new levels of creativity, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Ethan Mollick, Ralph J. Roberts Distinguished Faculty Scholar, Associate Professor of Management, Co-director, GenerativeAI Lab at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Shareholder Activism: Redefining the Power Balance
Mark DesJardine brings clarity to the rising tide of corporate activism, explaining how it is reshaping business practices across industries. As shareholder activism reaches unprecedented levels, businesses are navigating a new era of corporate accountability. This session will examine the impact of activist pressures on corporate governance and strategy, helping leaders confront demands for governance changes, address environmental and social critiques, and turn activist scrutiny into opportunities for long-term value creation.
Mark DesJardine, Associate Professor and Harvey H. Bundy III T’68 Faculty Fellow at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
The Power of Women's Sports: Building Brands and Impacting Bottom Lines
As women’s sports continue to capture global attention, the business case for partnering with sports organizations and athletes has never been stronger. These partnerships are unlocking vast opportunities for brands to connect with diverse audiences and enhance their equity. In this discussion, Daniela Pierre- Bravo will interview Naveen Lokesh and Colie Edison on how strategic collaborations in women’s sports are driving brand growth while advancing the values of inclusivity, authenticity and empowerment.
Naveen Lokesh, Head of Global Sports Marketing, Basketball and Football, New Balance
Colie Edison, Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Daniela Pierre-Bravo, Bilingual journalist, best- selling author, and contributor for NBC’s “Know Your Value” platform
Election Economic Crossroads: What Budget Models Mean for Retail's Future
As the U.S. approaches a critical election year, Kent Smetters takes a deep dive into the economic policies poised to reshape the political and business landscape. This session will dissect the budget models proposed by leading candidates, offering a sharp analysis of their potential impact on the retail sector—from tax policies and regulatory shifts to spending priorities.
Kent Smetters, Boettner Chair Professor, Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Finale & Closing Remarks
Thomas Robertson, Joshua J. Harris Professor, Professor of Marketing, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
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