The 2025 RLC Honors VIP dinner, held on the evening of February 4 in the historic and iconic setting of Diriyah, marked one of the most distinguished moments of this year’s RLC Global Forum in Riyadh. In partnership with Diriyah Company, the exclusive event brought together 150 esteemed figures, uniting leaders who are shaping the future of global retail, commerce, development, luxury and more. Against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s birthplace, the evening was a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the individuals driving change across the modern retail landscape.
At the prestigious dinner, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to trailblazers whose contributions have set new standards of excellence across industries, thus recognizing their visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and transformative impact on their respective fields.
The 2025 RLC Honors awardees were:
- Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair, Chairman, Cenomi Group – Lifetime Achievement Award for Retail Excellence and Economic Development
- Nilesh Ved, Chairman, Apparel Group – Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Retail Entrepreneurship
- Michael Ward, Managing Director, Harrods – Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail
- Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman, The Mall – Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Excellence in Lifestyle Retail Destinations
- Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Former CEO, Neiman Marcus Group & Luxury Retail Expert – Lifetime Achievement Award for Visionary Retail Leadership
As the retail sector undergoes rapid transformation, the RLC Honors underscored the vital role of collaboration and thought leadership in shaping its future. Throughout the evening, distinguished guests engaged in dynamic discussions on emerging industry trends, new opportunities, and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in redefining the retail ecosystem.
Reflecting on the evening, Panos Linardos, Chairman of the RLC Global Forum, stated: “This evening, we come together to celebrate five extraordinary individuals whose vision, dedication, and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on their companies, the economy, and the industry at large. Through their pioneering spirit and leadership, they challenge us to push boundaries and embrace change.”
He went on to stress the deeper significance of the evening, stating, “This is more than just a celebration; it is a moment to connect, to inspire and be inspired, and to reflect on the achievements of those who continue to redefine excellence in our field.”
As the 2025 RLC Global Forum concluded, the Honors dinner stood out as a powerful testament to the sector’s progress and the leaders at its helm. With Saudi Arabia emerging as a powerhouse in global retail, the event also highlighted the country’s role as an incubator of growth, innovation, and transformative retail experiences.
