The NRF Foundation has announced the People Shaping Retail’s Future 2026 list, recognising five senior executives for their influence on the global retail industry.
The honourees will be celebrated at the NRF Foundation Honors in New York City on 11 January.
Industry figures featured on the 2026 list
The 2026 honourees are:
- Kory Marchisotto, Chief Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Beauty
- Billy May, Chief Executive Officer, Brooklinen
- Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer and Chief Security Officer, American Eagle Outfitters Inc.
- Kathleen McLaughlin, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Walmart Inc.
- Brieane Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Pacsun
The annual NRF Foundation list highlights leaders spanning marketing, e-commerce, security, sustainability and brand management—areas viewed as pivotal to retail growth and customer trust.
Why the NRF foundation list matters for retail
According to Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries and chair of the NRF Foundation Board, the 2026 group reflects “vision and commitment to transforming the retail industry,” setting new standards for how retailers serve customers and communities.
The recognition sits among the retail sector’s most-watched awards and aligns with trending searches such as retail leaders 2026, NRF Foundation Honors, and retail innovation.
The Foundation notes that alumni of People Shaping Retail’s Future have come from established brands and start-ups, underscoring the breadth of roles and products that shape how consumers shop.
This year’s cohort includes executives responsible for brand building at beauty and apparel companies, as well as leaders overseeing sustainability in retail and enterprise-level security.
Skills and career paths spotlighted by the honors
Adam Lukoskie, executive director of the NRF Foundation, said the new class demonstrates the range of retail career paths, from marketing and merchandising to asset protection and corporate sustainability.
He added that the honourees’ work signals long-term impact for the next generation of retail professionals.
The People Shaping Retail’s Future 2026 list will be formally marked at the NRF Foundation Honors in New York on 11 January, an event widely followed by those tracking retail awards, leadership trends and the sector’s evolving priorities.
See who is recognised on The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2026.
