Strong leadership is the force that propels organizations forward, a truth Steve Jobs once summed up with characteristic clarity: “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” In that spirit, the November issue of Mass Market Retailers presented its annual People Who Made a Difference report, recognizing 13 executives whose work in 2025 embodied that standard of excellence.
This year’s honorees span the retail and consumer products landscape — eight leaders from companies including Ulta, Wakefern, CVS Health, Giant, BP, Walgreens, Kroger Health, and Dollar General, and, for the first time, five standout executives from the supplier community. Their roles vary widely, but all share a commitment to performance, integrity, and the ability to elevate the teams and businesses they guide.
In selecting this year’s leaders, MMR’s editors looked for individuals who motivate colleagues, articulate clear goals, communicate effectively, navigate fast-changing market dynamics, and consistently deliver results. The profiles explore the decisions, philosophies, and career paths that define these executives — and offer a revealing look at the organizations they are helping to shape.
Together, these leaders provide valuable insights for anyone invested in the future of retail and CPG.
This year's honorees are:
Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Chief Retail Officer, Ulta Beauty
Liz Buchanan, President, North America, NielsenIQ
Darren Caudill, Chief Sales Officer at Wakefern Food Corp.
Amanda Coussoule, Chief Customer Officer, Kenvue
Zach Dennett, Vice President of CVS Health
Tonya Douglas Senior VP, Omnichannel Merchandising, and Chief Merchant, Giant Food
Derek Gaskins, Head of Guest Experience, bp
Renee Guthrie, lead pulmonary and transplant pharmacist at Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
Jim Kirby, Chief Commercial Officer at Kroger Health
Isaac Shapiro, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Cleanlogic
Matthew Simonsen, Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development, Dollar General
Herb Smith, Vice President of Retail National Customers and Control States, E&J Gallo
