WASHINGTON, D.C. — The NRF Foundation has announced the honorees on its "List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2026." The five honorees will be celebrated at the annual NRF Foundation Honors event in New York City on January 11.
This year’s honorees represent a diverse cross-section of the retail landscape—from beauty and fashion to home goods and corporate sustainability:
- 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
“These individuals exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and to drive meaningful transformation across the retail industry,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries and chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors. “Their vision and their commitment to transforming the retail industry have set new standards for ways retailers can better serve their customers and communities.”
The NRF Foundation’s List of People Shaping Retail’s Future honors innovators from established global companies and emerging brands alike. Past recipients have included executives from leading retailers, entrepreneurs behind fast-growing startups, and creative minds who have influenced the way consumers shop and engage with brands.
“This impressive group of leaders highlights the impact that can be made across the numerous career paths available in the retail industry,” said Adam Lukoskie, executive director of the NRF Foundation. “There are many paths to success in retail, and these honorees have demonstrated a commitment to making a lasting impact for future generations.”
The honorees’ accomplishments reflect the broad range of disciplines shaping modern retail—from digital marketing and brand storytelling to sustainability, security, and community engagement. Together, they represent how innovation and responsibility continue to define the sector’s evolution.
Beyond celebrating leadership, the NRF Foundation continues to invest in the industry’s future workforce. Each year, the Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships, connecting 80,000 learners and 3,700 educational and workforce partners to career opportunities in retail.
More than 300 retailers and industry partners support the Foundation’s initiatives, ensuring that businesses have access to qualified talent across stores, supply chains, and corporate offices.
“Our mission is to show that retail is not just a job—it’s a dynamic career path that fosters creativity, leadership, and growth,” Lukoskie added.
For more information about the NRF Foundation Honors and The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2026, visit nrffoundation.org/honors
