Wharton’s Baker Retailing Center and RLC Global Forum Reveal First Speakers for 2024 CEO Summit: Innovate for Impact

The Jay H. Baker Retailing Center at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, in partnership with the RLC Global Forum, has announced the initial speaker lineup for the 2024 CEO Summit: Innovate for Impact. This exclusive, invitation-only event will take place on October 15 in New York City, bringing together top retail and brand executives to discuss how industry leaders are innovating to navigate economic challenges and shifting consumer behaviors.

Additionally, the event will honor Mary Dillon, President and CEO of Foot Locker, Inc., with the Retail Excellence Award at a ceremony the night before the summit. Dillon, known for her leadership and contributions to the industry, previously served as CEO of Ulta Beauty, transforming it into a leading omnichannel beauty destination. Dillon has held senior positions at McDonald’s, PepsiCo, and is a noted philanthropist, supporting organizations such as Save the Children Federation and the Foot Locker, Inc. Foundation.

“Retailers and brands face complex challenges due to economic and supply chain uncertainties as well as evolving consumer demands,” said Thomas S. Robertson, Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School. “To succeed, they must continuously innovate while discerning the best use of new technologies like generative AI.”

The summit will convene 150 CEOs, senior executives, retail tech visionaries, DTC founders, and investors for discussions on how leading companies are driving profitability and customer loyalty. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Mark DesJardine, Associate Professor at Tuck School of Business and Senior Fellow at Wharton’s ESG Analytics Lab
  • John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S.
  • Ethan Mollick, Co-director of Wharton’s Generative AI Lab
  • Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF)
  • Dana Thomas, bestselling author of Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes

Panos Linardos, Chairman of the RLC Global Forum, emphasized the importance of bold thinking, noting, “At the 2024 CEO Summit, we’ll unpack key drivers of change and challenge leaders to navigate industry shifts with foresight and strategy.”

About the Baker Retailing Center

The Jay H. Baker Retailing Center at Wharton influences research and fosters discussion on retail trends through programs that engage faculty, students, and industry leaders. Founded in 2002 through a gift from Jay and Patty Baker, the Center serves as a hub for interdisciplinary retail research and innovation.

About the Wharton School

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is a global leader in business education, with a faculty of over 235 professors and a powerful network of over 100,000 alumni.

About the RLC Global Forum

The RLC Global Forum connects global retail leaders, innovators, and policymakers to drive positive industry change. Building on a decade of work, the forum addresses long-term forces shaping the future of retail and its interconnected sectors. Visit rlcglobalforum.com for more information.

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