Pete Daleiden

Pete Daleiden is a seasoned retail executive with extensive experience spanning specialty, department store, and lifestyle retail markets. With P&L oversight ranging from startups to $1B+ enterprises, he has led successful transformations in merchandising, e-commerce, finance, supply chain, and marketing. As CEO of buybuy BABY, Pete drives business acceleration through product assortment strategies, omni-channel experiences, and data-driven insights. His expertise includes profit acceleration, brand development, and retail optimization, making him a highly respected leader in the industry.

Dan Macuga

Dan Macuga is a renowned marketing and communications executive who played a pivotal role in USANA Health Sciences’ growth from $350M to over $1B. As a C-suite leader, he has expertise in global brand strategy, digital marketing, partnerships, and crisis management. With a track record of leading high-performing teams and securing influential brand ambassadors, Dan is a thought leader in PR and strategic marketing. His innovative approach to brand storytelling and customer engagement has solidified his reputation as a transformative force in the industry.

Gabriella Bock

Gabriella Bock is a journalist, author and strategic communications expert with over a decade of experience helping retailers, businesses and individuals share their stories with mass and niche audiences. Gabriella is also an experienced industry speaker and podcast regular who has facilitated conversations with founders and executives from dozens of Fortune 1000 retail brands and technology companies.

In her current role at Channel V Media, she develops differentiated market narratives for clients across industries including financial services, retail, advertising, healthcare, software and consumer goods. Prior to joining CVM, she was a founding employee at RETHINK Retail, where she played a central role in establishing the company’s brand, voice and content strategy, scaling its communities and building relationships with clients and industry partners.

Renee Hartmann

Renee Hartmann is a retail and consumer brand expert with over 25 years of experience in market development, strategic growth, and brand building. Recognized by RETHINK Retail as a top retail influencer, she advises both startups and established businesses on go-to-market strategies and business innovation.

Renee is a best-selling author, strategy consultant, and co-host of The Future of Consumption podcast. She brings deep expertise in international brand expansion, having lived and worked extensively across North America, Europe, and Asia. Her work bridges consumer insight with actionable strategy across sectors including retail, beauty, and wellness.

Linda Johansen-James

Linda Johansen-James is a seasoned retail executive and founder of International Retail Group (IRG), a consulting and retail operations firm with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. With over 25 years of experience, she has overseen the opening of more than 3,000 retail stores globally.

A trailblazer in retail innovation and pop-up shop strategy, Linda has been recognized for her leadership across sectors including health, beauty, apparel, and food. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and serves on several boards supporting retail advancement and female entrepreneurship.

Joanna Stone Herman

Joanna Stone Herman is a partner at Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, specializing in M&A for media, tech, and consumer companies. She brings deep expertise in strategy and dealmaking from her tenure at J.P. Morgan and Time Warner.

Joanna advises founders and executives on exit planning, fundraising, and brand development. She is passionate about helping businesses grow through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. A Columbia MBA graduate, she is a frequent speaker on innovation and investment trends in retail and media.

April Sabral

April Sabral is the founder and CEO of RetailU, a retail leadership training platform empowering frontline teams. With over 25 years of field leadership experience for brands like Apple, Starbucks, and DAVIDsTEA, April is passionate about coaching future leaders.

She is a TEDx speaker, best-selling author of *The Positive Effect*, and host of the *Retailu* podcast. April works with companies to build inclusive, resilient, and high-performing cultures from the store floor up.

Melissa Moore

Melissa Moore is the founder of The Retail Advisor and a UK-based retail strategist with over two decades of experience working with top global brands. She consults on customer experience, branding, and omnichannel strategies that deliver measurable growth.

Melissa has worked with retailers such as Liberty London and Selfridges, and regularly appears in media and at international conferences. She is committed to advancing retail through innovation and practical training that empowers retail teams to thrive.

Matthew Adam Smith

Matthew Adam Smith is a seasoned marketing executive with deep experience in retail, loyalty, and digital transformation. He has held leadership roles with Hudson’s Bay Company, Hudson’s Bay Rewards, and Canadian Tire, where he helped reshape customer engagement.

Currently consulting across industries, Matthew is known for building high-impact loyalty programs, leading cross-functional teams, and mentoring emerging leaders. He combines analytical insight with creative vision to deliver sustained customer and business value.

Nick Harbaugh

Nick Harbaugh is a senior retail and operations executive with a proven track record of driving results through data-informed decision-making and people-first leadership. With experience across both legacy and emerging retail brands, Nick is known for his ability to scale systems and empower teams.

Nick brings strategic thinking and hands-on experience in areas like omnichannel transformation, supply chain optimization, and team development. He has advised startups and enterprise brands on how to stay agile in an evolving retail landscape.

Gavin Hupp

Gavin Hupp is a technology and digital transformation leader with deep expertise in IT strategy, infrastructure, and innovation. With leadership roles at major retailers including Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, he has led enterprise-level modernization and cloud migration initiatives.

Gavin excels at building high-performing technology teams and aligning IT with business goals. He is passionate about enabling innovation through scalable systems and agile delivery models. He is also a respected voice on retail tech trends and enterprise transformation.

Rich Honiball

Rich Honiball is an innovative retail executive and brand strategist with over 25 years of experience in marketing, merchandising, and customer engagement. As Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer for Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), he leads global operations supporting military families and communities.

Rich has held executive roles at Jos. A. Bank, Haggar Clothing, and other retail organizations. He is known for championing purpose-driven leadership and creating customer experiences that drive loyalty and long-term growth.

Matt Fifer

Matt Fifer is a seasoned brand builder, connector, and retail innovation strategist. As co-founder of Selling With Empathy and founder of the Midwest Retail Collaborative, he champions purpose-driven commerce and cultivates strategic partnerships that benefit retailers, suppliers, and consumers alike.