Richard Hayne, cofounder and CEO of Urban Outfitters, built one of America’s most distinctive retail empires by blending fashion, lifestyle branding, and cultural intuition. Since launching the original Urban Outfitters store in 1970, Hayne expanded the company into a portfolio of powerful brands—including Anthropologie and Free People—known for strong identity, merchandising creativity, and loyal customer communities. Under his long-term leadership, the business evolved from a single campus store into a multibillion-dollar public company with global reach. Hayne is recognized for hands-on control, contrarian instincts, and an ability to anticipate shifting consumer tastes.

Georges Marciano, cofounder of Guess, helped define the global rise of designer denim, turning a small California startup into an iconic fashion brand recognized worldwide. After emigrating from France, Marciano and his brothers launched Guess in 1981, blending European style with American marketing savvy to capture the youth and luxury-casual markets. As the company expanded internationally, Guess became synonymous with provocative advertising, celebrity-driven branding, and premium denim. Following his departure from the company, Marciano remained active in private investments, real estate, and philanthropy, maintaining a lasting legacy in the global fashion industry.

Leslie Wexner, founder of L Brands, is one of the most influential figures in American retail, having built Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and a portfolio of iconic mall brands that helped define modern specialty retail. Starting with a single apparel store in 1963, Wexner created a multi-billion-dollar empire through sharp merchandising instincts, aggressive expansion, and a deep understanding of consumer psychology. For decades, he set the pace in fashion and retail strategy, while also becoming a major philanthropist supporting education, healthcare, and the arts. Though he has stepped back from the company, Wexner remains a towering figure in the retail industry’s evolution.

Charlotte Söderström, a Swedish billionaire heiress and businesswoman, is part of the influential Persson family, known for their ownership of H&M, the global fashion retail giant. Though she maintains a lower public profile compared to her siblings, her contributions to the family business and her involvement in equestrian sports make her a notable figure in the business world.

Tom Persson, a member of the influential Persson family, is known for his substantial wealth derived from H&M, the global fashion retail giant. Although less publicly visible compared to his siblings, he has a strong presence in the business and entertainment industries.

Karl-Johan Persson, a Swedish business magnate, is the chairman and former CEO of Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). He played a pivotal role in expanding H&M's global presence and is known for his commitment to sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry.

Stefan Persson, a Swedish billionaire and former chairman of Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), is known for transforming the family business into a global fashion giant. With significant influence in the retail industry, Persson has been a key figure in expanding H&M's presence worldwide.

Kumar Mangalam Birla is an Indian industrialist and the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. He has significantly expanded the company's global footprint, transforming it into a major international player.

François Pinault is a prominent French billionaire known for founding the luxury goods group Kering, which owns prestigious brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent. He is also a noted art collector and philanthropist, significantly influencing both the fashion and art worlds.

Tadashi Yanai is a Japanese billionaire businessman, best known as the founder and president of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo. Yanai is renowned for revolutionizing the retail clothing industry with his unique approach to fashion and business.

Amancio Ortega, the Spanish billionaire and founder of the Inditex fashion group, is best known for his global retail brand Zara. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, renowned for his significant impact on the fashion industry and retail markets.