Gary Friedman, chairman and CEO of RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), transformed the home furnishings retailer into a high-end lifestyle brand synonymous with luxury design. Since taking the helm in 2001, he has repositioned the company through bold merchandising, exclusive collections, and immersive gallery spaces that blend retail, hospitality, and experience. Under his leadership, RH’s market value has soared, redefining the intersection of home décor and aspirational living while establishing Friedman as one of retail’s most innovative and uncompromising leaders.

Edward Stack took over Dick’s Sporting Goods from his father in 1984 and transformed it from a two-store local chain into a Fortune 500 sporting-goods empire with over 800 stores and $13B+ in revenue. A vocal advocate for gun control after the Parkland shooting, he discontinued assault‑style rifles from all stores. He remains Executive Chairman and largest individual shareholder.

David Green is the American founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, the world’s largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer. He launched the company in 1971 with a $600 loan from his garage in Oklahoma City and grew it into a multi‑billion-dollar enterprise with over 1,000 U.S. stores and 46,000 employees. Guided by his Christian faith, Green channels half of Hobby Lobby’s pretax profits into evangelical ministry and philanthropy, including the Museum of the Bible and educational causes.

Danny Wegman is the third‑generation leader and longtime chairman of Wegmans Food Markets, the privately held grocery chain founded in Rochester, New York, in 1916. He succeeded his father Robert as CEO in 2005, building the retail brand into a beloved regional empire of over 110 stores across 10 states.

Christian W. E. Haub is the German‑American CEO and majority stakeholder of Tengelmann Group, the global retail conglomerate founded by his family in 1867. Since 2018, he has consolidated leadership—acquiring a controlling share after his brother Karl‑Erivan’s disappearance—and now oversees operations in discount grocery, e-commerce, and retail across Europe and North America. He also leads Emil Capital Partners, holds board roles in Metro Inc. and Boston College, and is known for his strategic vision and reputable family legacy.  

Eric Smidt is the CEO and co-founder of Harbor Freight Tools, a privately held tool and equipment retailer with over 1,200 locations across the United States. Known for his keen business acumen, Smidt transformed Harbor Freight from a small mail-order business into a retail giant. He is also a notable philanthropist, with significant contributions to education and healthcare.

Radhakishan Damani is an Indian billionaire investor, businessman, and the founder of DMart, one of India's largest retail chains. Known for his humble lifestyle and strategic investment acumen, he has made a significant impact on India's retail sector.