Jef Colruyt, chairman and former CEO of the Colruyt Group, leads one of Europe’s most efficient and respected retail empires, built on a disciplined focus on low prices, operational simplicity, and long-term family stewardship. Taking the helm in 1994, he expanded the Belgian retailer into a diversified group spanning supermarkets, wholesale distribution, fuel stations, renewable energy, and digital services, all while maintaining a culture of frugality and sustainability. Under his leadership, Colruyt strengthened its position as the dominant price leader in Belgium and a key player in European retail. Known for his understated style and values-driven governance, Jef Colruyt remains one of the continent’s most influential family-business leaders.

John Catsimatidis, billionaire businessman and founder of the Red Apple Group, built a diversified empire spanning supermarkets, energy, real estate, and aviation. After immigrating to the United States from Greece as a child, he left college to take over a small grocery store and expanded it into the Gristedes supermarket chain, later branching into oil refining and fuel distribution through United Refining. Catsimatidis also became a major New York real estate developer, adding residential towers and mixed-use properties to his portfolio. A prominent political donor, radio host, and philanthropist, he remains one of New York’s most outspoken and influential entrepreneurial figures.

Stephen Butt, member of the H-E-B founding family, plays a key leadership role in guiding the Texas-based grocery giant, one of the largest privately held retailers in the United States. With hundreds of stores across Texas and Mexico, H-E-B has become a multibillion-dollar enterprise known for its strong customer loyalty, operational excellence, and community focus. As part of the third generation of Butt family leadership, Stephen Butt has continued the legacy of innovation and philanthropy that defines the company’s enduring success.

Howard Butt III, member of the founding family of H-E-B, helps oversee one of America’s largest privately held supermarket chains. Founded in 1905, the Texas-based retailer has grown into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with hundreds of stores across Texas and Mexico. As part of the third generation of leadership, Butt has carried forward the family’s tradition of customer service, innovation, and philanthropy, ensuring H-E-B’s continued dominance in regional grocery while maintaining its reputation as a community-focused company deeply rooted in Texas culture.

Hank Meijer, co-chairman of Meijer Inc., oversees one of America’s largest privately held supermarket chains, founded by his grandfather in 1934. Under his leadership, the Michigan-based retailer has expanded across the Midwest with hundreds of supercenters blending groceries, general merchandise, and pharmacies. Known for pioneering the “supercenter” model long before it became industry standard, Meijer has maintained the company’s family-owned ethos while scaling into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Beyond retail, Hank Meijer is also recognized as an author, historian, and philanthropist, contributing to education, civic causes, and cultural initiatives.