NRF to name Kohl' CEO as the Visionary 2020

15 Jul '19

3 min read

Pic: NRF

The National Retail Federation (NRF) will name Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass as ‘The Visionary’, an award given to an outstanding leader in the retail industry, during the sixth annual NRF Foundation Honors on January 12, 2020, in New York City. The 2020 Honors will celebrate today’s leaders in retail and the impact of the foundation’s philanthropic work.

The Visionary award is presented each year to a retail executive with a proven track record of spearheading change in the industry. Earlier this year, prominent retail executives were asked to identify an individual who has changed and continues to transform the retail landscape in a positive way. Gass was selected for her success in driving momentum in the Kohl’s business and fostering a culture of innovation and inspiration among Kohl’s associates. As the company’s first female CEO, Gass has led Kohl’s focus on becoming an active and wellness destination, launched Kohl’s new loyalty programme and is responsible for bringing in new categories, partners and brands, from Amazon to Under Armour, according to NRF.

Gass will also be a keynote speaker at NRF’s 109th annual convention, NRF 2020 Vision: Retail’s Big Show, where over 38,000 retailers from nearly 100 countries will gather in New York from January 12-14, 2019, to address the latest trends, innovations, and strategies for transformation.

“In today’s competitive and evolving retail landscape, companies need leaders who are willing to take risks to make more meaningful, personal connections with their customers. Michelle has cultivated an environment at Kohl’s where risk-taking is encouraged, which has never been more important than in today’s dynamic retail environment. Her extensive retail experience and instinctive understanding of what customers want has already solidified her reputation as a transformative leader, and we can’t wait to see what she does next,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be recognised by NRF. I’m incredibly proud of our Kohl’s associates who work hard each day to deliver greatness for our customers, and who are driving our business priorities for our long-term growth. It’s a transformative time in retail, and we’re excited to come to the table with new and innovative ideas that fuel the future of our company and retail industry,” Gass said.

Gass joined Kohl’s in 2013 as chief customer officer and was named chief merchandising and customer officer in 2015. She was promoted to CEO-elect in October 2017 and assumed the role of CEO in May 2018. As CEO, Gass is responsible for Kohl’s overall strategy and operations, overseeing more than 1,100 Kohl’s stores in 49 states, Kohls.com and 130,000 associates nationwide. Gass is driving an ambitious plan for growth, forging new partnerships with innovative players like Amazon, Nine West, Elizabeth, and James, Lego, Under Armour, Aldi, and Planet Fitness. She is also positioning Kohl’s as a leading omni-channel retailer – building out the company’s digital capabilities, omni-channel operations and online growth. Gass has championed innovative thinking and bold initiatives at Kohl’s and is transforming the company’s culture to embrace new ideas that excite customers and allow the company to thrive throughout the dynamic times in retail. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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