Wayfair CTO Makes List of People Shaping Retail’s Future

September 15, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2027 honorees are:

Mitchell & Ness President Emilie Arel

Ulta Beauty Chief Retail Officer Amiee Bayer-Thomas

Nuuly Executive Director of Marketing and Customer Success Kim Gallagher

Fast Retailing President of Global Creative John C Jay

Old Navy Senior Vice President and Head of Stores and Operations Steve Peters

Tapestry Chief Growth Officer and Tapestry International President Sandeep Seth

Wayfair Chief Technology Officer Fiona Tan

“The 2027 honorees on The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future exemplify the talent and vision moving retail forward,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries and chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors. “Their leadership pairs bold innovation with ingenuity, shaping what the future of retail will look like.

Alumni of The List include leaders across iconic brands, emerging startups and more. The award recognizes the wide range of companies, roles and products that are vital to retail and consumers.

“Retail offers countless opportunities to build a meaningful and rewarding career, and the honorees this year exemplify that potential,” NRF Senior Vice President and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “Their leadership, innovation and dedication are shaping and evolving the industry while paving the way for the next generation of trailblazers.”

The NRF Foundation provides more than $1 million in retail scholarships and grants every year, engaging more than 100,000 people and more than 2,000 educational and workforce partners with our retail industry training. More than 350 retailers and industry partners support the work of the NRF Foundation to ensure that retailers have the quality talent they need for their stores, supply chain facilities and corporate offices.

More information is available at nrffoundation.org/honors.