Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders in Consumer Products and Retail of 2022. Due to its close tie to other industries, the consumer products and retail sector plays a key role within the global economy. This year’s awardees are forward thinking individuals leading world class teams at Fortune 500 companies and other major organizations. They are innovators leading the way, driving product categories and helping to build brands that are loved around the world.
Among this year’s awardees is Emily Taylor, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Dollar General, who leads the company’s merchandising, marketing, and in-store experience efforts for more than 18,000+ stores. Awardee Michelle Gass, Chief Executive Officer of Kohl’s, has led the transformation of the company’s efforts in becoming a leading omnichannel retailer and evolved their loyalty program into an industry-leading platform. Also awarded is Jennifer Buchanan, Vice President of Operations & Supply Chain Academy Leader for Walmart, who guides the field learning and development for 600 Sam’s Club locations and is the designer and head of the company’s learning program.
This year’s awardees are highly successful professionals who have excelled in their field. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders in Consumer Products and Retail of 2022.
1. Jennifer Buchanan
VP of Operations & Supply Chain Academy Leader, Walmart
Jennifer Buchanan is the Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain Academy Leader for Walmart. She first joined the company in 2022. Buchanan leads field learning and development for 600 Sam’s Club locations and supply chain. She is the designer and head of Sam’s Field U, a flow-of-work learning program that provides associates quick and easy access to all things learning. Through Sam’s Field U, she has launched numerous award-winning programs.
Prior to Sam’s Club, Buchanan led The International Ethics, Compliance and Global Anti-Corruption Training and Awareness Team at Walmart International and the Regulatory Compliance Training Program at American Express. She also held training and staff positions at Ramstein Air Base Germany, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and Department of Veterans Affairs. She is vice chair of the Walmart SERVES associate resource group and learning pillar lead for Walmart Military Programs Governance. Buchanan holds a master’s degree in education from University of South Florida and an undergraduate degree in family and child sciences from Florida State University.
2. Sarah Martin
VP & Chief Audit Executive, Abercrombie & Fitch
Sarah Martin brings more than 19 years of accounting and auditing experience, and currently serves as Vice President and Chief Audit Executive at Abercrombie & Fitch, where she is responsible for oversight of operational, strategic and compliance audits for the organization. Prior to her current role, she was the senior director of finance and accounting where she was responsible for oversight of the company’s global consolidations and financial reporting, technical accounting and policy, internal controls, and general ledger accounting.
Prior to joining Abercrombie & Fitch, Martin held successive roles as an audit professional in Deloitte’s retail and consumer products practice, serving both publicly traded and private companies, and served as a director of finance in internal audit at A&F. Martin earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
3. Lisa Kinney
VP of Customer & Market Intelligence, Albertsons Companies
Lisa Kinney is the Vice President of Customer and Market Intelligence of Albertsons Companies. She first joined the company in 2018. Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. Albertsons Cos. operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs. Albertsons Cos. is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Previously, Kinney was a CPG practice lead at Symphony RetailAI and before that an SVP of US CPG practice lead at Symphony EYC, a Symphony Retail Solutions business. Earlier in her career she worked with Unilever as a category development manager. Kinney earned an undergraduate degree in business and marketing from the University of Phoenix.
4. Mary Adcock
SVP of Operations, Kroger
Mary Adcock is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Kroger. At Kroger, they believe no matter who you are or how you like to shop, everyone deserves affordable, easy-to-enjoy, fresh food. This idea is embodied in their simple tagline—Fresh for Everyone™. Kroger ranks as one of the world’s largest retailers. There are nearly half a million associates across 2,800 stores in 35 states operating two dozen grocery retail brands and 34 manufacturing and 44 distribution locations. Together, they serve more than 11 million customers daily in their stores and online through convenient e-commerce options like pickup, ship and delivery, serving America through food inspiration and uplift. Adcock has 23 years of experience. She began her career in 1999.
Adcock graduated from the University of Colorado with an MBA and from Vanderbilt University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
5. Emily Taylor
EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer, Dollar General
Emily Taylor began her professional career 24 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Dollar General. She leads the company’s merchandising, marketing, global sourcing, digital, merchandise operations, customer insights, channel innovation and in-store experience efforts for the company and its more than 18,000+ stores. Taylor joined Dollar General in 1998 and has held roles in numerous areas within the organization including pricing, merchandising, merchandise planning, financial planning & analysis and investor relations.
Taylor is an active member of Women in Retail Leadership, Shoptalk, Network of Pricing Champions, Professional Pricing Society and the Retail Industry Professionals Group. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina Asheville and an MBA from Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
6. Michelle Gass
Chief Executive Officer, Kohl’s
Michelle Gass is CEO of Kohl’s and is responsible for the company’s long-term growth, profitability, and strategic direction—overseeing its 1,160-store base, e-commerce business, and 100,000 associates across the country. She is committed to building a strong, purpose-driven culture, and has accelerated the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and ESG strategy. In fall 2020, Gass set a bold new vision for Kohl's—to be the most trusted retailer of choice for the active and casual lifestyle. During her tenure, she has led the transformation of the company’s efforts in becoming a leading omnichannel retailer, acquired and elevated notable national brand partnerships, and evolved Kohl's loyalty program into an industry-leading platform. As a champion of driving continuous reinvention for the future, Gass has forged new innovative partnerships with iconic powerful companies, such as Amazon and Sephora, to anticipate the needs of all customers for today and for tomorrow.
Gass joined Kohl’s in 2013 as chief customer officer and was named chief merchandising and customer officer in 2015, with responsibility for Kohl’s marketing, merchandising, planning and product development functions. She was promoted to CEO-elect in October 2017 prior to assuming the CEO role in May 2018. Gass has more than 30 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods industries. Prior to Kohl’s, she spent more than 16 years with Starbucks—holding a variety of leadership roles across marketing, strategy, merchandising and operations, including president, Starbucks EMEA. She began her career with Procter & Gamble. Gass has received numerous professional honors, including being named to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business and Businessperson of the Year lists, as well as being named The Visionary 2020 by the National Retail Federation. Gass currently serves on the Board of Directors for PepsiCo, Retail Industry Leaders Associates, National Retail Federation, and Children’s Wisconsin. She received her undergraduate degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the University of Washington.
7. Cindy Deily
VP of Skincare Merchandising, Sephora
Cindy Deily is the Vice President of Skincare Merchandising of Sephora. At Sephora, they stand together and they stand for something more since 1969. For empowerment, for exploration, for the opportunity to impact people’s lives through the unlimited power of beauty. As part of the LVMH family, Sephora’s excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit have made them the world’s leading beauty retailer growing twice faster than the market. With their 2 600 stores & corners in 38 markets and their 31 websites, they offer clients a unique retail experience with innovative services and nearly 300 beauty brands including Sephora’s own brand, Sephora Collection. Deily has 22 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Before joining Sephora, Deily was a buyer at Illuminations and before that an associate buyer at Cost Plus World Market. Earlier in her career she worked with Touring & Tasting Magazine as a distribution manager. Deily graduated from the University of Sydney with an MIB in marketing and from UC Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in English.
8. Katie Katterjohn
VP of Merchandise Finance, Ross Stores
Katie Katterjohn began her professional career 12 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Merchandise Finance of Ross Stores. For the last 40 years, Ross Stores, Inc. has grown from a six-store chain into an $18.9 billion, Fortune 500 company. They operate their off-price businesses in a way that keeps costs low so they can pass the savings to their customers. They continue to open new stores and their sales growth has outpaced traditional retailers for the past three years.
Katterjohn first got her start in 2010 as an internal accountant at Peterbilt Truck Centers LLC. From there, she went on to Saks Fifth Avenue, before eventually rising to become a director of financial control & contract administration at Hudson's Bay Company, her most recent position prior to joining Ross Stores. Katterjohn graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
9. Tracy Irvine
Senior Counsel & Head of the Advertising, Marketing and Promotions Center of Excellence, VF Corp.
Tracy Irvine is the Senior Counsel and Head of the Advertising, Marketing and Promotions Center of Excellence for VF Corp. VF, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including The North Face, Vans, Timberland and Dickies. In her role at VF, Tracy advises on everything from contracts to marketing initiatives to brand strategy, with a focus on marketing and product claims, sustainability-related initiatives, ESG issues and associated materials review. Tracy also heads the Advertising, Marketing and Promotions Center of Excellence for the Legal Department at VF.
Prior to joining VF, she was a marketing counsel for Visa U.S.A., supporting their global advertising, marketing and sponsorship initiatives, and before that she was senior counsel for NRG Energy in Houston, Texas. Tracy began her legal career as an associate at Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Fulbright & Jaworski) after graduating from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans (she was part of the “Katrina Class” – they began their school year in August of 2005, a week before Hurricane Katrina hit the city). She went to The University of Texas at Austin for college, where she earned an undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus on business marketing.
10. Betsy Schumacher
EVP of Merchandising, Bath & Body Works
Betsy Schumacher began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Bath & Body Works. They make the world a brighter, happier place through the power of fragrance. This idea is what they were founded on, and it’s at the heart of everything they do. Bath & Body Works about their customers and believes in giving them a reason to celebrate with fragrance every day. They are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that is focused on delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences.
Schumacher first got her start in 1999 as a VP and GMM women's and accessories at Eddie Bauer. From there, she went on to Gap Inc. Schumacher graduated from Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
11. Jill Levenson
Principal UX, The Home Depot
Jill Levenson is the Principal UX of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. They operate over 2,200 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Canada and Mexico. All of their associates have one thing in mind — helping their customers build and improve upon their homes. Levenson has 16 years of experience. She began her career in 2006.
Before joining The Home Depot, Levenson was a director of customer experience at Flexdrive and before that a product manager of digital retail platform at Cox Automotive Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Robb Pitts Campaign for Fulton County Commissioner, District 2 At-Large as a campaign manager. Levenson graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with an undergraduate degree in visual communications.
12. Sharonda Weatherspoon
SVP of Stores, Ralph Lauren
Sharonda Weatherspoon is the Senior Vice President of Stores of Ralph Lauren, the global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products. Wetherspoon is a dynamic performance driven leader with over 25 years in the retail industry. She is an accomplished executive with a reputation for driving results and profitability through high performing teams. She is an inspirational leader that believes in working with team members to bring about sustainable solutions
Weatherspoon joined Ralph Lauren over 22 years ago and has served in various roles including VP of store operations and communications, director of HR, district manager and general manager. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University.
13. Crystal Ackerman
VP of Meat & Seafood, Southeastern Grocers
Crystal Ackerman began her professional career 24 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Meat & Seafood of Southeastern Grocers. Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S. SEG serves customers in grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies throughout the five southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Ackerman first got her start in 1998 as a sales analyst at School Zone Publishing Company. From there, she went on to Meijer as a director of merchandising, her most recent position prior to joining Southeastern Grocers. Ackerman graduated from Davenport University with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
14. Erica Fortune
SVP of E-commerce, Big Lots Stores
Erica Fortune is the Senior Vice President of E-commerce of Big Lots Stores. She first joined the company in 2014 as director of e-commerce merchandising. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots, Inc. is a discount retailer operating approximately 1,400 stores in 47 states with product assortments in the merchandise categories of furniture, seasonal, soft home, food, consumables, hard home, and electronics, toys & accessories.
Previously, Fortune was a director of merchandising and merchandising manager of e-commerce for the women’s division at EXPRESS and before that, a senior merchant of e-commerce at The Limited. Earlier in her career she worked with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Fortune earned an undergraduate degree in fashion merchandising from Kent State University.
15. Dimple Rao
VP & Head of Digital Product Management & Product Design, Chico's FAS
Dimple Rao is the Vice President and Head of Digital Product Management and Product Design of Chico's FAS, a Florida-based fashion company founded in 1983 on Sanibel Island, Fla. The company reinvented the fashion retail experience by creating fashion communities anchored by their personal service, which put the customer at the center of everything they do. As one of the leading fashion retailers in North America, Chico's FAS is a company of three unique brands – Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma – each thriving in their own white space, founded by women, led by women, providing solutions that millions of women say give them confidence and joy. Rao has 22 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Before joining Chico's FAS, Rao was an SVP of product management at SPINS and before that a VP, head of product management, UX & design at FTD Companies. Earlier in her career she worked with Accenture as an analyst. Rao graduated from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with an MBA and from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
16. Monique Meche
SVP of Corporate Affairs, Zalando
Monique Meche began her professional career 28 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs of Zalando. Zalando is Europe’s leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle. Founded in Berlin in 2008, they bring head-to-toe fashion to more than 49 million active customers in 23 markets offering clothes, footwear, accessories, and beauty.
Meche is an expert in public policy and corporate affairs who has built and led teams around the world for some of the most innovative global technology companies. She is a board director for GoFundMe, board advisor for PointOne, advises the CEO and executive team at Zalando, and is an executive advisor to ICV Partners. Most recently, she served as Twitter’s VP of Global Public Policy and Philanthropy and was recognized as one of Business Insider’s 19 most influential people shaping policy. Throughout her career, she has worked to advance business interests and market expansion for cutting edge companies that are transforming the way we live. Meche graduated from the College of Europe with an MBA in administration and from Tulane University with an undergraduate degree in economics and political science.
17. Lacey Rhoades
VP of Organization Effectiveness & Strategic Initiatives, Neiman Marcus Group
Lacey Rhoades is the Vice President of Organization Effectiveness & Strategic Initiatives
of Neiman Marcus Group. She first joined the company in 2018 as senior director of organization effectiveness & strategic initiatives. Rhoades is an organization transformation leader with over fifteen years of experience in organization design, performance improvement, change management and talent strategies. She has extensive experience implementing organizational strategies to support the business strategy execution, including development of operating models and post-merger integration efforts. She has successfully guided clients in change strategies to ensure adoption and sustaining behavioral change during information technology implementations as well as strategy and cultural change transformations.
Rhoades has international business experience in France, Costa Rica and China and has worked with teams in the UK and India. Previously, she was a senior manager of management consulting at PwC. Earlier in her career she worked with Dell as an associate of program and change management consulting. Rhoades earned an MBA in organization development from Pepperdine University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of North Texas.
18. Elizabeth Miller
VP & Divisional Merchandise Manager, Bloomingdale's
Elizabeth Miller is a Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager of Bloomingdale's. Bloomingdale’s is America’s only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy’s Inc. Currently, they operate 37 department stores and an ever-growing number of Bloomingdale’s The Outlet stores in 13 states as well as the always open and fashionable Bloomingdales.com. Bloomingdale’s also has an international presence in Dubai. Miller has 15 years of experience. She began her career in 2007.
Miller graduated from The Wharton School with an undergraduate degree in marketing and retail and from the University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree in economics.
19. Sarah Rasmusen
EVP & Chief Customer Officer, Lands' End
Sarah Rasmusen began her professional career 26 years ago. Today, she is an Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Lands' End, a leading multi-channel retailer of clothing, accessories, footwear and home products. They offer products through catalogs, online and affiliated specialty and international websites, and through retail locations. They are a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service and real value, and seek to deliver timeless style for men, women, kids and the home.
Rasmusen first got her start in 1996 as a software training & implementation manager at Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts. From there, she went on to KPMG, before eventually rising to become a VP of digital merchandising, analytics & optimization at Kohl's Department Stores, her most recent position prior to joining Lands' End. Rasmusen graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in science, technology, and society.
20. Melissa Moschella
Vice President, francesca’s®
Melissa Moschella is a Vice President with francesca’s®. She first joined the company in 2021 as a senior director of business and process improvement. Known for offering unique, free-spirited fashion, jewelry and lifestyle products for over 20 years, francesca’s mission is to inspire discovery and celebrate individuality. Moschella is responsible for driving and delivering the vision for the rapid growth of the franki by francesca’s brand.
Previously, Moschella was a GMM of strategic merchandise, toys, sporting goods, travel, fitness, and souvenir at Sears and before that a product developer at Levi Strauss & Co. Earlier in her career she worked with Ralph Lauren as a merchandise assistant. Moschella earned an undergraduate degree in fashion merchandising and leadership from the University of Delaware.
21. Rachel Madris
VP of Operations & Director of Sales & Operations, Centric Brands
Rachel Madris is the Vice President of Operations and Director of Sales and Operations for Centric Brands, a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets, and sells high-quality products in the kids, men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, beauty, and entertainment categories. The Company’s portfolio includes licenses for more than 100 iconic brands, including Calvin Klein®, Tommy Hilfiger®, Nautica®, Spyder®, and Under Armour® in the kid’s category; Joe’s Jeans®, Buffalo®, and more. Madris is a skillful and established sales operations leader who has spent her career growing businesses by crafting the strategic direction needed to launch new brands, innovative new lines of business, and open stores, markets, and channels for leading fashion labels.
Madris is known for being a mover and shaker in startup and established settings, encouraging collaboration and communication up, down, and across the enterprise. Before joining Centric Brands, she was a director of sales at Robert Graham Designs and before that, an account executive at Joe's Jeans Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Diesel as a senior customer service rep and sales assistant. Madris graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in communications.
22. Sarah Kaufmann
VP of Global Merchandising, West Elm
Sarah Kaufmann began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President pf Global Merchandising for West Elm. At West Elm, they make it simple to express personal style at home with unique, affordable, authentic, responsible products. Kaufmann is a retail business leader who works at the intersection of product strategy, commerce and storytelling.
Kaufmann first got her start in 2002 as a product development manager at EXPRESS. From there, she went on to Gap Inc., before eventually rising to become a chief merchant and GMM at Henri Bendel, her most recent position prior to joining West Elm.
23. Kat Woodside
Chief Design Officer, cabi Clothing
Kat Woodside is the Chief Design Officer of cabi, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand changing the way women shop. Before leading the charge of all of cabi’s clothing, jewelry, and shoe designs, Woodside was the VP of design, working alongside Carol Anderson, the cabi brand’s original namesake.
Prior to joining the cabi family, Woodside was the head designer of Paige Premium Denim, in charge of design development, launching their high-end contemporary line, Paige Black Label, and at the helm of the men’s collections. Before her transition to denim, she and a fellow designer created bellekat, a women’s line featuring chic and feminine tops, dresses, and sweaters, carefully crafted with specialty Japanese and Italian fabrics. Bellekat earned a tremendous following for its Chloe-like appeal and centrally featured displays at Barneys New York and boutiques around the world. Woodside and her partner decided to close the brand during life transitions. She made her formal launch into the world of apparel design as the fashion director at ACA JOE, a men’s and women’s contemporary brand first launched in Acapulco, enjoying success as Mexico’s leading retailer, and prominence in the U.S., Canada, and London, headquartered in Los Angeles.
24. Kristi Carlson
VP of IT E-commerce & Marketing, Kendra Scott
Kristi Carlson is the Vice President of IT E-commerce and Marketing of Kendra Scott. Kendra Scott is a fashion-lifestyle brand of big dreams, colorful confidence, and inspired design. Founded on family, fashion, and philanthropy, they believe that employees and customers are the heart and soul of the brand and that giving back is the truest form of success. Carlson has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining Kendra Scott, Carlson was a senior director of e-commerce operations at Whole Foods Market. Earlier in her career she worked with Master Financial, Inc. as an SVP, chief risk officer and COO. Carlson graduated from UNLV Lee Business School with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
25. Amie Goeller
SVP of Design, Aeropostale & Lucky Brands
Amie Goeller began her professional career 29 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Design for Aeropostale and Lucky Brands. They are a leading designer and manufacturer of premium denim and vintage-inspired apparel, available in their retail locations across North America, in select department stores and shops, and on luckybrand.com. Lucky Brands offers operational and strategic expertise including retail and e-commerce management, sourcing, design and technology for leading global brands.
Goeller first got her start in1993 as a men's outerwear sample room supervisor at Ralph Lauren. From there, she went on to Patagonia, her most recent position prior to joining Lucky Brands. Goeller graduated from the University of Cincinnati in art, architecture, and planning.
26. Meisha Brown
VP of Sales, Kering Eyewear
Meisha Brown is the Vice President of Sales for Kering Eyewear. She first joined the company in 2020. Kering Eyewear is the one and only luxury eyewear company in the whole industry. Beginning as a startup in 2014, Kering Eyewear was launched by Kering and a group of managers led by Roberto Vedovotto, with the aim of building eyewear expertise for the Group’s Houses. The first Kering Eyewear collections were unveiled in 2015 and involved 11 brands. Since then, several Houses have been added to the portfolio and today Kering Eyewear counts 16 fashion and luxury brands, with an unparalleled offer in the market.
Previously, Brown was a buying director of women's designer leather goods & accessories at Barneys New York. Earlier in her career she worked with Saks Fifth Avenue as an assistant buyer. Brown earned an MA in luxury fashion and management from Savannah College of Art and Design and an undergraduate degree in business marketing from California State University-Long Beach.
27. Jessica Kemp
VP of Digital Commerce, Jewelry Television
Jessica Kemp is the Vice President of Digital Commerce of Jewelry Television. At Jewelry Television their mission is to open the world of fine jewelry and gemstones to everyone. Jewelry Television is an American television network specializing in the sale of jewelry for both men and women. On-air and online, the network is mainly branded by its jtv initials in lower-case letters. It has an estimated reach of more than 80 million U.S. households, through cable and satellite providers, online streaming and limited over-the-air broadcasters. Kemp has 18 years of experience. She began her career in 2004.
Before joining Jewelry Television, Kemp was a program manager at Metron North America. She graduated from Tusculum University.
28. Kristel Kearney
SVP of Inventory Management, Rue Gilt Groupe
Kristel Kearney began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Inventory Management of Rue Gilt Groupe, a premier off-price e-commerce portfolio company made up of Rue La La, Gilt, Gilt City, and Shop Premium Outlets. At the forefront of fashion and technology, they’re in the business of making people happy. At RGG, they utilize world-class merchandising, technology, and marketing to bring its shopping experience to life, and they hire world-class people to do it. Their high-end, flash-sale model has disrupted the retail industry and offers more than 30 million members access to coveted designers and brands.
Kearney first got her start in 1997 as a VP of inventory management at Gap Inc. From there, she went on to Gilt Groupe, before eventually rising to become a SVP of merchandise and location planning, allocation, and merchandise operations at Ascena Retail Group, Inc and Dressbarn. Kearney graduated from the University of Arizona with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
29. Cheryl Roth
VP of Product Development & Design Apparel, Soft Surroundings
Cheryl Roth is the Vice President of Product Development and Design Apparel for Soft Surroundings. She first joined the company in 1999 as divisional merchandise manager. Soft Surroundings sparks inspiration and discovery so women who believe age is just a number can look, feel and be their best selves. They do this through unique, curated offerings, modern feminine touches, a perfect balance of style, trend and novelty, and an obsession with effortless solutions that allow women to live with ease and confidence every day, season after season. Roth earned an undergraduate degree in fine arts from Ohio University.
30. Tatjana Schuster
VP of Digital Innovation and E-commerce, The Honest Company
Tatjana Schuster is the Vice President of Digital Innovation and E-commerce of The Honest Company. The Honest Company is a mission-driven, digitally native brand focused on leading the clean lifestyle movement, creating a community for conscious consumers and seeking to disrupt multiple consumer product categories. Since its launch in 2012, Honest has been dedicated to creating thoughtfully formulated, safe and effective personal care, beauty, baby and household products, which are available via honest.com, and at more than 32,000 retail locations across the United States, Canada and Europe. Schuster has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.
Schuster is a business development and strategy professional with a multi-national background and demonstrated expertise in sales strategy, entrepreneurship, revenue growth, organizational efficiency and leading cross-cultural and cross-functional teams for Fortune 500 companies as well as start-up companies. Schuster graduated from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with an MBA in finance, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and strategy and from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
31. Miryha Fantegrossi
SVP of Merchandising & Design, Wacoal America
Miryha Fantegrossi began her professional career 21 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Design of Wacoal America. Since its introduction in the United States more than 30 years ago, Wacoal lingerie has been known for exceptional fit, quality, comfort, and craftsmanship. Through its exacting attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of bra fit they offer women intimate apparel that makes them look their best and gives them the confidence that comes from appearing beautiful. Their rigorous design and development process includes fitting bras on real women rather than mannequins as well as utilizing new technology and high-quality fabrics.
Fantegrossi first got her start in 2001 as a senior merchandising manager at Hanesbrands Inc. From there, she went on to Vanity Fair Brands before eventually rising to become a director of design at Jockey International, Inc., her most recent position prior to joining Wacoal America. Fantegrossi graduated from Syracuse University with an undergraduate degree in retail and marketing.
32. Laura Jacobs
Head of Marketing, Faherty Brand
Laura Jacobs is the Head of Marketing of Faherty Brand. She first joined the company in 2022. Founded in 2013 by Mike and Alex Faherty and Kerry Docherty, Faherty is a family-run lifestyle and apparel brand fueled by purpose and optimism. Jacobs is a customer-centric marketing and business leader for direct to consumer and physical retail brands. She has a reputation for her unique blend of strategic vision, creative brand building, digital leadership and authentic purpose to drive and scale public, private equity owned and start-up businesses.
Previously, Jacobs was a CMO at ANN INC and before that a founder and managing partner at True Story Branding. Earlier in her career she worked with Ammirati Puris Lintas as an account supervisor. Jacobs earned an undergraduate degree in political science and art history from Duke University.
33. Domonique Checkwood
VP of Sales - US Wholesale, Stance Socks
Domonique Checkwood is the Vice President of Sales for Stance Socks. In 2009, they took what was once a stagnant staple and transformed socks into one of the market's most exciting accessories. By unlocking the potential of a canvas too often overlooked, Stance ignited a cultural movement around the world that has attracted visionary artists, athletes and icons to embrace our positive message of individuality and creativity. In the years since, their canvas for self-expression has expanded from toe to head by way of underwear, apparel and headwear. Through innovative materials, superior comfort and artistic design that is the bedrock ethos of their brand, Stance can now be found in over 40 countries for anyone looking to defy convention. Checkwood has 19 years of experience. She began her career in 2003.
Before joining Stance Socks, Checkwood was a North American sales manager of action sports and independent fashion at Nixon. Earlier in her career she worked with Burton Snowboards as a sales representative. Checkwood graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with an undergraduate degree in fine and studio arts and in communication and media studies.
34. Michelle Wickham
SVP of Operations, Nextbite
Michelle Wickham is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Nextbite. Nextbite is helping drive and shape the new digital era for the restaurant industry. A leader in virtual restaurants and the pioneer in online order management, the company is focused on helping restaurant partners successfully enter the virtual restaurant space with new delivery-only menus, using underutilized labor and kitchen capacity, to increase margins and revenue. Wickham is a dynamic, results-driven professional with a 30-year career that exemplifies a focus on the vision and execution of creative and innovative strategies while taking ownership of end-to-end responsibilities and ensuring delivery of projects and process improvement.
Wickham first got her start in 2004 as a director of innovation at Yum! Brands. From there, she went on to T-Mobile, before eventually rising to become a VP of prepared food and beverage at Casey's, her most recent position prior to joining Nextbite. Wickham graduated from Sullivan University with an undergraduate degree in culinary arts.
35. Janis Abbingsole
VP of Operations, King Arthur Baking Company
Janis Abbingsole is the Vice President of Operations of King Arthur Baking Company. She first joined the company in 2020. King Arthur Baking Company’s mission is to be the ultimate resource and inspiration in the kitchen, to inspire connections and community through baking, and to use their business as a force for good.
Previously, Abbingsole was a chief strategy officer and partner at Newmine Omni-Channel Retail Consulting and before that a VP of operations and strategic initiatives at Title Nine. Earlier in her career she worked with Peet's Coffee & Tea as a call center manager. Abbingsole earned an undergraduate degree in United States studies and civilization from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
36. Doreen Panzer
SVP of Sales, Merchandising & Design, Mamiye Brothers
Doreen Panzer is the Senior Vice President of Sales, Merchandising and Design of Mamiye Brothers. With a 70-year legacy in the industry, Mamiye has been built on a longstanding commitment to excellence, integrity, quality, innovation and best-in-class service. Panzer is a results-driven executive leader in wholesale, retail and e-commerce with more than 20 years of experience. She has multi-faceted expertise in women’s, men’s, junior’s and special sizes with high profile brands. She is a passionate team motivator, aggressive negotiator and a visionary who constructs a blueprint where innovation and growth can take place. She has an intuitive understanding of how to improve product performance and brand positioning, producing dramatic results in revenue gains and profitability. She has cultivated mutually respectful and trusted retail partnerships in multiple channels of distribution.
Before joining Mamiye Brothers, Panzer was a president of global sales and planning at Silver Jeans Co. and before that, a VP of sales and planning at Warnaco. Earlier in her career she worked with ANN INC. as a buyer.
37. Kellie Dagestad
VP of Sales, Polygroup
Kellie Dagestad is a sales executive and seasonal industry specialist with over 25 years’ experience in program development, analyst, and buyer roles. She has built, launched, and led multi-million-dollar programs for some of the world’s biggest manufacturers and retailers, including Walmart Stores, Inc. Dagestad is the VP of Sales at Polygroup, a global consumer goods leader with companies that design, manufacture and distribute seasonal home décor and outdoor recreation products that inspire people to play more and celebrate more. She manages the company’s national Walmart Summer Seasonal account while cultivating strong strategic relationships. A top-down thinker with bottom-up experience, she is able to build effective retail sales programs that rapidly increase ROI and drive consumer sales.
Customer centered and numbers driven, with an eye always on the bottom line, Dagestad creates retail strategies and profitable plans specifically focused on accelerating growth. She brings a well-rounded approach to retail sales, with a multi-faceted skillset in consumer insights, market trends & forecasting, data analysis, inventory management, merchandising, replenishment, supply chain management, and training. Previously, Dagestad held multiple corporate and consulting positions across the manufacturing and retail industries, including working over a decade for Walmart. Her last position there was as a buyer in the Fresh Cut Floral category. Additionally, she consulted in the industry for a short time prior to beginning her career at Polygroup.
38. Hallie Sturgill
Chief Financial Officer, Universal Screen Arts
Hallie Sturgill is the Chief Financial Officer of Universal Screen Arts. She first joined the company in 2017 as senior vice president of finance. Universal Screen Arts’ early roots were as an international t-shirt/sweatshirt marketer and have evolved into multiple internet and catalog retail shopping destinations. Their daily operations transpire at headquarters in Hudson, Ohio with merchandising teams in Minneapolis and Atlanta. The Universal family of brands reaches a broad spectrum of customers due to the product lines’ diversity, uniqueness, exclusiveness and personalization. They pride themselves on building a team of experienced and talented employees who are passionate about what they do.
Previously, Sturgill was an SVP of finance and a corporate controller at Hanover Direct. Earlier in her career she worked with KPMG as a staff accountant. Sturgill earned an MBA in finance from Mount St. Mary's University and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Elizabethtown College.
39. Julie Sutton
Senior Director Government Affairs & Global Impact, VF
Julie Sutton is Senior Director of Government Affairs and Global Impact at VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories. Sutton is responsible for educating policy makers and external stakeholders on VF’s policy positions on trade, climate, environment, human rights, and responsible sourcing. She advocates for these policy positions at the state and federal levels and represents VF’s interest in Washington DC, Latin America and the European Union/broader Europe. In her Global Impact role, Sutton leads VF’s corporate human rights program, aligned with international standards, to prevent, mitigate and remediate adverse human rights impacts within VF’s value chain. VF’s human rights efforts prioritize women’s empowerment, supporting child rights, eradicating forced labor, and promoting freedom of association. She leads the team responsible for human rights due diligence.
Prior to this role Sutton led external engagement for VF’s Sustainability and Responsibility department which accelerates social and environmental leadership through VF’s global supply chain with external stakeholders. She led the team responsible for VF’s sustainability reporting on benchmarks, ratings and rankings as they relate to Environmental, Social and Governance standards. Julie holds a master’s degree from the George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in international economics & Spanish from the University of Kentucky.
40. Lindsay Sigmund
VP of Design, Vida Shoes International
Lindsay Sigmund is the Vice President of Design of Vida Shoes International. Since 1973, Vida Shoes International has been committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. They are dedicated to designing, producing and marketing quality branded footwear using their expansive international resources. Their wealth of knowledge stems from the diversity of brands and successful products they have produced year after year. Sigmund has 13 years of experience. She began her career in 2009.
Before joining Vida Shoes International, Sigmund was a lead designer at Global Brands Group and a lead designer at Camuto Group. Earlier in her career she worked with Bloomingdales as a theory sales professional. Sigmund graduated from Syracuse University with an undergraduate degree in retail management and marketing.
41. Michelle Evans
Chief Merchandising Officer, Bespoke Post
Michelle Evans began her professional career 21 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Merchandising Officer of Bespoke Post. Since 2011, Bespoke Post has been introducing its customers to small, under-the-radar brands and quality goods through a multi-category membership service and full e-commerce shop. Whether it’s starting a fun new hobby, upgrading personal style, tasting an unfamiliar flavor, or just finding something that makes life that little bit easier—Bespoke Post is all about discovery. Taking a tech and data-driven approach, they ensure their members are presented with curated products that align with their interests and passions, leading to enriching new experiences.
Evans first got her start in 2001 as a consulting associate at Charles River Associates. From there, she went on to Lunessa Designer Jewelry before eventually rising to become an EVP of merchandising at The Doneger Group, her most recent position prior to joining Bespoke Post. Evans graduated from Yale School of Management with an MBA in retail strategy and marketing and from Wesleyan University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
42. Liz White
Chief Customer Officer, Ashley Stewart
Liz White is the Chief Customer Officer of Ashley Stewart. She first joined the company in 2020. Founded in 1991, Ashley Stewart is a leading fashion, multi-media brand serving curvy women around the country. With 81 stores across the United States, a state-of-the-art e-commerce platform and an integrated and explosive social media presence, Ashley Stewart is on the forefront of omni-channel retail. White has proven experience driving customer centric growth and transformation in media, entertainment, fashion, e-commerce and technology at both large brands and startups. She has experience across multiple commercial models including direct-to-consumer/e-commerce, marketplace, subscription, advertising and SaaS.
Previously, White was a chief customer officer at FULLBEAUTY Brands and before that a head of strategy and development at Poshly Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with The Westport Company as an associate. White earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree in sociology from Trinity College-Hartford.
43. Andrea Lieberman
Chief Creative Officer & Founder, A.L.C
Born and raised in Manhattan, Andrea Lieberman graduated from Parsons School of Design with a fashion degree and began her multi-faceted journey into the world of style and fashion. Post-graduation, she gained invaluable hands-on experience with a number of seasoned designers and creatives. She subsequently lived in Paris and East Africa for several years, giving her exclusive and immersive exposure to global cultures which forever influenced her visual perspective.
Fast-forward a few years, she exploded onto the styling scene and became a pioneer in female celebrity styling. Andrea specialized in distinctive, and career-defining looks for globally recognized women and world renowned media publications. Andrea ultimately established identifiable, personal brands for these women by creating pivotal cultural moments on the red carpet and throughout the music industry — all through style and fashion. Andrea’s international travels and experiences with her celebrity clientele inspired her to launch A.L.C. She wanted to refocus her energy on real women, and so she went on to create versatile, beautifully crafted staples that women’s wardrobes were missing.
44. Pernille Trojgaard
Chief Operating Officer, Medterra
Pernille Trojgaard began her professional career 6 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Medterra. Medterra provides customers with true seed-to-sale purchases. Their industrial hemp is grown and extracted in accordance within the strict guidelines of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Each and every product that leaves the facility must be third-party tested to ensure consistency and quality. Medterra is proud to be in partnership with the Hemp Pilot Research Program to be able to provide customers quality CBD products in all 50 states and most international countries.
Trojgaard first got her start in 2016 as an SVP of operations at Papa & Barkley. She graduated from Copenhagen Business School with an undergraduate degree.
45. Laura Sanchez
Chief Operating Officer, Shinesty
Laura Sanchez is the Chief Operating Officer of Shinesty. She first joined the company in 2018. The Shinesty brand was created for one reason only, to force the world not to take itself too seriously. They’re talking pre- and post-coital party kimonos, ball hammock boxer briefs, denim-print swimwear, neon ski suits, the original Christmas Suit, and much more.
Previously, Sanchez was a principal at Gravitas Solutions, LLC and before that a COO at Revolar. Earlier in her career she worked with Arvida/JMB Partners as an operations manager. Sanchez earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard Business School.
46. Melanie Deschaine
Vice President, Bubble Skincare
Melanie Deschaine is the Vice President of Bubble Skincare. Bubble is the first modern, affordable, science-backed skincare line formulated to clean, balance and hydrate young skin. Bubble provides high quality products, made with top-of-the-line ingredients, with everything being vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic, all for under $20. They find new-school ways for plants to work their natural magic even more effectively with a boost from dermatologist-backed science.
Deschaine is an innovative, creative and strategic leader with over 15 years of progressive experience across mass retail, CPG, and startup companies. She is skilled at people leadership, relationship management, negotiation, and strategic planning that balances both art and science to drive exponential growth. She spent nearly 11 years with Walmart cosmetics and beauty merchandising. Deschaine graduated from John Brown University with an undergraduate degree in business.
47. Marisa Sharkey
Co-Founder, President & Chief Operating Officer, Birdies
Marisa Sharkey began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Co-Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of Birdies. Founded in 2015, Birdies is a female-founded footwear brand that was born out of a need for stylish, comfortable shoes to wear inside the home. The brand has evolved for versatile everyday use, offering a range of signature styles that combine the support of a sneaker, the softness of a slipper, and the style of a designer flat, all featuring the company’s exclusive 7-layer comfort technology.
Sharkey first got her start in 1997 as an analyst of mergers and acquisitions at Salomon Smith Barney. From there, she went on to Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, before eventually rising to become a group VP at Ross Stores, her most recent position prior to founding Birdies. Sharkey graduated from The Wharton School with an MBA in strategic management and finance and from Cornell University with an undergraduate degree in business management.
48. Lisa Bressler
VP of Marketing & E-commerce, Eagle Creek
Lisa Bressler is the Vice President of Marketing & E-commerce of Eagle Creek. She first joined the company in 2022. Born in 1975 in the small mountain town of Idyllwild, CA, original owners Steve and Nona Barker began making comfortable, light, durable backpacks for climbers ascending Mt. San Jacinto. 40 years later, Eagle Creek is now comprised of a “tribe of travelers,” determined to make exploration and discovery not just possible, but effortless and enriching. At Eagle Creek, they believe both travel and life in the outdoors changes people. That’s led them to develop a broad collection of stylish and durable gear to get people to their next adventure—whether it’s on a nearby trail or in a country half-way around the world.
Previously, Bressler was a VP of international marketing at AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC. and before that a VP of marketing and communications at Grupo Axo. Earlier in her career she worked with Tommy Hilfiger as a manager of international licensing in Latin America. Bressler earned an MBA in global business from NYU Stern School of Business and an undergraduate degree in international relations and affairs and political science from Carleton College.
49. Tricia Mahoney
Chief Marketing Officer, Twisted X Global Brands
Tricia Mahoney is the Chief Marketing Officer of Twisted X Global Brands. Twisted X Global Brands is the home of Twisted X, Twisted X Work, Black Star Boots, CellSole and licensed brand Wrangler Footwear. They create comfortable, handcrafted footwear for men, women, and children across the lifestyle, work, outdoor and western categories featuring patent pending CellStretch® comfort technology. Mahoney has 30 years of experience. She began her career in 1992.
Before joining Twisted X Global Brands, Mahoney was a VP of brand activation and content at Mr. Cooper and before that a marketing and communications consultant. Earlier in her career she worked with Diversified Technologies as a marketing manager. Mahoney graduated from Keene State College with an undergraduate degree in business management.
50. Tara Dikos
EVP & Co-Founder, Tate + Zoey
Tara Dikos began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Tate + Zoey. At Tate + Zoey, they are passionate about creating a business opportunity that allows individuals to give themselves the ultimate gift: the gift of possibilities. They provide the tools, training, and support to help them succeed.
Dikos first got her start in 2005 as a co-founder, key accounts, and sales manager at The Power Group. From there, she went on to Stratus Building Solutions, before eventually rising to become an EVP at Transpac, her most recent position prior to founding Tate + Zoey. Dikos graduated from North Carolina State University.