Share |

Association for Retail Technology Standards
National Council of Chain Restaurants
Loss Prevention (LPInformation.com)
Retail Advertising and Marketing Association
Community of Online and Multichannel Retailers
STORES Media, Knowledge Series, and more
NRF Foundation Research & Education
Forum for International Retail Association Executives

News

Conferences Image: Text decoration - bullet

AN12 Award Winners

Whole Foods Market Named NRF’s Retail Innovator of the Year

Contact Kathy Grannis for high resolution headshot images of winners

For Immediate Release
Kathy Grannis (202) 783-7971 or grannisk@nrf.com
www.nrf.com/annual12

Whole Foods Market Named NRF’s Retail Innovator of the Year
- Burberry Awarded International Retailer of the Year-

Washington, January 12, 2012 - The National Retail Federation announced today that Whole Foods Market is the recipient of its prestigious annual Innovator of the Year award. Walter Robb, Co-CEO, will accept the award on behalf of Co-CEO and Founder John Mackey during the Annual Retail Industry Luncheon at NRF’s 101st Annual Convention and EXPO on January 17. Additionally, Burberry has been selected as the International Retailer of the Year, with Angela Ahrendts, Burberry CEO, accepting the award. Macy’s Richard Cohen, Group Vice President of Legislative Affairs, will be awarded the Silver Plaque. Retail’s BIG Show will be held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, January 15-18, 2012.

“As evidenced by their loyal customer base and storied success, these visionaries have truly inspired the entire industry through their creativity, leadership, innovation and forward thinking,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize them amongst their peers and look forward to witnessing their continued success.”

Retail’s BIG Show is a prime example of NRF’s world-class educational programming in action, providing an opportunity for over 22,000 retailers and their suppliers and partners a forum to connect, network, learn and conduct business.

Retail Innovator of the Year: Whole Foods Market Inc. Accepting the award will be Co-CEO, Walter Robb
Recipients of this award have successfully distinguished themselves as retail pioneers through the use of new, innovative or imaginative techniques, formats or service. Furthermore, they have demonstrated an ability to sustain and build this concept in the face of challenges.

John P. Mackey is Co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, a $4.7 billion Fortune 500 company, and a "Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For" every year since 1998. Whole Foods Market is one of the top 12 supermarket companies in America and the world's largest natural foods retail chain. He was named the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003. Mr. Mackey is a strong believer in free market principles and empowerment management, and co-founded FLOW with Michael Strong to promote an integrated vision of entrepreneurship directed towards social good. Mr. Mackey and his wife, Deborah, both practice meditation and yoga, and spend as much time as they can on their 720-acre ranch west of Austin. Mackey is a voracious book reader and participates in two monthly book clubs. He enjoys politics, economics, history and sports.
Walter Robb, Co-Chief Executive Officer, joined Whole Foods Market in 1991. He operated the Mill Valley, CA store until he became president of the Northern Pacific Region in 1993, where he grew the region from two to 17 stores. He became Executive Vice-President of Operations in 2000, Chief Operating Officer in 2001 and Co-President in 2004. Now as Co-CEO, Robb oversees six regions and is on the Whole Planet Foundation Board of Directors. An avid organic advocate, Robb is on the Advisory Board for the Organic Center for Education and Promotion. He is also on the Board of Regents for the University of the Pacific.

International Retailer of the Year: Burberry. Accepting the award will be Angela Ahrendts, CEO
This award is given annually to an individual who has achieved international recognition for excellence in their native country and internationally.

Angela Ahrendts became Chief Executive Officer of Burberry in July 2006, having served as an executive director since January 2006. Ahrendts was previously Executive Vice President at Liz Claiborne Inc between 1998 and 2006 where she oversaw half of the company’s $5bn in revenue, comprising 22 brands. She was also Executive Vice President of Henri Bendel, a Limited Brands company, from 1996 to 1998 and President of luxury brand Donna Karan International from 1989 to 1996.

Silver Plaque: Richard Cohen, Group Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Macy’s, Inc.

On virtually every hot-button issue, whether health care, consumer bankruptcy, card check, or swipe fees, Richard Cohen has been at the legislative forefront. His wisdom, guidance and selfless contributions to NRF and to our state retail association partners have raised the effectiveness, quality and profile of our industry’s public policy voice.

As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s Retail Means Jobs campaign emphasizes the economic importance of retail and encourages policymakers to support a Jobs, Innovation and Consumer Value Agenda aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation. www.nrf.com.

###

NRF is pleased to grant complimentary registration to editorial staff members of the press, as well as accredited retail analysts and bloggers. Accredited members of the press and analysts must register onsite at this time. Please bring a proper business card and at least two bylined articles or notes so that we can verify your credentials. Press Registration is in the Crystal Palace at the Javits Convention Center.

Email to Friend | Printer Friendly

Subscribe to the NRF News Feed