Top 10: CEOs in Retail

As convenience, value and personalisation remain top priorities for consumers, the global retail industry is meeting these demands with new systems of finance, technology and consumer insight, such as dynamic marketing, AI-driven commerce and resilient supply chains.

According to Deloitte’s 2026 Global Retail Industry Outlook, four in 10 Americans now make purchase decisions based on deals or what they believe to be a fair price, including those in higher-income households.

It also states that retailers are positioning themselves to leverage AI to improve marketing and decision-making across company channels. The report adds that Gen AI tools will become more accessible and instrumental in showcasing unique brand experiences when attracting consumers.

Sustainable growth remains the priority for most global retailers and financial discipline will be essential to ensure profitability is on track with company targets. 

Nearly three in four of surveyed retail CEOs and executives in the report say their companies are focusing on how they can control finances rather than expanding resources on macro factors such as demographics, competition and infrastructure.

Here, we look at 10 CEOs leading the way in financial growth, dynamic technologies and consumer experience within the global retail industry.

10. Roy Baggattini

Company: Woolworths

Revenue: US$4.9bn

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Roy Baggattini has served as Woolworths’s CEO since 2020, overseeing the company’s strengthening of capital allocation disciplines and fundamentally enhancing its long-term growth and value-creation prospects.

In addition, Roy played a key role in the repositioning of the apparel businesses in both South Africa and Australia, the increase of the company’s core South African assets, the launch of Woolworths Ventures and the group’s first share buyback programme.

Alongside a focus on strategy and performance, prioritising passion for the brand and its people have always remained core goals during Roy’s leadership.

9. Artemis Patrick

Company: Sephora

Revenue: US$10bn

Location: Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

In her role as CEO and President, Artemis Patrick has been responsible for developing growth strategies to maintain Sephora’s position as a leading prestige beauty retailer.

Artemis has a proven track record in the industry, with roots in merchandising, brand building, partnerships and e-commerce.

Nicknamed “the brand whisperer” by her peers, she is known across the industry as a brand builder in beauty and retail, both in the US and globally. 

A respected leader throughout the industry with a passion for innovation, Artemis has made a considerable impact on Sephora’s business across the globe.

8. Daniel Ervér

Company: H&M

Revenue: US$24.8bn

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Daniel Ervér has had an impressive career across leadership and merchandising roles within H&M, one of the world’s largest fashion companies.

Beginning as a summer trainee and then as business controller in 2006, he was responsible for merchandising in Germany and the US, Country Manager for H&M Sweden, Purchasing Manager for the H&M brand and responsible for H&M womenswear and menswear.

Daniel believes fashion is one the most important ways for consumers to express their personality and that the company’s ambition is to make this possible for all consumers at the best price through sustainable production methods.

7. Marta Ortega Pérez

Company: Zara

Revenue: US$27.8bn

Location: Galicia, Spain

Since her appointment as CEO in 2021, Marta Ortega Pérez has played a key role in modernising the company’s approach, focusing on areas like digital expansion and customer experience enhancements.

Her career has been marked by a commitment to integrating technology within retail, creating a more responsive and sustainable business model.

Notably, under her leadership, Marta has expanded Zara’s digital footprint, particularly in markets like China, while also improving in-store experiences to meet evolving consumer demands.

6. Bom Kim

Company: Coupang

Revenue: ​​​​​​​US$30.3bn

Location: Seattle, US

As the founder of South Korean retailer giant Coupang, Bom Kim went from Harvard Business School dropout to one of South Korea’s youngest billionaires.

Starting as an e-commerce daily-deal style marketplace, Coupang grew into an online retail powerhouse that brought US$4.1bn in sales revenue in 2018.

Seeing a gap in the market with South Korea’s lack of an Amazon-style retailer, Bom founded Coupang and designed it as a next generation e-commerce model. 

Following its formation, more than half of South Korea’s population have accounts associated with the platform.

5. Leah Weckert

Company: Coles Group

Revenue: US$30.9bn

Location: Victoria, Australia

Leah Weckert first joined Coles in 2011 and oversaw several leadership roles within the company, most recently Chief Executive, Commercial and Express where she led the supermarket’s business units and the Coles Express units.

She was appointed CEO in May 2023, becoming the company’s first female CEO in its 110-year history.

Her experience across different industries — previously serving as a Senior Business Analyst for McKinsey — and decade-long tenure with Coles has helped establish her as a strategic and financially-savvy leader of the company.

4. Ken Murphy

Company: Tesco

Revenue: US$60.2bn

Location: Welwyn Garden City, UK

Prior to joining Tesco, Ken Murphy worked for Walgreens Boots Alliance, overseeing several senior management positions for more than 20 years. Across these roles, he was responsible for brand strategy and the commercial offerings for both Walgreens and Boots.

As Tesco’s CEO, Ken has extensive commercial, marketing and brand experience across retail and wholesale businesses and is a firm believer in a growth-first approach to leadership.

He also has experience in global product brand management, product development, sales and marketing, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution.

3. Pietro Beccari

Company: LVMH

Revenue: US$80.8bn

Location: Paris, France

Pietro Beccari first began his career in marketing in Italy for Benckiser, before expanding his retail experience in the US with Parmalat and then in Germany at Henkel, where he served as Vice President in charge of haircare products.

Since 2006, he has served as Chairman and CEO of the LVMH Fashion Group.

Pietro strongly believes that a brand must be a statement on culture and that success in luxury retail must come from working competitively, talent and dedication.

2. Eddie Wu

Company: Alibaba

Revenue: US$137.3bn

Location: Hangzhou, China

Eddie Wu began his career at Alibaba during its inception, first serving as the company’s Technology Director.  

Prior to his appointment as CEO in September 2023, he oversaw several leadership positions including Head of Alibaba Group’s search, advertising and mobile business and founder of Vision Plus Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in advanced technologies, enterprise services and digital healthcare.

Eddie, nicknamed “Wu Ma” (Mother Wu) by Alibaba staff on account of his calm, supportive mentoring style, emphasises the importance of a tech-focused leadership style, often highlighting any opportunities for AI innovation within the company.

1. John Furner

Company: Walmart

Revenue: US$713bn

Location: Bentonville, US

A merchant, operator and innovator who believes in the importance of Walmart’s purpose and values, John Furner leads and communicates with more than two million company associates around the world.

Prior to the CEO position, John served as President and CEO of Walmart US, where he was responsible for the strategic direction and performance of Walmart’s omni retail business, including its digital retailer, more than 4,600 physical stores, advertising, health and wellness business and supply chain.

Under his leadership, John is focused on driving growth and innovation, improving associate engagement and integrating technology to improve the experience of both everyday shoppers and Walmart associates.