WASHINGTON – This week, the National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay announced that he has named Bill Thorne, senior vice president of communications and public affairs, as the new executive director of the NRF Foundation and senior vice president of NRF.
“The growth in both impact and effectiveness of the Foundation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and leadership at NRF,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO of Macy’s Inc. and chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors. “I am excited that Bill will be leading the Foundation. His passion and expertise will build on past successes while seizing future opportunities on behalf of the industry, our members, associates and consumers.”
“Bill has worked closely with the Foundation team and board members to advance the Foundation’s programs and campaigns,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “His close collaboration with NRF and Foundation staff and volunteer leaders will create a smooth transition and provide an opportunity to maintain the Foundation’s current momentum without interruption.
“Bill joined us nearly eight years ago from Walmart, where he was responsible for working closely with states, cities and local municipalities to support the creation of thousands of new jobs for Walmart associates. He is an extraordinarily passionate advocate for the retail industry and for the value of retail jobs, particularly for the men and women who work on the front line of their operations and the impact they have on the communities they serve.”
“This is an honor, and I am extremely grateful to be given this opportunity,” Thorne said. “NRF is a trade association that does extraordinary work on behalf of our members and I am proud to partner with our retail leaders and the Foundation team to take this program to the next level and beyond. We are the only trade association for retail that has the credibility to claim credit for having a positive impact on the lives of the millions of people who work in this industry. That will remain our focus and our mission.”
Shay indicated he is moving quickly to fill the position Thorne is vacating, with the transition taking place by the end of the month.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.