"Mike has distinguished himself throughout his career as an innovator and highly successful global retail leader."
NEW YORK – The National Retail Federation announced today that Qurate Retail, Inc. President and CEO Mike George has been elected chairman of the NRF Board of Directors. George replaces BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO Christopher Baldwin, who has served since January 2018.
“By any measure, Mike has distinguished himself throughout his career as an innovator and highly successful global retail leader,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As we begin the third decade of the 21st century, NRF is extremely fortunate to have Mike’s knowledge, background and expertise as this dynamic industry continually transforms, influencing the nation’s economy and impacting communities large and small.”
“The level of creativity across retail has never been higher as our members respond to rising consumer expectations with new products and experiences that make people’s lives better,” George said. “As an industry that supports one in four American jobs, retail is uniquely positioned to drive economic growth and NRF is a critical force in bringing the retail industry together. Retail continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making way for new technologies, products and platforms, and I am honored to lead the NRF Board during this dynamic time.”
In addition, three new members have been elected to the board: Vitamin Shoppe Inc. CEO Sharon M. Leitte, Ralph Lauren Corporation President and CEO Patrice Louvet and Vera Bradley President, CEO and Director Robert Wallstrom. Louvet will be a member of the board’s executive committee.
The board welcomed the new members at its annual winter meeting today during NRF 2020 Vision: Retail’s Big Show, and they will serve a two-year term until January 2022.
View the current NRF Board of Directors.
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.