FIRA Membership
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Be part of retail’s global community with FIRA
Federation of International Retail Associations (FIRA) membership provides other country-based retail trade associations with access to exclusive events, networking with other retail trade associations and complimentary associate membership to the National Retail Federation (USA). FIRA is committed to continuing to promote a better understanding of the global retail industry, current issues and diverse cultures the retail industry serves.
FIRA members currently represent 37 associations across 21 countries in five continents.
FIRA membership benefits include:
Collaboration and networking on best practices and common interests facing the industry, such as trade and payment card fees.
Complimentary Industry Partner Membership in the National Retail Federation with access to NRF research and resources.
Participation at FIRA meetings and events.
Your association’s information listed in FIRA’s online directory.
The opportunity to be featured in the NRF Global SmartBrief, a daily email recapping the latest international retail news.
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How to join
Learn more about FIRA membership and start your online application. Complete and return it to membershipinfo@nrf.com. Annual membership dues are $1,400 for qualifying associations.
Questions? Email or call our membership team at 202-783-7971.
FIRA Leadership
Jacques Creyssel
FIRA Chairman, France
Jacques Creyssel is a highly respected leader in the fields of economics, public administration and retail, with decades of experience spanning government, business advocacy and industry leadership. A graduate of the Institute of Political Studies and the prestigious National School of Administration in France, he began his career in public service, holding senior roles within the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, including Deputy Director of the Budget Directorate.
He later transitioned to the private sector, serving as Director General of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), the country’s leading business organization, where he played a key role in representing and advancing the interests of French enterprises. From 2011 to 2025, Creyssel served as Director General of the French Retail Federation (FCD), further strengthening his influence within the retail sector and contributing to policy and industry development at both national and European levels.
Since 2020, Creyssel has served as Chairman of the Federation of International Retail Associations (FIRA), guiding global collaboration among retail organizations. In addition to his international work, he currently holds several prominent leadership roles, including Chairman of AG2R La Mondiale, Chair of a French insurance federation, and Chair of key Economics and Finance Committees within both MEDEF and the Economic, Social and Environmental Council — one of France’s three main constitutional assemblies.
Through his extensive leadership and policy expertise, Creyssel continues to shape the future of retail, economic policy and business representation both in France and internationally.
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Massimo Volpe
FIRA Immediate Past Chairman, Italy
Massimo Volpe is a retail industry leader based in London. Having graduated in Italy, he built his career across three continents — starting in Shanghai, then moving to the United States, first to Chicago and then New York — collecting experiences that shaped a deep understanding of global retail markets and innovation ecosystems. He served as Chairman of the Federation of International Retail Associations for four years and continues his involvement as an advisor. He is also General Manager of the Global Retail Alliance, a borderless community of retail leaders united by the belief that the best ideas in retail have no geography. Drawing on these networks, Volpe founded Retail Hub — a tech company that connects startups and corporates to accelerate transformation in the retail industry through technology, international scouting and strategic advisory. A serial investor and advisor in retail tech startups, he has built a track record of bridging emerging technologies with real market needs. He also lectures at SDA Bocconi School of Management and UCL on entrepreneurship, retail innovation and emerging business models.
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Kim Furlong
FIRA Regional Vice President, North America, Canada
Kim Furlong is President & CEO of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), bringing over two decades of experience at the intersection of public policy, business, and advocacy. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Furlong leads RCC at a pivotal time for the retail industry — championing members’ interests, shaping national policy, and building strong partnerships across sectors.
Before rejoining RCC in 2025, Furlong spent six years as CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association. There, she played a key role in elevating the voice of Canada’s private capital sector, influencing public policy and strengthening the country’s investment ecosystem.
Prior to CVCA, Furlong spent a decade at Amgen Canada leading External Affairs, and also served as a senior political aide in two federal ministerial offices.
Throughout her career, Furlong has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and effective advocate, with a deep network spanning business, government and media. She is passionate about building consensus, delivering results and helping industries thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
Furlong is an avid cyclist, enthusiastic foodie and lifelong book lover. Originally from the picturesque town of Percé, Quebec, she is a proud French Quebecer. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and their twin boys — affectionately known as “the Peanuts.”
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Marcos Gouvea de Souza
FIRA Regional Vice President, South America Brazil
Marcos Gouvea de Souza is the founder and CEO of Gouvêa Ecosystem, integrating consulting, services, technology and events businesses in the areas of Retail, Consumption and Distribution. He is a member of the Board of IDV – Instituto para Desenvolvimento do Varejo, IFB – Instituto Foodservice Brasil, BFFC/Bob’s and Ebeltoft Group – Global Alliance of Consulting and Services Companies for Retail, and Co-Chairman for South America of FIRA – Forum of International Retail Associations and President of LIDE Comércio.
Gouvea de Souza is a frequent speaker at events in Brazil, the United States, Latin America, Europe and China.
He is creator and CEO of LATAM Retail Show, the main B2B event in the sector in Latin America, and publisher of the MERCADO&CONSUMO platform with more than 1,100 published articles. Gouvea de Souza has authored/co-authored 12 books related to his areas of expertise.
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Kumar Rajagopalan
Executive Director & CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI)
Kumar Rajagopalan is the Executive Director & CEO of Retailers Association of India (RAI). In his role at RAI, Rajagopalan focuses on creating a positive trade environment for modern retail in India.
Over the recent years, he has represented RAI as the voice of retailers in India, working with all levels of government and other industry stakeholders.
He serves on the Advisory Committee of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) — a DPIIT initiative — and is a Director at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Rajagopalan brings with him over 35 years of profound knowledge and business experience, having worked at organizations such as IBM India, Crossword Book Stores and Shoppers Stop Ltd.
He is associated with various organizations and industry bodies that help and promote retail. He is also a visiting faculty at various business institutes and a sought-after contributor to leading magazines and newspapers as an authority on all things retail.
Jean McCabe
FIRA Regional Vice President, Europe Ireland
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