M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Lecture Series
Celebrating Innovation in Retail Since 1998Quick Links
Honoring Retailing Innovation
The M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Lecture Series highlights the role of innovation in the success of retail businesses. Established in 1998, this annual lecture series honors creative merchandising in today’s marketplace. The series also serves to recognize the late M.B. Zale as a legendary retailer, a visionary businessman, and esteemed philanthropist.
Previous Honorees
- Craig BoyanPresident, H-E-B
- Jack BoyleGlobal Co-President, Direct to Consumer, Fanatics, Inc.
- Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvaleFounder & Owner, Gallery Furniture
- Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80President, Buc-ee’s
- Garrett BooneCo-Chairman Emeritus; Kip Tindell, Co-Chairman and CEO; Sharon Tindell, Chief Merchandising Officer, The Container Store
- Robert L. TillmanChairman, President, and CEO, Lowe’s
- Leonard RiggioChairman, CEO and Founder, Barnes & Noble
- Gordon SegalFounder and Chief Executive Officer, Crate and Barrel, Inc.
- Marvin J. Girouard ’61Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pier 1 Imports
- Dr. Jeffrey L. BluesteinChairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson
- Jim CarrekerChairman and CEO, The Bombay Company
- Bob NardelliChairman, President and CEO, The Home Depot
- Maxine ClarkChairman and Chief Executive Bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Mike UllmanChairman and CEO, JCPenney Inc.
- Matt RubelCEO and President, Payless ShoeSource
- Sam DuncanCEO and Chairman, OfficeMax Inc.
- Robert D. LoefflerFormer President, H-E-B
- Eduardo Castro-WrightVice Chairman, Walmart
- Theo KillionCEO, Zale Corporation
- Rodney FaldynCEO and President, Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Karen KatzCEO and President, Neiman Marcus
- Blake NordstromPresident, Nordstrom, Inc.
- Damien HarmonVice President of Operations, Bridgestone Retail Operations
- Melissa PhillipsPresident & COO, Tuesday Morning
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