2025 Speakers

Rich Honiball is an accomplished C-Suite executive, educator, and thought leader with over 30 years of experience leading transformation across retail, services, hospitality, and global commerce. Known for his ability to blend strategy with storytelling and performance with purpose, Rich brings a human-centered approach to leadership, brand building, and business evolution.

Throughout his career, Rich has held executive roles with respected organizations including JC Penney, Haggar, and most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer for a global enterprise that serves a mission-driven customer base. His work has spanned merchandising, marketing, brand revitalization, customer experience, and digital transformation - often focused on creating value that extends beyond the bottom line.

In addition to his corporate impact, Rich is a passionate educator and connector. He teaches a self-developed curriculum on global retail and digital commerce as an adjunct instructor at George Mason University, helping shape the next generation of leaders. He is also the co-creator and host of the Retail Relates podcast, a platform that brings together industry veterans and emerging talent to explore the future of commerce, leadership, and innovation.

Rich's leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and integrity. Whether revitalizing billion-dollar brands, launching award-winning loyalty initiatives, guiding global teams, or mentoring individuals, he is driven by a desire to create meaningful impact while empowering others to reach beyond perceived limits.

He has been recognized as a Top Retail Expert by REThink Retail, a Top 100 CMO, and honored with multiple awards for Marketing Innovation, Sustainability, and Content Excellence. Rich holds an MBA from the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary, graduating with honors.

Above all, he is a strategist, team builder, mentor, explorer, and storyteller - but most proudly, a husband and dad. His leadership mantra: There is always a solution.