The Visionary is the most coveted award in retail. For more than 100 years, the National Retail Federation has honored an individual who has served the industry with distinction throughout their career.

Pictured: The Visionary 2025 Tommy Hilfiger

OF PEOPLE SHAPING RETAIL'S FUTURE

A dynamic group of retail leaders creating opportunities and sparking innovation.

Pictured: 2025 honorees Costco Wholesale Chief Technology Officer Torsten Lubach, PepsiCo Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer Dr. Athina Kanioura, Domino's Chief Digital Officer Christopher Thomas-Moore, PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Co-CEO Christiane Pendarvis, and IKEA U.S. CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer Javier Quiñones.

Each year, the NRF Foundation honors a partner who exemplifies an extraordinary collaboration with the use of RISE Up training and credentialling to prepare students to begin a career in retail. Our 2025 Partner of the Year, presented by Old Navy, is The College of the Florida Keys, which offers an inclusive post-secondary education program providing students with intellectual disabilities the preparation they need for the professional world. 

The highest honor that the NRF Foundation can bestow upon a student features a top award of $25,000 and recognition as an emerging leader in retail.

Pictured: NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship 2025 finalists Gabbi Mak, Julia Yusupov, Alicia Langlais, Nevaeh Hearn and Miri Chan.

The team business competition provides undergraduates with real-world experience and up to $7,000 each.

Pictured: NRF Foundation University Challenge 2024 top team from Drexel University Aly Chew, Rajvi Dharamshi, Allie Gress, Krysta Mendoza and Kohl's Chief People Officer Mari Steinmetz.