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GLOBAL RETAIL LEADERS JOIN THE WORLD RETAIL HALL OF FAME...

Brad Anderson, Jacques Levy and Victor and William Fung are set to join the retail elite which constitute the World Retail Hall of Fame.

The four retailers have been chosen by retail leaders and experts across the globe in recognition of their achievements and dedication to the sector.  The chosen four will be inducted during a special ceremony at the World Retail Congress (6-8 May) in Barcelona this May to mark their induction into the Hall of Fame.

On hearing of his inauguration to the World Retail Hall of Fame, Jacques Levy classed it as “an honour which I most value in my career.”  He also extended his thanks to the industry for recognising his commitment to the sector and emphasised the hard work ethic of his team and how they share in his honour.  Jacques has enjoyed a career of almost 30 years and notes “the direct contact with consumers and the fast pace of the sector as the most enjoyable.”

Launched in 2007, the Hall of Fame consists of over 100 individuals representing the unparalleled industry talent of the last century.  Each year, the most groundbreaking and inspiring retailers will be inaugurated to the Hall of Fame, ensuring it remains as relevant and timely as the contributions of its first members.

Brad Anderson
Brad Anderson is a pivotal figure in the development of Best Buy in becoming the world’s biggest consumer electronics retailer.  Brad joined the fledging Sound of Music chain – the precursor to Best Buy in 1973.  He joined as a sales representative and worked his way up to become store manager, it was at this time that he was recognised by the founder Dick Shulze and was promoted to Vice President in 1981.  Working closely with Shulze, Brad began to develop the warehouse, self-service format that became key to Best Buy’s growth and the development of its culture of innovation.  In April 1991, he was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer and was named Vice Chairman in 2001.  In June 2002, he assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer and today he leads approximately 140,000 employees throughout North America and China. 

Jacques Levy
Jacques was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sephora Europe in September 2003 by its owners, the LVMH group.  He was then promoted to global Chief Executive Officer in 2005.  A graduate of France’s Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales business school, Jacques held a series of positions of increasing responsibility in the distribution sector.  He has previously worked at Darty, Galeries Lafayette / Nouvelles Galeries and Disney Groups.  At Disney, Jacques held a number of international posts including Director of Operations for Europe and General Manager Global Franchise. 

Victor and William Fung
Brother Victor and William Fung are highly respected within modern retailing having built a sourcing empire supplying some of the world’s biggest retailers.  The rise of Li & Fung as a key global player began in the early 1970’s when they joined the family trading firm in Hong Kong.  Li & Fung capitalised on the revolution in technology and manufacturing processes and today they have 72 offices in 41 countries and a turnover of $14 billion.  Their impact has been on global manufacturing but also on retail profitability as they have pioneered cheaper, highly efficient manufacturing.

The World Retail Congress will take place 6 – 8 May at the CCIB International Conference Centre in Barcelona, and is organised by Emap Communications.