Member Thought Leadership
Retail leadership is being reshaped by agentic commerce, changing consumer behavior, and the need to modernize legacy systems before AI can create real value. The article argues that retailers cannot simply layer AI onto outdated infrastructure; they need stronger data foundations, seamless customer journeys, and operating models that serve both human shoppers and AI intermediaries. It also highlights a new leadership profile for the sector: executives who can combine strategy, technology, and operations while orchestrating people, platforms, and partners into one system. In this environment, competitive advantage will go to retailers that pair AI ambition with practical execution and leadership capable of adapting quickly.
