2026 AGENDA
Day 1: Wednesday — May 20, 2026
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration
8:00 - 9:00 AM
INNOVATION VILLAGE
Coffee & Light Breakfast
Discover Transformational Technology: The Innovation Village is home to cutting-edge startups and proven tech partners delivering game-changing solutions to boost your business.
8:50 AM
Opening Remarks
Noah Gellman, President, The Lead
8:55 AM
SESSION 1
Master The Art of Scaling from Hero Product to a Lifestyle Brand
Tanya Golesic, CEO, Mackage
Simeon Siegel, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Securities (Interviewer)
9:10 AM
SESSION 2
Topic To Be Announced
Patrick Walsh, COO, Knitwell Group (Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Talbots)
Sonia Lapinsky, Partner, Managing Director, Head of Fashion Retail, AlixPartners
9:25 AM
SESSION 3
STAGE 1
Strategies to Drive Growth and Increase Market Share Despite a Challenging Business Environment
Jed Berger, Global President & CEO, Kenneth Cole Productions
Jeremey Tahari, CEO & Creative Director, Elie Tahari
Sheena Butler-Young, Senior Correspondent, The Business of Fashion (Interviewer)
STAGE 2
Facilitate Agentic Product Discovery Through Content and Community
David Baker, CRO, Beekman 1802
Ann Marie Ippoliti, SVP, Digital Commerce, Consumer Marketing, & Global Analytics, Michael Kors
Arielle Feger, Senior Analyst, Media Content, EMARKETER (Moderator)
Early Lessons on Activating Commerce within Gen AI Platforms
Colleen Waters, VP, Ecommerce, Steve Madden
Laura Kennedy, Principal Analyst (Former), CB Insights (Interviewer)
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
10:10 AM
SESSION 4
STAGE 1
Bring Your Lifestyle Brand to Life Across Every Touchpoint
Candan Erenguc, COO, Anthropologie
STAGE 2
Master the Modern Cultural Landscape Through Velocity, Resonance or Celebrity
Dan Manioci, SVP, Global Consumer Engagement & Digital Marketing, Parlux
Rachel Lockett, VP, Marketing, MAC Cosmetics
Willa Bennett, Editor-in-Chief, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen (Moderator)
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
10:40 - 11:50 AM
INNOVATION VILLAGE
The Meetings Program is the ultimate networking opportunity for the retail industry. Learn more & join!
10:40 AM
SESSION 5
STAGE 1
Build an Anti-Trend Brand that Provides a Sense of Identity and Belonging
Natasha Fishman, CMO, Marquee Brands
Carrie Gross, Chief Creative Officer & Co-Founder, Dr. Dennis Gross
Adrianna Barrionuevo Brach, Executive Editor & On-Air Correspondent, NBC News (Interviewer)
11:15 AM
SESSION 6
STAGE 1
Transform Legacy Brands for a New Generation of Consumer
Kiera Gannan, SVP, Head of Merchandising, The Children’s Place
Jesse Goldstine, Chief Retail Officer, MoMA Design Store
Richard Kestenbaum, Partner, Triangle Capital | Contributor, Forbes.com (Moderator)
11:50 AM
SESSION 7
STAGE 1
Move From AI Experimentation to Mature AI Operating Models and Consumer Experiences
Mimi Ruiz, VP, Ecommerce, Columbia Sportswear
David Cost, CDO, Rainbow Apparel
Serge Moreau, VP, Technology, Tommy John
Rick Watson, CEO & Founder, RMW Commerce | Host of the Watson Weekly (Moderator)
STAGE 2
Session To Be Announced
STAGE 3
Scale Creator Marketing with AI to Maximize the Impact of Every Mention Across all Relevant Platforms
Andy Chiu, CEO, Versed
Paul Benigeri, CEO, Archive (Interviewer)
Turn Customer Relationships into Revenue with AI-powered Clienteling
Leigh Sevin, Co-Founder, Endear
12:30 - 1:25 PM
Networking Lunches: Take a break to sync with your team or continue networking while enjoying elevated food from New York’s most popular lunch spots.
1:25 PM
SESSION 8
STAGE 1
Navigate Volatility and Meet Modern Consumer Demand with A Responsive Supply Chain
Andy Trojan, VP, Demand & Supply, Ariat
Master Multiplatform Commerce by Synchronizing Product, Merchandising, and Media Strategies Across Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop and DTC
Tommy Kowalski, VP, Digital Commerce, HeyDude & Crocs
Brittany Meeks, VP, Ecommerce Retailers – Amazon & Pure Play, Olaplex
Jessica Binns, Editorial Director, Berns Communications Group (Moderator)
STAGE 2
Rethink the Marketing Funnel for the Age of AI
Mike Jacobs, Chief Growth Officer, Consortium Brands
Maximize Creator Marketing ROI with Deeper Relationships
Jess Burns, SVP, Global Marketing & Communications, rag & bone
Carley Caldas, SVP, Marketing & Creative, eos Products
Zoe Soon, VP, Experience Center, IAB (Moderator)
STAGE 3
Scale Globally in a Rapidly Changing E‑commerce Landscape
Drew Cook, President, Business Ops & CFO, PACT
Matthew Marrilees, CEO, North America, Global-e (Interviewer)
2:10 PM
SESSION 9
STAGE 1
Democratize Organizational Data and Make it Actionable and Purposeful to Unlock AI Superpowers
Manuel Neto, VP, Global Analytics & Data Science
Neha Kovach, Global Head, Omnichannel CRM, CX, Clienteling, & Data Insights, David Yurman
Amy Sullivan, VP, Buying & Private Brands, Stitch Fix
Christine Russo, Creator, What Just Happened (Moderator)
STAGE 2
Session To Be Announced
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
3:00 - 4:10 PM
INNOVATION VILLAGE
The Meetings Program is the ultimate networking opportunity for the retail industry. Learn more & join!
3:00 PM
SESSION 10
STAGE 1
Master the Art of Listening for Emotional Brand Building
Rene Federico, Head of Marketing, U.S., Primark
Kim Dao, VP, Marketing, Every Man Jack
Colin Daniels, Founder, It’s Colin Daniels (Interviewer)
3:35 PM
SESSION 11
STAGE 1
Sports Marketing Playbook Every Brand Needs in 2026
Joe McCambley, CMO, Saatva
Lauren Weinberg, CMO, Supergoop!
Seth Yassky, Head of Partnerships Marketing & Commercialization, Proximo Spirits
Peter Stern, Chief Growth Officer, Horizon Sports and Experiences (Moderator)
4:10 PM
SESSION 12
STAGE 1
Create Momentum and Lasting Marketing Value with Live Activations
Katherine Kim Choroco, SVP, Digital & Marketing, Vince
Dina Fierro, VP, Global Consumer Engagement, K18 Hair
Lisa Zlotnick, Head of Brand PR, SHEIN
Jill Manoff, Editor-in-Chief, Glossy & Modern Retail (Moderator)
STAGE 2
Protect Your Career From AI Job Displacement
Laura Cantor, VP, Marketing, New York & Company
April Guidone, COO, SMAC Entertainment
Courtney Spritzer, Co-Founder, Entreprenista (Moderator)
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
4:55 PM
SESSION 13
STAGE 1
Maximise Gen Z Engagement With Your Brand at the Mall
Lee Sterling, CMO, Simon
Robin Page, Chief Marketing Officer, Rowan
Cathaleen Chen, Editor and Reporter, The Business of Fashion (Moderator)
5:30 PM
Reception
Brand & Retail Attendees Only
7:30 PM
Private Dinners & Partner Events: Enjoy small group dinners at some of the most sought-after restaurants in NYC at these exclusive dinners.
Day 2: Thursday — May 21, 2026
THE DTC SYMPOSIUM
The DTC Symposium is a special program taking place on day two of The Lead Summit. It is designed specifically for DTC practitioners across marketing, ecommerce, retail and operations.
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration
8:00 - 9:00 AM
INNOVATION VILLAGE
Coffee & Light Breakfast
Discover Transformational Technology: The Innovation Village is home to cutting-edge startups and proven tech partners delivering game-changing solutions to boost your business.
9:00 AM
SESSION 1
STAGE 2
Key Market Shifts to Prepare For Now
Kristen Classi-Zummo, Executive Director, Apparel Advisor, Circana
9:15 AM
SESSION 2
STAGE 1
Strategies for Protecting Margins in a Volatile Market
Brett Bone, Chief Strategy Officer, Simple Modern
Glenn Taylor, Logistics Editor, Sourcing Journal (Moderator)
STAGE 2
Access the Wellness Consumer with New Go-to-Market Approach
Molly Delp, Chief Growth Officer, NuFACE
Dave Knospe, VP, Marketing, New Belgium Brewing
John Scheer, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Herman Scheer (Moderator)
9:40 AM
SESSION 3
STAGE 1
Strategies for Building Timeless Brands with Multigenerational Appeal
Stephanie Unwin, President, Veronica Beard
Ken Ohashi, Brand CEO, Brooks Brothers & Nautica, Catalyst
Marie Driscoll, Adjunct Professor, The New School and FIT
STAGE 2 | THE DTC SYMPOSIUM
Counteract AI-Driven Sameness and Mediocrity with Creative Firepower to Stand Apart.
Dara Golush, SVP Marketing, Quip
Meredith Diehn, SVP Marketing, goodwipes
Dana Hork, CEO & Founder, Beers With Friends (Moderator)
10:00 AM
SESSION 4
STAGE 2 | THE DTC SYMPOSIUM
Build Campaigns that Convert Culture into Commerce
Jake Galtere, CMO, Naturium
10:20 - 11:30 PM
INNOVATION VILLAGE
The Meetings Program is the ultimate networking opportunity for the retail industry. Learn more & join!
10:20 AM
SESSION 5
STAGE 1
Separate Signal from Noise in a World Drowning in Headlines and Hot Takes
David Katz, EVP & CMO, Randa Apparel & Accessories
10:35 AM
SESSION 6
STAGE 1
Protect Market Leadership Through Constant Innovation
Hartmut Kraft, President, Silhouette
Marie Driscoll, Adjunct Professor, The New School and FIT (Interviewer)
10:55 AM
SESSION 7
STAGE 1
Build AI-Forward Brands to Tap into New Market Opportunities
Mariam Naficy, Founder & CEO, Arcade | Founder & Chairman, Minted
Jack Jia, Founder & CEO, Musely
Ann Gehan, Ecommerce & Retail Reporter, The Information (Interviewer)
11:30 AM
SESSION 8
STAGE 1
Strategies for AI-Led Business Transformation
Assaf Ronen, President HFG | CEO HelloFresh NA
Gaurav Pant, Chief Insights Officer, Incisiv (Interviewer)
Balance Human with AI to Create a Stronger Organization
Sunny Jiang, CEO & President, Eyebuydirect
Jeremy Goldman, VP, Insights, RETHINK Retail (Interviewer)
STAGE 2
Build Brands by Activating Niche Communities
Nilofer Vahora, CMO, amika
Erwan Le Berrigaud, CMO, NEST NEW YORK
Leslie Ann Hall, CEO & Founder, Iced Media (Interviewer)
STAGE 3 | THE DTC SYMPOSIUM
Session To Be Announced
12:10 AM
SESSION 9
STAGE 1
Session To Be Announced
12:10 - 1:20 PM
INNOVATION VILLAGE
The Meetings Program is the ultimate networking opportunity for the retail industry. Learn more & join!
THE DTC SYMPOSIUM
Utilize Powerful Storytelling to Build your Brand and Cultivate Community
Ana Gerst, VP, Brand Marketing & Communications, Hiya
12:45 - 1:45 PM
Networking Lunches: Take a break to sync with your team or continue networking while enjoying elevated food from New York’s most popular lunch spots.
1:30 PM
SESSION 10
STAGE 2 | Sponsored by TaxCloud
Build The Next Generation of Digital Customer Experience with AI
Jennifer Hyman, Co-Founder & CEO, Rent the Runway
Richard Kestenbaum, Partner, Triangle Capital | Contributor, Forbes.com (Interviewer)
1:50 PM
SESSION 11
STAGE 2 | Sponsored by TaxCloud
Utilize Powerful Storytelling to Build your Brand and Cultivate Community
Ana Gerst, VP, Brand Marketing & Communications, Hiya
Melissa Rosenfield, Writer, In Fine Print (Interviewer)
Evolve your Creator Marketing Strategies to Grow Total Addressable Market
Kirsten Guerry, VP, Marketing & Digital, Caraway Home
Minda Smiley, Senior Analyst, Social Media & Creator Economy, EMARKETER (Interviewer)
STAGE 3
Turn Anonymous Visitors Into Revenue with Identification-First Personalization
Daniel Washburn, Director, Ecommerce, Pressed Juicery
Blake Imperl, SVP, Marketing, Digioh
2:15 PM
SESSION 12
STAGE 2 | Sponsored by TaxCloud
Redefine Brand Partnerships from One-off “Hype” Moments to Long-Term Strategic Collaborations with Deep Integration
Amy Barber, Head of Brand, Loop Earplugs
Suzy Davidkhanian, VP, Content, Retail Practice Lead, EMARKETER
Move from One-Off Transactions to Lifetime Relationships
Victoria Vaynberg, CMO, Nanit
Suzy Davidkhanian, VP, Content, Retail Practice Lead, EMARKETER
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
2:30 PM
SESSION 13
STAGE 2 | Sponsored by TaxCloud
Drive Profitable Growth Through Wholesale and Retail Optimization
Katia Unlu, Chief Commercial Officer, Boll & Branch
Declan Duggan, SVP, Sales & Distribution, BERO Brewing
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
2:50 PM
Networking Break
3:05 PM
SESSION 14
STAGE 2 | Sponsored by TaxCloud
Deploy AI to Operate Like an Enterprise Brand on a Lean Budget
Katie Omstead, President, Lo & Sons
Bill Carrig, CEO, Little Words Project
Kristin-Marie Pernicano, Principal, KmP Consulting
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
3:30 PM
SESSION 15
STAGE 2 | Sponsored by TaxCloud
Strike the Right Balance Between Paid and Organic Marketing to Drive Real Growth
Andrew Bleiman, EVP, North America, Tractive
Alan Smith, President, Ernesta
STAGE 3
Session To Be Announced
4:00 PM
SESSION 13