NEW YORK, N.Y. — Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers officially announced their 2025 People Who Made a Difference honorees on December 10, recognizing 13 executives whose leadership, performance, and influence significantly impacted the retail and consumer products industry over the past year.
The annual recognition, featured in the January issue of Mass Market Retailers, highlights individuals who consistently demonstrate excellence in leadership, strategic clarity, and the ability to guide organizations through an increasingly complex and fast-moving marketplace. This year’s class reflects the breadth of the industry, spanning mass retail, grocery, pharmacy, health care, energy, and the supplier community.
“Strong leadership is the force that propels organizations forward,” the report notes, echoing Steve Jobs’ oft-quoted view that excellence begins with setting and maintaining high standards. MMR’s editorial team applied that principle in selecting honorees who not only deliver results but also elevate teams, foster accountability, and lead with integrity.
The 2025 honorees include eight leaders from major retail and service organizations, as well as five executives from the supplier community, marking an expansion of the program’s scope. Collectively, they represent companies like Ulta Beauty, Wakefern Food Corp., CVS Health, Giant Food, bp, Walgreens, Kroger Health, Dollar General, and several influential consumer brands and data providers.
People Who Made a Difference 2025 Honorees
From left to right, top to bottom: Liz Buchanan, Jeffrey Mondelli on behalf of Darren Caudil, Amanda Coussoule, Zach Dennett, Renee Guthrie, Jim Kirby, Isaac Shapiro, Herb Smith and Ed Morgan from the Emerson Group, who got a surprise award.
In selecting this year’s leaders, the MMR editors assessed candidates based on their ability to motivate teams, articulate clear goals, communicate effectively, adapt to changing consumer and market conditions, and execute reliably. Each profile highlights the decisions, leadership philosophies, and career trajectories that shape the honorees, providing insights into how strong leadership drives organizational success.
Together, this year’s honorees offer a cross-section of leadership perspectives and experiences that reflect where retail and consumer products are headed. Their stories underscore the importance of decisive leadership, adaptability, and purpose at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly.
