NextUp Leadership Week 2026
Bring the Team
For the first time ever, NextUp is combining our two biggest events into one giant Leadership Week! Join us the week of Sep. 15 – 18 for NextUp Executive Forum and NextUp Leadership Summit, plus our 25th Anniversary Honors Evening. Bring the entire team to NextUp Leadership Week – our largest gathering ever, with more opportunities to connect, share and celebrate!
NextUp Executive Forum
Forum is NextUp’s premier annual gathering for senior executives interested in cutting-edge business strategies and connecting with their peers. Open to executive-level leaders from across the 500+ companies represented by our membership, this year’s Forum will be a one-day experience packed with learning and networking opportunities!
NextUp Leadership Summit
Our largest national event, NextUp Leadership Summit, is open to everyone! Summit is a celebration of our community, a place where we come together to learn from best-in-class speakers and forge new connections. From dynamic breakout sessions to powerhouse keynote speakers, you’ll leave Summit bursting with new strategies you can put to work from the second you touch down back home – and with new relationships that will fuel your career and fill your cup.
Built for This
This year at NextUp Leadership Week, we’re Built for This. In a moment shaped by constant change, economic pressure, and evolving expectations, readiness isn’t granted – it’s built. Leaders must develop new capabilities – working with incomplete information, adopting new technologies, being visible, and knowing when to pivot.
Grounded in 25 years of creating opportunities for women, this year’s Leadership Week will help leaders build what leadership now demands – sustaining ambition, judgment, and impact over the long arc of a career.
We are built to learn, to grow, to lead, and to win.
We are built for this.
Schedule of Events
| September 15 | Evening: NextUp Executive Forum Opening Reception |
|---|---|
| September 16 | Day: NextUp Executive Forum Conference Evening: NextUp Leadership Summit Opening Reception NextUp 25th Anniversary Honors Evening |
| September 17 | Day: NextUp Leadership Summit Day 1 Evening: Summit Evening of Connection |
| September 18 | Day: NextUp Leadership Summit Day 2 |
In-Person
Open
Location
Gaylord Texan Resort1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051
Dates
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Friday, September 18, 2026
Registration fees
Forum Registration
Registration: $1995
Summit Registration
Early Registration: $2,350
(April 15 - June 30)
Regular Registration: $2,550
(July 1 - August 10)
Late Registration: $2,750
(August 11 - September 3)
Group (25+): $2,095
Anniversary Honors
Individual Ticket:$300
Table: $3000
Registration: $1995
Summit Registration
Early Registration: $2,350
(April 15 - June 30)
Regular Registration: $2,550
(July 1 - August 10)
Late Registration: $2,750
(August 11 - September 3)
Group (25+): $2,095
Anniversary Honors
Individual Ticket:$300
Table: $3000
Featured Speakers
Dr. Laura Stiles
Director, New Shepard Flight Operations and Training
Blue Origin
Dr. Laura Stiles
Director, New Shepard Flight Operations and Training
Blue Origin
Laura Stiles received a B.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Aerospace Engineering Sciences in the Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation focus area.
She joined the private human spaceflight company Blue Origin in 2013 where she has worked in mechanical systems design, integrated vehicle test, launch operations, and astronaut training. She has filled multiple launch crew roles, including serving as a Flight Controller for more than a dozen suborbital rocket launches. In 2026, while she was the Director for the New Shepard Launch Operations and Training organization, Laura had the remarkable opportunity to step in as a crewmember for the New Shepard 38 launch, earning her astronaut wings on the suborbital flight. Laura has recently transitioned to Blue Origin’s lunar program, supporting humanity’s permanent return to the Moon.
Outside of work, Laura is deeply committed to mentoring and coaching of university-level and early career engineers. She is an avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast in her free time – hiking, paddling, and competing in triathlons. Laura is also a skydiving instructor and holds two World Records in the large-formation disciple of skydiving and is currently on a journey toward becoming a fixed-wing pilot.
Built to Dream
See Agenda Friday, September 18
10:35 am - 11:15 am
10:35 am - 11:15 am
Jaime Weston
Commissioner
Major League Volleyball
Jaime Weston
Commissioner
Major League Volleyball
Jaime Weston was appointed Commissioner of Major League Volleyball on March 2, 2026, becoming the first commissioner in league history.
She leads league governance, competitive operations, and long-term commercial strategy as MLV accelerates its national expansion as the nation’s premier and longest-running professional volleyball league. Building on the league’s competitive credibility and commitment to world-class athletes, Weston is focused on expanding national visibility and increasing commercial momentum.
Weston brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across professional sports and global entertainment, most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer at USA Volleyball.
Previously, Weston held senior leadership roles including EVP & CMO at On Location and EVP of Global Consumer Marketing at Universal Music Group. She also spent 15 years with the National Football League, rising to SVP of Brand & Consumer Marketing and serving on the Commissioner’s senior leadership team, where she led global brand strategy, fan development, advertising, and creative.
A former collegiate volleyball athlete at Georgia Tech, Weston holds a B.S. in Business Administration. She resides in Los Angeles with her family and maintains a personal connection to the athlete pathway through her daughter, an NCAA beach volleyball player.
The Situation Room (Live Problem Solving)
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
11:25 am - 12:00 pm
11:25 am - 12:00 pm
Wayne Best
Chief Economist
Visa, Inc.
Wayne Best
Chief Economist
Visa, Inc.
As Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Visa, Wayne Best leads the company’s Business and Economic Insights team, providing expert analysis on domestic and global economies, economic forecasts, consumer spending, and the evolving payments landscape. Best is a frequent presenter to executive audiences and advises Visa leadership, clients, and government stakeholders worldwide on the economic trends shaping commerce and business performance. Known for blending an engineer’s discipline with a business-focused perspective, Best translates complex economic models into clear, actionable intelligence that supports strategic decision-making. He is regularly quoted in business and trade media and participates in global forums examining macroeconomic and geo-economic change.
Before joining Visa in 1990, Best worked as a consultant conducting cost-benefit analyses for the power industry. He holds an MBA, a degree in nuclear engineering, and has completed executive programs at Stanford University and the Kellogg School of Management.
Built to Anticipate
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
10:30 am - 11:25 am
10:30 am - 11:25 am
Nicola Johnson
Partner
Deloitte
Nicola Johnson
Partner
Deloitte
Nicola is responsible for helping shape the firm’s strategy and go-to-market approach across the sectors of consumer products, retail, travel and hospitality, and automotive. In this capacity, she works with C-suite executives across six continents to address the most pressing strategic challenges facing consumer businesses today—from supply chain resilience and sustainability imperatives to digital commerce transformation and the responsible deployment of AI. She brings together specialized capabilities in strategy, operations, technology, and sustainability to help clients compete in an increasingly complex marketplace.
Nicola has more than 25 years of international advisory experience, with expertise in technology-enabled business transformation across the consumer sector. Throughout her career, Nicola has partnered with consumer products companies and retailers navigating industry convergence, enterprise modernization, and the evolving demands of today’s consumers. She also serves as Advisory Partner for the Walmart account and as senior executive advisor for The Coca-Cola Company.
Prior to her current roles, Nicola served as the US/Americas Chief Commercial Officer for Deloitte’s Google-Alphabet alliance, where she helped strengthen strategic collaboration and bring innovative capabilities to clients. She also served as Global Lead Client Service Partner and Global Lead Consulting Principal for Walmart, overseeing Deloitte’s global engagements across Advisory/Consulting, Tax, and Audit.
She holds an MBA from the University of Central Lancashire and a BA from the University of Manchester and UNC-Chapel Hill. She is also an ex-board member and active leader with NextUp, a nonprofit focused on advancing executive leadership in business.
Built with ❤️
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
9:15 am - 10:00 am
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Dr. Suzy Welch
NYU Stern School of Business, Author
Dr. Suzy Welch
NYU Stern School of Business, Author
Suzy Welch is an award-winning NYU Stern School of Business professor, acclaimed researcher, and three-time New York Times bestselling author. Her most recent book — Becoming You: A Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career — was a #1 bestseller and 2025 Best Book of the Year on Amazon.
A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Business School, Professor Welch is a frequent guest of the Today Show and an op-ed contributor to the Wall Street Journal. Professor Welch hosts Becoming You, one of America’s most listened to career podcasts. She is the Director of the NYU | Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing, and serves on the boards of public and private companies.
As the founder and CEO of Becoming You Labs, Professor Welch has developed several digital assessments to help people design lives of purpose and clarity. Leveraging her PhD studies from the University of Bristol, Professor Welch created The Values Bridge and PIE360 based on years of intensive research. The Values Bridge reached 100,000 users within six months of release.
Professor Welch has architected other assessment instruments, including the Career Traits Compass, the Career Catalyst, and the Becoming Enneagram. She is also the designer of Me Book, a personalized operating manual that allows people to collaborate better with their teammates. Google, Ford, Gateway Engineering, and hundreds of other leading companies have all implemented Professor Welch’s assessment tools.
Professor Welch began her career as a reporter for The Miami Herald in 1981. After a serendipitous assignment to the business beat, she left the newsroom to attend Harvard Business School, graduating as a Baker Scholar. She spent the next seven years at Bain & Company, as a consultant working with manufacturing clients in the Midwest. In 1995, Professor Welch combined her two career paths at the Harvard Business Review, eventually rising to become the publication’s editor.
Professor Welch co-authored two international bestsellers with her late husband, Jack Welch — including Winning, in 2005, and The Real-Life MBA, in 2015. She is the author of the 2008-2009 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea. The book is based on a decision-making framework she originally wrote about as a columnist for O: The Oprah Magazine. A new version of 10-10-10 will be published by HarperCollins in March 2027.
Built for This
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
1:50 pm - 2:40 pm
1:50 pm - 2:40 pm
Chris Hurt
CEO
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Chris Hurt
CEO
Build-A-Bear Workshop
J. Christopher “Chris” Hurt is the Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW). He assumed this role in June 2026 after 11 years serving as Chief Operations Officer, and more recently, Chief Operations and Experience Officer.
Hurt’s tenure has focused on restructuring the organization’s largest business unit, the global retail management and operations team, including guest experience, real estate, build-out, and logistics. Under his leadership, the company executed a successful multi-dimensional retail turnaround, resulting in best-in-class vertical retail operations, generating top-tier profitability for the experience-driven brand, and reigniting international expansion. Since early 2024, Hurt shifted his operational and consumer-insight expertise to redefine the Brand, Merchandising, Marketing and Licensing areas of the business where he has further extended consumer segments and categories through product expansion and engaging brand initiatives.
Prior to joining the Company, Hurt was at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. from 2002 to April 2015 in various senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President, North America, and Vice President/General Manager—Factory, Canada, Mexico Retail from 2011 to April 2015, and East Zone Vice President and Regional Director from 2002 to 2011. Before joining American Eagle Outfitters, Hurt held positions of increasing responsibility at companies including Polo Ralph Lauren and The Procter & Gamble Company.
Hurt also previously served as the President of Build-A-Bear Foundation and was a member of the Executive Steering Committee for Make-A-Wish Missouri/Kansas. He has also been involved with Toys for Tots, American Red Cross, United Way of Metro STL and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Hurt earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Missouri and serves on the University of Missouri Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Built with ❤️
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
9:15 am - 10:00 am
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Kim Utlaut
Chief Brand Officer
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Kim Utlaut
Chief Brand Officer
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Kim Utlaut joined Build-A-Bear Workshop in October 2024 as SVP, Chief Brand Officer. Prior to joining Build-A-Bear, Ms. Utlaut was at The Coca-Cola Company from 2001 to 2024 in various senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Head of Amateur Sports in North America and General Manager, Franchise Leadership. During her tenure, she developed strategic partnerships with organizations such as the NCAA, U.S. Soccer, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Her innovative marketing strategies elevated brand visibility and successfully drove recruitment and retention initiatives. Before joining The Coca-Cola company, Ms. Utlaut held positions of increasing responsibility at companies including Sprint and AB InBev. Kim was recognized by Business Insider as one of the 25 Most Innovative CMOs of 2026.
Ms. Utlaut completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics, serves as the President of the Mizzou Alumni Association and sits on the Build-A-Bear Foundation Board of Directors.
Built with ❤️
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
9:15 am - 10:00 am
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Kristine Decker
Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer & SVP of Brand-Building Transformation
Procter & Gamble
Kristine Decker
Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer & SVP of Brand-Building Transformation
Procter & Gamble
Kristine leads P&G’s E&I strategy, helping P&G maintain its reputation as one of the most innovative, diverse and inclusive companies in the world. Her focus includes strengthening the connection between P&G’s E&I commitment, superior employee experiences and superiority strategy.
During her 25 years at P&G, she’s touched nearly every part of the business — overseeing Global Air and Surface Care, working across categories like Home Care and Baby Care, and holding roles in operations and retail shopper marketing. She’s known for strong business results and award-winning work like campaigns for My Black is Beautiful which addressed unconscious bias and received 50+ industry recognitions. Her proven ability to build campaigns, capability and culture, and her commitment to E&I, earned her appointment as Chief Equality and Inclusion Officer.
Kristine credits her career success as a brand and business builder to her ability to deeply understand diverse consumer needs and her ability to build inclusive teams where employees can bring their best selves to work every day. She is passionate about mentoring and adept at building capability from within.
A native of Wisconsin, Kristine enjoys biking, boating and traveling with her husband and two children.
Built to Belong: Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
See Agenda Friday, September 18
8:15 am - 9:00 am
8:15 am - 9:00 am
Marisa Bertha
Chief Strategy Officer
Liquid Death
Marisa Bertha
Chief Strategy Officer
Liquid Death
Marisa Bertha is Chief Strategy Officer at Liquid Death, the healthy beverage company and one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic brands. Since joining in 2022, she has driven the company’s growth strategies by accelerating top line sales, expanding retail distribution, and successfully entering additional beverage categories. She leads fundraising and investor relations efforts, helping the company raise over $100 million and achieve a $1.4 billion valuation.
Prior to Liquid Death, Marisa spent nearly a decade at 7-Eleven, where she served as Vice President of Growth and Head of 7-Ventures, the company’s corporate venture arm. She managed sourcing, diligence, and deal structuring for dozens of investments, primarily high-growth beverage brands. Her portfolio achieved top quartile venture capital returns and had three exits. She served as a board observer for three portfolio companies. In parallel to leading the venture arm, Marisa pioneered the 7-Eleven emerging brands strategy, built the merchant team from the ground up, launched the nationally recognized annual Brands with Heart showcase, and tested hundreds of better-for-you products in thousands of 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Marisa began her career at Deloitte Consulting working with Fortune 500 clients in the retail and TMT sectors. She holds a BBA from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She is a 2025 Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Marisa resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and two energetic children.
Breakout #4: Built to be Present
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
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Jon Young
Division President
The Kroger Co.
Jon Young
Division President
The Kroger Co.
Jon Young is a seasoned retail executive with more than two decades of experience leading large-scale operations, developing high-performing teams, and driving customer-focused results across one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers.
As Division President for Kroger’s Columbus Division, Jon is responsible for overall business performance, including operational execution, customer experience, and associate engagement across a complex retail footprint. He is known for delivering strong results while fostering a culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Jon joined Kroger in 2002 and has progressed through a series of senior leadership roles, including Vice President of the Fry’s and Houston divisions and District Manager in Dallas. Across each role, he has demonstrated the ability to lead large organizations and align teams around strategic priorities.
Jon is deeply committed to mentoring emerging leaders and building strong, inclusive teams. He actively supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by sponsoring talent and creating pathways for advancement through coaching and leadership development.
Jon has contributed to enterprise initiatives and leadership forums focused on strengthening leadership capability and advancing inclusive cultures, including participation in professional organizations supporting leadership development.
Jon began his career as a store manager with Winn-Dixie before joining Kroger, where he has continued to expand his leadership impact.
Jon brings a practical, grounded leadership style rooted in experience, accountability, and partnership. His track record of delivering results while developing people positions him to contribute meaningfully to organizations focused on leadership advancement and long-term impact.
Breakout #5: Built to Belong
See Agenda Thursday, September 17
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Ryan Leak
Speaker, Entrepreneur & NYT Best-Selling Author
Ryan Leak
Speaker, Entrepreneur & NYT Best-Selling Author
Built to Fail
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
11:20 am - 12:00 pm
11:20 am - 12:00 pm
Nina Leigh Krueger
CEO and President
Nestle Purina North America
Nina Leigh Krueger
CEO and President
Nestle Purina North America
As CEO and President of Nestlé Purina PetCare Americas, Nina Leigh Krueger leads the organization’s vision to be the world’s most trusted company in enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them. She began her career at Purina in 1993 as an intern and has since served in many key roles, working to elevate key global brands, bring innovation to market, and lead priority initiatives to strengthen the business.
Nina Leigh led the integration of Purina’s marketing organization into Nestlé following the company’s 2001 acquisition. She was named vice president of Purina’s litter division, Golden Products, in 2010, driving record growth on the business through category innovation. In 2015, Nina Leigh earned the role of Chief Marketing Officer overseeing the marketing strategy for the company’s broad portfolio of more than two dozen pet care brands, including Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. She became the President of Nestlé Purina PetCare in 2016 before becoming CEO in 2021.
Nina Leigh is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and earned her MBA from Washington University’s Olin School of Business in 1994. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Miami University in 2022 and currently serves as a member of the Miami University Business Advisory Council.
She currently serves on the board of the Pet Food Institute, the pet food industry trade association representing dog and cat food and treats manufacturers in the U.S. She also serves on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Nina Leigh is an outspoken champion and supporter of Purina’s Purple Leash Project, a program that helps more domestic violence shelters across the U.S. become pet friendly. She is also active in her community, serving on multiple boards and executive committees of various non-profit organizations including St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Greater St. Louis Inc., and the St. Louis Police Foundation. She received the Women’s Foundation of Greater St Louis’ Making a Difference Award in 2021.
She lives in St. Louis with her husband and their two dogs. She has three sons.
Built to Lead: Becoming CEO
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
3:10 pm - 3:55 pm
3:10 pm - 3:55 pm
Lisa Chang
Former Global Chief People Officer & Senior Advisor
The Coca-Cola Company
Lisa Chang
Former Global Chief People Officer & Senior Advisor
The Coca-Cola Company
Built to Last
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
8:35 am - 9:20 am
8:35 am - 9:20 am
Lisa Ingram
CEO
White Castle
Lisa Ingram
CEO
White Castle
Lisa Ingram is CEO of White Castle System, Inc. Lisa is the fourth Ingram family member to serve as CEO of the iconic company – the nation’s first fast food hamburger chain founded in 1921. Lisa is also Chair of the White Castle Board of Directors.
In her role as CEO, Lisa oversees company strategic and P&L execution. The company has 340 company owned restaurants in the Midwest and East Coast and has recently expanded into Phoenix, AZ and Orlando, FL. The company also sells White Castle sliders in grocery, club, mass, drug, dollar, and convenience stores nationwide. The company owns and operates 6 manufacturing plants that supply all the meat and buns to the restaurant and retail divisions to ensure quality production and food safety.
Lisa is active in the Columbus community and currently serves as Chair of the Board of OhioHealth (a $5B regional non-profit hospital system in Ohio) as well as Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board. Lisa is also a board member of MI Homes ($4B) (NYSE: MHO) and serves as Audit Committee Chair and member of the Executive Compensation committee. Lisa is also a member of the Governing Committee for The Columbus Foundation (local $3B community foundation). In addition, Lisa served on the board of the National Restaurant Association for 4 years.
Lisa received her BBA degree from Southern Methodist University and her MBA from The Ohio State University. In 2014, Lisa received the Go Beyond Award from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University for her contributions to the community. In 2020, Lisa received YWCA’s Women of Achievement Award. She has also been named by Nation’s Restaurant News as a “Power 50” and by Women’s Foodservice Forum as an “Industry Titan”. In 2022, Nation’s Restaurant News named her as one of the 25 most influential women in foodservice.
Built to Lead: Becoming CEO
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
3:10 pm - 3:55 pm
3:10 pm - 3:55 pm
Greg Ross
Head of North America
Opella
Greg Ross
Head of North America
Opella
For Greg, life at Opella centers around being a positive force in improving the wellbeing of consumers everywhere. This consumer-obsessed approach fuels the creation and delivery of essential brands through radically simplified methods. Responsible for commercial operations in the U.S. and Canada, he thrives on empowering his team to reach their full potential.
Prior to joining Opella in June 2024, Greg was the Chief Operating Ocer of North America Personal Care at Unilever and was responsible for the commercial performance of the company’s $4 billion brand portfolio. There, he led the acceleration of the North America business, tripling the business unit’s growth to deliver record sales. Before Unilever, Greg spent 13 years at Colgate-Palmolive and held a variety of roles across Marketing and General Management.
He has an MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management – and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Pennsylvania State University.
In his free time, you’ll likely find Greg out on the fairway, enjoying a round of golf.
Holding the Tension
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
10:35 am - 11:20 am
10:35 am - 11:20 am
Nancy Giordano
Business Futurist
Nancy Giordano
Business Futurist
Described as endlessly optimistic, Nancy is a visionary strategist, gatherer and author who has presented 200+ global keynotes. With a drive to help enterprise organizations and caring leaders transform to meet the escalating expectations ahead, she is recognized as one of the top female futurists.
The world’s first TEDx licensee, co-founder of the Femme Futurists Society podcast, best-selling author of LeaderING: The Ways Visionary Leaders Play Bigger, and mother of three, her expertise and experiences range from A.I. to frozen foods to reinventing the internet, and all of her projects have a key common denominator: transitioning away from the extractive operating systems and expired thinking of the industrial era to creating the more regenerative, inclusive and dynamic solutions the future demands.
Fascinated by the intersection of technology, business, society and our own expanding consciousness, she has designed and produced several immersive leadership conferences and strategic summits, champions several horizon distributed tech and emerging economic movements, and for the past nine years has been an advisor to two AI start-ups, including Kungfu.AI, a fast-growing AI services company.
Built to Anticipate
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
1:30 pm - 2:10 pm
1:30 pm - 2:10 pm
Brian Wynne
CEO
Acosta Group
Brian Wynne
CEO
Acosta Group
Brian Wynne is President and Chief Executive Officer of Acosta Group. A seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience across the consumer-packaged goods and retail industries, Brian has led the company’s transformation since joining in 2020, repositioning the business for growth and helping brands and retailers navigate an increasingly complex marketplace.
Under Brian’s leadership, Acosta Group has delivered multiple consecutive years of profitable growth while strengthening its capabilities across retail sales, marketing, foodservice, digital commerce, analytics, and technology-enabled services. Today, the company supports more than 3,200 clients, ranging from many of the world’s largest consumer brands to emerging and entrepreneurial companies. Acosta Group continues to strengthen its position as a trusted growth partner and brand-building engine, helping clients win with shoppers and consumers across every channel.
As Acosta Group enters its next phase of growth, Brian is leading strategic investments in advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, and technology-enabled in-store execution. By combining deep industry expertise with data, technology, and human insight, Acosta Group helps clients navigate disruption, accelerate growth, and build stronger consumer connections. Brian is committed to creating value for clients, customers, associates, and investors while fostering a culture grounded in accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He is also a passionate advocate for talent development, championing programs and opportunities that help associates build leadership capabilities and advance their careers at every stage of their professional journey.
Prior to joining Acosta Group, Brian held several senior leadership roles with leading consumer brands. At The Coca-Cola Company, he advanced to President of the North America Still Beverages Unit. He later served as President, Americas and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Nutrition at The Nature’s Bounty Company and as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Keebler Company.
Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Villanova University.
Holding the Tension
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
10:35 am - 11:20 am
10:35 am - 11:20 am
Darren Rebelez
President & CEO
Casey's
Darren Rebelez
President & CEO
Casey's
Darren Rebelez is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Casey’s (NASDAQ: CASY), a FORTUNE 500 company operating over 2,900 convenience stores throughout the Midwest and South. As CEO of the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, Rebelez offers a wealth of experience from his career as a senior executive in the convenience, restaurant and fuel industries.
Under Rebelez’ leadership, Casey’s has undergone a remarkable transformation, including several significant milestones: a brand modernization/reimaging, closing several significant acquisitions (including the largest in the company’s history), a digital transformation including the first rewards platform that currently boasts over 10 million members, launching a new e-commerce platform, relaunching the company’s private brand business, and publishing the company’s first ESG report.
Prior to Casey’s, Rebelez served as the President of IHOP Restaurants, a unit of Dine Brands Global, Inc.. While leading IHOP, the company grew to become the largest full service restaurant brand in the USA. Previous to IHOP, Rebelez worked at 7-Eleven, the world’s largest convenience store chain, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Before 7-Eleven, Darren held numerous leadership roles within ExxonMobil Corporation.
Preceding his civilian career, Darren was an Army Ranger and Gulf War veteran. A native of San Diego, he is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Area Studies. He went on to also earn an MBA from the University of Houston.
In addition to his role at Casey’s, Darren serves on the board of directors of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), and as an advisory board member for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
A Bigger, Better Casey’s: A Modern Growth Story
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
9:20 am - 10:05 am
9:20 am - 10:05 am
Steve Goldbach
Senior Partner
Deloitte
Steve Goldbach
Senior Partner
Deloitte
Steven Goldbach leads Deloitte’s Sustainability and Infrastructure practice in the US, which serves the complex and novel challenges our clients face across energy, environment, resilience, and infrastructure. The practice helps clients make measurable progress on varying dimensions of these challenges by bringing to the table all areas of Deloitte’s experience.
Prior to assuming this role, Steve served as Deloitte’s US Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for eight years. During his time as CSO, Deloitte made a major pivot in strategy, focusing on winning as an integrated organization. Before joining Deloitte, Steve was the head of the New York Office at Monitor Group and the head of strategy for Forbes.
Along with Deloitte principal Geoff Tuff, Steve has co-authored three bestselling books: Detonate: Why – and How – Corporations Must Blow Up Best Practices (and Bring a Beginner’s Mind) to Survive (Wiley, 2018), Provoke: How Leaders Shape the Future by Overcoming Fatal Human Flaws (Wiley, 2021), and Hone: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift (Wiley, 2025), which Thinkers50 named a Best New Management Book for 2026. Steve was also as a finalist for the Thinkers50 2019 Distinguished Achievement Award in Strategy and for the 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award in Leadership.
Steve completed his BCom at Queen’s University and his MBA at Columbia University. He sits on the Advisory Boards of the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and the New York Botanical Garden.
Built to Grow
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
2:10 pm - 2:50 pm
2:10 pm - 2:50 pm
Diana Marshall
Board Member
NextUp
Diana Marshall
Board Member
NextUp
NextUp 25th Anniversary Honors Evening
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Melody Richard
Senior Vice President - Pantry
Walmart
Melody Richard
Senior Vice President - Pantry
Walmart
A passionate leader who is committed to delivering results, serving customers and driving diversity and inclusion, Melody Richard is the Senior Vice President of Pantry for Walmart US. This includes all shelf stable grocery items including dry grocery, snacks, and beverages. She is honored to work on such an important business that ensures our customers can Save Money and Live Better.
Prior to this role, Melody was the Merchandising VP of Pets for Walmart US. She led a cross-functional team to deliver upon pet parents needs and serve the over 70% of US households with pets. Melody joined Walmart over five years ago leading the Walmart US Baby store business.
Prior to joining Walmart, she held leadership roles at Coca-Cola for 20 years in Operations, U.S. Sales, International Commercial Leadership, and Emerging Brands.
As an industry leader, Melody serves as a National Board Member of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and is the Executive Co-Sponsor for Walmart’s annual Fight Hunger Spark Change Campaign. She is also heavily invested in ensuring that the Pantry Team leads the way in the industry with Walmart regeneration and Made in the USA efforts.
She is a key leader for belonging as the leader of the Walmart Women’s Officer Caucus, a member of the President’s Belonging Council and advisor to the Women’s Resource Group. She represents Walmart as Secretary on the National Board for NextUp.
In the local community, she has led the Peel Mansion Giving Event, NWA Food Bank Jewels of Giving Event, Big Brothers Big Sisters Events, The Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year and Sip and Savor, Sharing and Caring, the Best Friends Pet Resource Center and the American Heart Association. Melody is committed to supporting leaders in the workplace, families in the community and the overall health and wellbeing of associates and customers.
NextUp 25th Anniversary Honors Evening
See Agenda Wednesday, September 16
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
4
Days of Learning
40+
Speakers
1500+
Attendees
25
Years and Counting
Our Sponsors
Platinum
Presenting
Premier
Friend
Sponsors
Previous Conferences
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NextUp Leadership Summit is our largest event of the year – a celebration of everything NextUp, our community, and our mission! With over 1,600 attendees…
NextUp Executive Forum 2025
NextUp Executive Forum offers an opportunity to join senior leaders from all over the country as they come together to be inspired by world-class speakers and…
