Marketing Strategy | Emerging Technology | Retail Transformation

Gautham is an Associate Professor of Marketing at UCF College of Business with experience in academia and industry. His research examines the intersection of market strategies and emerging technologies, influencing customer metrics, firm value, and social impact. Gautham’s work has been published in top-tier journals, earning awards such as the 2021 Davidson Award and the 2015 MSI/H. Paul Root Award. He has developed and taught courses on marketing analytics, technology, retail management, and business innovation, receiving outstanding teaching honors in 2017 and 2021. As founding director of the Center for Retail Transformation at George Mason University, he built impactful private-public partnerships. Recognized as a top retail influencer by RETHINK Retail and a Coresight AI Influencer, Gautham continues to shape the future of marketing through his insights, research, and leadership.

Supply Chain | Technology | Automation

Guy is a recognized thought leader on the future of supply chain, automation, and technology trends. As VP of Industry and Global Alliances at Tecsys, he leads omnichannel supply chain strategy and oversees global partnerships. With over 25 years of experience, Guy has held senior roles at 6 River Systems (Shopify), Infor, Progress Software, and i2 Technologies, as well as serving as an industry analyst for SCM World, Constellation Research, and Forrester Research. A RETHINK Retail Top Expert, he is a frequent speaker, writer, and panelist featured in leading industry publications, offering insights on the evolving supply chain ecosystem, emerging technologies, and the integration of physical and digital customer experiences. Guy holds an MBA from Babson College, an MA from Loyola University Chicago, and a BA from The College of the Holy Cross.

Global Marketing | Strategic Communications | Community Building

Paula Gean is a seasoned global marketing professional with over a decade of experience in digital strategy, demand generation, and community cultivation. She leads partnerships at Softtek and is the co-founder of Africa Culture Journeys, combining her expertise in strategic communications, marketing strategy, and cross-cultural engagement. Paula has managed high-impact projects with the World Economic Forum and SXSW, generating nearly $100 million in B2B tech sales. Recognized as a thought leader, her work spans marketing, strategic planning, and community development, delivering strategies that drive revenue growth and brand visibility. As producer and co-host of Retail Relates, she fosters conversations on marketing, innovation, and collaboration, driven by a passion for shared learning and building connections that achieve remarkable results.

Retail Strategy | Marketing & Merchandising | Leadership Development

Rich Honiball is the EVP, Global CMMO for NEXCOM and an adjunct instructor at George Mason University. He is recognized for his transformative impact on marketing and merchandising strategies that enhance patron value and brand recognition across diverse markets, while sharing his expertise in retail and consumer behavior to prepare the next generation of leaders. He founded PDB Advisory Group and Brand(Co)Lab, advising CEOs on purpose-driven marketing and brand development, and has held executive roles at Haggar, JCPenney, and Brooks Brothers, leading major brand and marketing initiatives. Rich earned his MBA with honors from William & Mary. A RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and award-winning marketer, he is passionate about mentoring, fostering leadership development, and advancing strategies that connect commerce, community, and culture.

Marketing Strategy | Brand Leadership | Board Governance

Tony Wells is a marketing executive recognized for his progressive thinking and agility across the evolving marketing landscape. He is currently a Venture Partner at AZ-VC, Arizona’s largest venture capital fund, and most recently served as Chief Media Officer for Verizon, leading integrated media strategy for a global technology and communications leader. Previously, Tony was Chief Brand Officer for USAA, advancing brand, media, and customer engagement for America’s military community. His career includes CMO roles at Schneider Electric, ADT Security, and 24 Hour Fitness, along with senior positions at Visa and Charles Schwab. Today, Tony focuses on public and private board service, serving on the boards of Yelp, Nexstar, and TripleLift. A former U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer, he holds a BS from the U.S. Naval Academy and a management certificate from Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business.