The Retail Pilot Blog
Host Ken Pilot sits down with retail's Leaders and Legends for candid conversations about their career journeys, biggest wins and setbacks, and leadership lessons learned along the way. From the brands they admire to the challenges they're navigating, Ken explores where retail is headed and how technology is shaping its future.
Retail Legend Mickey Drexler: From Building Gap & Old Navy to Running Alex Mill Like a Startup
Retail legend Mickey Drexler discusses building Gap into a $14 billion brand, his Ann Taylor and Old Navy legacy, and reinventing Alex Mill.
The Department Store Crisis: Terry Lundgren & Jan Rogers Kniffen on Saks Global Bankruptcy and What The Future Holds for Department Stores
Terry Lundgren and Jan Rogers Kniffen break down what caused Saks Global's 2026 bankruptcy and what's next for the department store industry
Lizanne Kindler Leading A $6 Billion Fashion Empire, The KnitWell Group
Lizanne Kindler leads KnitWell Group's 8 fashion brands generating $6B+ in revenue. Discover her journey from Denmark to the top of retail.
Inside Tecovas: The $300 Million Brand Redefining Western Retail
Tecovas CEO David Lafitte discusses scaling the Western footwear brand past $200 million, expanding retail, and building lasting brand growth
The Ralph Lauren Way: Storytelling, Style, and Staying Power with David Lauren
David Lauren of Ralph Lauren joins The Retail Pilot Podcast to discuss AI innovation, brand storytelling, and 25 years of retail evolution
Building La Ligne: How Molly Howard’s Finance Roots Shaped a Fashion Brand
Molly Howard, cofounder of La Ligne, shares how her finance background and ex-Vogue partners shaped a profitable, sustainable fashion brand
The Saks Effect: Leading the Next Chapter of Luxury With Marc Metrick
Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick discusses the $2.7 billion Neiman Marcus merger, AI-powered personalization, and the future of luxury retail
PacSun & the Power of Gen Z: Brieane Olson’s Vision for the Future of Youth Retail (Copy)
PacSun CEO Brieane Olson discusses signing the Jenner sisters, entering Roblox and TikTok Shop, and building a Gen Z-first fashion brand.
Inside the Mind of a Luxury CEO: Daniella Vitale’s Lessons on Retail, Resilience, and Reinvention
Daniella Vitale, CEO of Ferragamo Americas, shares her path from Barneys to Tiffany to luxury, and her vision for digital transformation.
Crafting The Great: A Vision for Modern Vintage with Emily Current and Meritt Elliott
The Great co-founders Emily Current and Meritt Elliott share their journey building a $50 million brand, plus Jan Kniffen's 2025 retail outlook.