Berns & Co. hosted its 8th Annual Retail Influencer Network CEO Dinner at Le Bernardin Privé, convening a distinguished group of retail icons, beauty executives, and brand leaders during NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show.

The intimate dinner brought together a star-studded roster of executives shaping the future of retail, including Martha Stewart, Emma Grede, Kecia Steelman, Kelly Mahoney, Deirdre Quinn, Ashley Kechter, Maureen Polo, Mindy Grossman, Robert Rizzolo, Joyce Green, among others.

A standout moment came when Martha Stewart shared how a conversation with American Eagle CMO Craig Brommers—who was also in attendance—at a previous Retail Influencer Network dinner led to her starring role in the brand’s holiday campaign. The evening also featured a fireside chat between Emma Grede and Google Senior Director Global Consumer Marketing, Commerce, Stephanie Horton, offering a candid discussion on leadership, brand building, and navigating growth and cultural change in today’s retail landscape.

The evening was emceed by Joanna Coles (Chief Creative & Content Officer, The Daily Beast) and supported by sponsors Rokt, Mastercard, Stripe, Archive, and Cart.com.

Images courtesy of Nicole Berns via Berns & Co.