As we’ve previously shared, Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) is proud to partner once again with CommerceNext to honor an outstanding woman in retail for the 2025 CommerceNexty Awards. These peer-reviewed awards celebrate excellence in marketing and e-commerce among retail and direct-to-consumer brands.

The Top Woman of the Year Award recognizes a female leader in retail and/or e-commerce who has made a lasting impact through mentorship, leadership, and contributions to the broader community. Earlier this year, CommerceNext issued a call for nominations. After careful review, WIRLC and CommerceNext are thrilled to announce the 2025 honorees:

  • Ann Marie Ippoliti, Vice President, E-Commerce and Marketing, Michael Kors
    With a passion for connecting luxury with innovation, Ann Marie Ippoliti leads global e-commerce and marketing for Michael Kors. She’s played a key role in evolving the brand’s digital presence, driving online growth, and delivering seamless customer experiences across platforms — all while keeping the iconic Michael Kors brand front and center.
  • Kim Waldmann, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Customer Officer, Foot Locker Inc.
    Kim Waldmann is redefining what it means to put the customer first at a global scale. At Foot Locker, she leads strategy across customer experience, loyalty, and digital engagement, helping the brand stay ahead in a fast-moving retail landscape. Her leadership is grounded in data, empathy, and a deep understanding of what today’s shopper really wants.
  • Liana Thompson, Vice President of E-Commerce, Shutterfly
    Liana Thompson is driving digital innovation at one of the most beloved names in personalized products. At Shutterfly, she’s leading the charge on e-commerce growth, customer experience, and platform optimization, making it easier (and more joyful) for millions to capture and share life’s moments.
  • Lilian Zhu, COO, Wolf & Badger
    Lilian Zhu is the force behind the operations of one of the most exciting sustainable fashion platforms in the world. As COO of Wolf & Badger, she blends purpose with performance — scaling the brand globally while championing ethical practices, independent designers, and conscious commerce.

We’d love your help in choosing the winner! Cast your vote here (voting is open through May 30). The winner will be determined through a 50/50 combination of public votes and input from the CommerceNext board of judges. The winner will be announced at the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, June 24󈞆 in New York City. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate these inspiring women!

Register for the CommerceNext Growth Show here using the code WIRLC for a 10 percent discount.

I hope to see you in New York this June!