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Texas A&M University
FOR EXECUTIVES: M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant

Overview

Honoree Biography

2008 Lecture

M.B. ZALE VISIONARY MERCHANT LECTURE SERIES


M.B. Zale

The M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Lecture Series celebrates innovative merchandising. The Lecture Series recognizes M.B. Zale's vision and outstanding achievements in retailing by recognizing leaders in the industry with the Visionary Merchant Award.

M.B. Zale founded the Zale Corporation, an international jewelry chain, in 1924. He is widely respected as one of the giants in retailing. Donald Zale, the founder's son, is chairman of the M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation and a member of the class of 1955 at Texas A&M University. His challenge to three Texas universities to help retailing generated the creation of the Center for Retailing Studies at Texas A&M in 1983.

PAST HONOREES


Garrett Boone, Co-Chairman; Kip Tindell, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Sharon Tindell, Chief Merchandising Officer, The Container Store
Robert L. Tillman, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Lowe's
Leonard Riggio, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Barnes & Noble
Gordon Segal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Crate and Barrel, Inc.
Marvin J. Girouard, '61, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pier 1 Imports
Dr. Jeffrey L. Bluestein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson
Jim Carreker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Bombay Company
Bob Nardelli, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Home Depot
Maxine Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive Bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop
Mike Ullman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, JCPenney Inc.
Matt Rubel, CEO and President, Payless ShoeSource
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