“Progress begins with people – empower them, and success follows.”

Richard Samuelson is a transformational executive leader with over 35 years of distinguished experience in the retail industry, including nearly three decades at the iconic Neiman Marcus Group. A pioneer in customer engagement and a champion of retail innovation, Richard has spent his career at the forefront of strategic business transformation, leading high-performance teams, revitalizing brands, and delivering exceptional financial outcomes. His journey through the dynamic world of retail is defined by a deep-rooted belief in the power of people, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a visionary approach to growth and leadership.

Richard’s professional narrative is rooted in his early career ascent at Neiman Marcus, where he began in operations and swiftly advanced into roles of increasing responsibility. His intuitive grasp of customer behavior, merchandise curation, and team management positioned him as a standout leader. By the time he became Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager, he had already earned a reputation as a change agent who could not only see the big picture but also activate the granular strategies necessary to bring it to life. Under his leadership, the Men’s Sportswear division achieved its highest historical gross margin of 49%, while also spearheading the introduction and rapid growth of the denim category from inception to $5 million in annual sales in just two years.

During his tenure as Senior Vice President and Director of Stores, Richard oversaw a portfolio of Neiman Marcus’ most profitable locations on the West Coast, collectively generating close to $1 billion in revenue. His influence extended across over 2,000 associates and encompassed all aspects of store operations, human capital strategy, and technology integration. He led the company’s innovation efforts by initiating and rolling out customer-facing technology such as iPhones and iPads for associates, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. Richard was also the senior sponsor of the company’s first proprietary selling application, “I-Sell,” further reinforcing his role as a future-oriented leader.

What truly distinguishes Richard is his ability to merge innovation with humanity. He excels at building inclusive, performance-driven cultures that celebrate individual contributions while aligning teams to common goals. His leadership style is deeply collaborative, grounded in servant leadership principles, and focused on mentorship, recognition, and mutual accountability. During his tenure as Store Director in Bellevue, Washington, he reduced leadership turnover by 80%, doubled the number of million-dollar sellers, and propelled the store to a record-breaking sales volume—all while the broader company faced negative growth.

In 2022, Richard took on the role of Executive Director for Hustler Hollywood Entertainment, Inc., where he brought his refined leadership and operational expertise to a unique and rapidly expanding retail environment. Tasked with overseeing the company’s aggressive store expansion strategy, he led the growth of the retail footprint from 39 to 59 stores in a single year. His responsibilities encompassed everything from product development and financial planning to marketing, warehousing, and property management. In a business with a highly distinctive customer experience model, Richard elevated training and service standards to ensure respectful, informed, and compelling customer interactions—proving that integrity and excellence know no boundaries in retail.

Throughout his career, Richard has consistently demonstrated the capacity to drive both top-line growth and bottom-line performance. He is adept at aligning cross-functional teams, reengineering operations, and developing robust financial oversight mechanisms. Whether leading quarterly presentations, steering executive discussions, or mentoring emerging leaders, he brings clarity, poise, and conviction to every interaction. His business acumen is matched only by his emotional intelligence, a combination that inspires trust and galvanizes organizations.

Richard’s international experience—most notably in Italy and Hong Kong—has enriched his global retail perspective and informed his approach to product development and market strategy. This exposure has deepened his cultural sensitivity and understanding of consumer diversity, reinforcing his belief in tailoring experiences to local markets while upholding universal values of respect, service, and excellence.

Equally compelling is Richard’s personal passion for mentoring and talent development. He sees potential where others may see risk and has spent his career investing in people—creating leaders, not just employees. He has a keen eye for talent, the humility to lift others, and a strategic mind that connects personal development with business success. These attributes have enabled him to create resilient, adaptable teams ready to thrive in both stable and volatile environments.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the College of Santa Fe, where he was actively involved in athletics, student leadership, and fraternity life. He credits this formative education with honing his ability to understand, motivate, and lead people—an ability that remains central to his professional ethos today. A lifelong sports enthusiast and tennis player, Richard brings the same discipline and drive from the court to the boardroom.

Now, with decades of top-tier retail leadership behind him, Richard is looking to channel his energy, wisdom, and passion into serving on corporate and advisory boards. He is drawn to organizations with purpose, agility, and ambition—where he can offer meaningful contributions that accelerate growth, enhance culture, and navigate transformation. For Richard, this new chapter is not a culmination but a continuation: a chance to give back, mentor, and elevate the next generation of retail and business leaders.

Character:
Richard is a values-driven leader whose success has been built on trust, respect, and the unwavering belief in his teams. His ability to inspire others and lead by example makes him a cornerstone of any organization he serves.

Knowledge:
With more than three decades of retail expertise, Richard possesses deep operational and strategic insight across merchandising, P&L management, innovation, and customer experience. His knowledge is both vast and deeply practical, having been applied successfully across startups and legacy brands alike.

Strategic:
Richard excels at transforming vision into action, aligning cross-functional strategies to financial objectives while nurturing innovation. He understands how to position organizations for long-term growth without compromising short-term performance.

Communication:
As a seasoned public speaker and communicator, Richard brings clarity, enthusiasm, and empathy to every conversation. His ability to articulate vision and inspire others has earned him the respect of colleagues from the sales floor to the executive suite.