On February 3, 2026, Hamat partnered with the RLC Global Forum to co-host the prestigious RLC Honors Gala Dinner in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This exclusive event brought together senior leaders from the global retail, luxury, and consumer ecosystem for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership, and lasting impact within the industry.
A Celebration of Enduring Leadership
The RLC Honors, held alongside the 2026 RLC Global Forum, are designed to recognize individuals whose careers have fundamentally transformed businesses, industries, and markets. The awards go beyond celebrating momentary success, instead reflecting a core belief that true leadership is defined by consistency, responsibility, and the ability to build relevance and resilience through periods of significant change.
Honoring Visionary Contributors
This year's intimate ceremony in Riyadh, made possible through the partnership with longstanding RLC supporter Hamat, celebrated two exceptional individuals whose influence has left an indelible mark on both global and regional retail landscapes.
Marco Bizzarri, the former CEO of Gucci and current entrepreneur and investor, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Luxury Retail. Widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in modern luxury, Bizzarri is credited with transforming Gucci into a global cultural force. His tenure redefined creative leadership, brand relevance, and the establishment of long-term brand equity in an ever-evolving market.
Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of the Etoile Group, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Women's Leadership in Retail. A visionary force in the Middle East's luxury retail evolution, Chalhoub has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's premium retail ecosystem. Her career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to championing women's leadership and entrepreneurship within the industry.
Reinforcing Shared Commitments
Speaking at the ceremony, Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum, emphasized the importance of recognizing the consistency of leadership and the depth of contribution over an entire career. In parallel, leadership from Hamat highlighted the critical importance of platforms that connect global insight with regional execution, thereby reinforcing Saudi Arabia's growing role in shaping the next chapter of global retail.
The partnership between RLC Global Forum and Hamat served to reaffirm a shared purpose: to recognize leadership that endures, foster meaningful global exchange, and contribute to building a more resilient, relevant, and forward-looking retail industry worldwide. The event underscored a joint commitment to long-term value creation and the continued advancement of the retail and consumer sectors on a global scale.
