401. How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale
Retail Gets Real · with Horacio “Haio” Barbeito · January 14, 2026 · 20 min
Summary
Old Navy President and CEO Horacio Barbeito shares insights from his global retail career, emphasizing that ecommerce operators must prioritize talent development and human-centric leadership to navigate rapid change. He highlights the strategic importance of investing in people, adapting to evolving customer expectations, and integrating AI without losing the essential human touch. This episode offers valuable lessons on leading with agility and fostering opportunity at scale in a dynamic retail landscape.
Key takeaways
Embrace continuous learning and adaptability in retail, as the industry is never static and demands constant responsiveness to evolving customer expectations.
Prioritize talent development and create impactful first job opportunities, recognizing that investing in people is a smart business strategy that fosters growth and loyalty.
Strategically integrate AI and new technologies while consciously preserving the human element and customer experience to maintain connection and brand authenticity.
Cultivate a leadership philosophy that encourages stepping outside of comfort zones, as personal and organizational growth is often catalyzed by navigating unfamiliar challenges.
Develop a deep understanding of diverse cultural markets; global experience enhances leadership capabilities and informs effective strategies for scaling opportunity.
Focus on maintaining humanity at the core of business operations, especially when implementing technological advancements, ensuring that customer and employee well-being remain central.
Horacio “Haio” Barbeito, president and CEO of Old Navy, joins Retail Gets Real to reflect on a global career in retail, the responsibility of developing future talent and how leaders can navigate rapid change while keeping humanity at the center of the business.With nearly three decades of experience spanning Argentina, the United States, Chile, Puerto Rico and Canada, Barbeito’s leadership philosophy was shaped by working across cultures and markets. His journey — which included 26 years at Walmart and CEO roles in multiple international businesses — reinforced an early lesson: Growth happens when leaders are willing to leave their comfort zones. Retail, he says, is never static. It demands constant learning, movement and responsiveness to customers whose expectations evolve at the speed of culture.(00:00:00) Building a global retail career through change(00:06:16) Creating first jobs that change lives(00:10:26) Why investing in people is smart business(00:13:20) Navigating AI without losing the human touch(00:19:14) Advice for the next generation of retail leadersThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at <a href="https://nrf.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Embrace continuous learning and adaptability in retail, as the industry is never static and demands constant responsiveness to evolving customer expectations.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize talent development and create impactful first job opportunities, recognizing that investing in people is a smart business strategy that fosters growth and loyalty.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Strategically integrate AI and new technologies while consciously preserving the human element and customer experience to maintain connection and brand authenticity.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Cultivate a leadership philosophy that encourages stepping outside of comfort zones, as personal and organizational growth is often catalyzed by navigating unfamiliar challenges.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Develop a deep understanding of diverse cultural markets; global experience enhances leadership capabilities and informs effective strategies for scaling opportunity.
