Retail
10 retail store development experts
These ten professionals have led store development, new store and grand opening work inside retail companies. A reader can learn how retailers plan, build and open new stores, and how they organize the teams that do it.
Professionals to explore
01—10Charissa Abud
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of Store Development · JD Finish Line
Vice President of Store Development at JD Finish Line since 2023 and former Store Development Program Manager (2019–2023) and Store Development Project Manager (2015–2019) there. The profile says Abud leads teams that connect real estate, design, construction, facilities, finance and operations.
Dean Klein
LinkedInExperience: Director, Store Development - Midwest Region · Starbucks
Director, Store Development - Midwest Region at Starbucks since 2010, where the profile says Klein is responsible for market penetration strategies, new store site selection, asset management and portfolio optimization for the Midwest Region. Former Interim VP-Global Development, Starbucks Canada (2014–2015) and Store Development Manager-Mid Atlantic Region (2004–2009) at Starbucks.
Kara Cutino
LinkedInExperience: SVP, Store Development & Facilities Services · J.Crew
SVP, Store Development & Facilities Services at J.Crew since 2023. Former Vice President, Store Development, Facilites Services, Asset Protection & Store Purchasing (2020–2023), Vice President Store Development, Construction & Corporate Facilities (2017–2020) and Vice President, Store Development & Construction (2017–2020) at ascena.
Kimberly Walker
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of New Stores, Capital Projects and Field Visual Merchandising · DICK'S Sporting Goods
Vice President of New Stores, Capital Projects and Field Visual Merchandising at DICK'S Sporting Goods since 2021. Former Senior Director Field Visual Merchandising (2020–2021) and Director of Visual Merchandising (2017–2020) at DICK'S Sporting Goods, and Regional Visual Merchandise Director at Sears (2004–2017).
Michael McKnight
LinkedInExperience: SVP Store Development, Leasing & Facility Support · ADUSA / Retail Business Services
Former SVP Store Development, Leasing & Facility Support at ADUSA / Retail Business Services (2021–2025), where the profile says McKnight led a team of 475 real estate, design, construction, energy and facilities professionals supporting ADUSA's US retail locations. Former VP of Store Development at Retail Business Services (ADUSA) (2018–2021) and VP of Construction & Store Development at Ahold USA (2010–2017).
Neil Weber
LinkedInExperience: Director New Store Development · Tractor Supply Company
Director New Store Development at Tractor Supply Company since 2023 and former Director Of Design And Development at MAPCO Express (2013–2023). Former Project Manager Project Architect at SKJN (2010–2013) and Construction Superintendent at CODA LLC (2005–2007).
Rob Burns
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Grand Openings, Remodels, and Competitive Strategy · Sam's Club
Vice President Grand Openings, Remodels, and Competitive Strategy at Sam's Club since 2025. Former Vice President Real Estate Sam s Club (2017–2019) and Vice President Regional General Manager Operations North Central (2019–2025) at Sam's Club, and former Vice President of Sales at Pepperidge Farm (2008–2014).
Rob Herrera
LinkedInExperience: Director- Store Development · Janie and Jack
Former Director- Store Development at Janie and Jack (2022–2025) and Director- Store Development Services at Grocery Outlet since 2025, a role the profile describes as supporting the Store Development Group of real estate, design, construction and facilities. Former Director- Store Design, Construction, Retail & Corporate Facilities at West Marine (2019–2022).
Wayne Covington
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director Global Retail Development · Reformation
Senior Director Global Retail Development at Reformation since 2025 and former Director of Global Retail Development & Construction there (2023–2025). The profile describes leading the strategy, design and delivery of new stores and refreshes across diverse markets and formats. Former Senior Project Manager, Architecture at Gap Inc. (2018–2023).
Wayne Schuster
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Store Development Operations - Construction, Design, Facilities & Merchandising · Total Wine & More
Vice President Store Development Operations - Construction, Design, Facilities & Merchandising at Total Wine & More since 2021. Former Global Executive Director of Construction, Store Planning and Design at Claire's (2018–2021) and Director of Store Planning at Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. (Kroger) (2015–2018).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's store format and pace to yours, since opening a handful of flagship stores a year differs from rolling out hundreds of small-format stores. Ask which parts of store development the person owned, such as real estate, design, construction or facilities, and choose the one whose scope matches the gap you need to fill.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you build a new store opening schedule that holds up when permits and construction slip?
- 02When does it make sense to remodel an existing store instead of relocating or closing it?
- 03How do you split store development work between your own team and outside contractors?
Reaching retail store development experts
How can I contact one of these retail store development experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including JD Finish Line, Starbucks and J.Crew, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach retail store development experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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