Announcing Luxury Roundtable’s Luxury Women Leaders to Watch 2025

June 13th, 2024

We’re proud to share that our Founder & CEO, Kathleen Ruiz, has been named to Luxury Roundtable’s Luxury Women Leaders to Watch 2025 list.

Luxury Roundtable recognized 25 exceptional executives across sectors and geographies who demonstrate remarkable focus, resilience, and leadership at a time when market conditions remain challenging. Honorees were selected based on public nominations and internal recommendations, highlighting women who exemplify strategic foresight, mentorship, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

As CEO Mickey Alam Khan noted, these leaders are poised to shape the future of luxury — elevating both customer and employee experiences while navigating economic complexity with strength and clarity.

We are honored to see Kathleen included among this inspiring group and grateful for the opportunity to continue building meaningful impact in the luxury space.

Read Kathleen's interview below and see the full article featuring more Women Leaders to Watch here.

“Experiential luxury will gain prominence as consumers seek unique, immersive experiences beyond material possessions.”

What I most like about my job

There are so many aspects of my work that I truly enjoy. I’ve had the privilege of launching three incredible European based brands recently in the U.S. There's a unique thrill in nurturing a brand and watching as it begins to inspire and engage its audience. Finding unique collaborations is another highlight of my work. Bringing two great brands together not only amplifies their strengths, but also creates innovative and inspiring outcomes. Seeing what emerges from these collaborations is truly exhilarating and one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Biggest challenge in my work

One of the biggest challenges in my work is managing my own expectations. When we take on a client, the projects we manage often require time to yield results. This can be frustrating, especially since I strive to deliver quick outcomes for our clients. I tend to be particularly demanding of myself and my team, but it's essential to remember that building a brand is a gradual process. Patience and persistence are key, and understanding this helps us stay focused on delivering long-term success.

My proudest achievement in luxury

My proudest achievement in luxury is undoubtedly starting my own agency. After decades of working with some of the world's top luxury retailers, taking the bold step to venture out on my own was both a risk and a challenge. Those who know me understand my passion for taking risks and my confidence in always landing on my feet. Within the first few years, I was fortunate to work with major luxury clients, including my former long-time employer, Neiman Marcus.

My leadership style

My leadership philosophy centers around collaboration and consultation. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with exceptional individuals and while I'm known for my confident and decisive approach, I firmly believe in cultivating an atmosphere of collaboration. I consistently encourage creativity and active participation from my team, motivating them to innovate and surpass their limits to achieve remarkable outcomes.

My work priority for 2025

My work priority for 2025, as always, is to consistently exceed the expectations of my clients. Staying attuned to the latest developments in the economy, retail, marketing innovations and the luxury sector is crucial and remains a top priority. By keeping a finger on the pulse of industry trends, I can ensure that we are ahead of the curve and able to deliver exceptional value and innovative solutions to our clients.

How I see luxury evolving in 2025

In 2025, I see a luxury evolution driven by sustainability, digital innovation and personalization. Brands will continue to prioritize eco-friendly practices and utilize technologies to offer tailored experiences. Experiential luxury will gain prominence as consumers seek unique, immersive experiences beyond material possessions. The new generation of luxury consumers will ensure inclusivity becomes integral to the luxury experience and the focus will be not on the excess of luxury but on the preservation of art, craft and culture.