Retail Gets Real 401. How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale
Jan 14, 2026
Horacio “Haio” Barbeito, President and CEO of Old Navy, brings nearly 30 years of international retail experience to the discussion. He emphasizes the importance of leaving comfort zones to foster growth and adaptability in a rapidly changing retail landscape. Barbeito highlights Old Navy’s Opportunity Program, which transforms lives through youth employment, and argues that investing in people is both a social responsibility and a smart business strategy. He also shares insights on navigating AI while maintaining a human touch and offers advice for future retail leaders.
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Global Career Built By Moving Markets
- Horacio “Haio” Barbeito traced his 30-year retail journey from Argentina to Walmart headquarters and leadership roles across Latin America and Canada.
- He credits moving between markets for constant learning and career growth.
Leave Your Comfort Zone To Grow
- Leave your comfort zone and accept roles in different markets to accelerate learning and leadership development.
- Seek exposure to varied operating environments to import best practices into your work.
Retail Demands Continuous Relevance
- Retail demands constant adaptation because customer culture and expectations shift rapidly.
- High brand awareness isn't enough; staying relevant requires perpetual movement and experimentation.