Maria Estarreja has once again been recognized as one of the world’s most influential figures in the retail sector, having been included for the third consecutive year in the prestigious Top Retail Experts 2026 list by the US-based publication RETHINK Retail. This annual distinction honours professionals whose vision, expertise and leadership are shaping the present and future of retail. The 2026 nomination places Maria Estarreja in the Academia category, highlighting her unique ability to bridge academic excellence with the practical demands of a rapidly evolving industry. This year’s list features leading retail experts from around the world, reinforcing the truly global scope of recognition.
Maria Estarreja has over two decades of experience in leadership roles across marketing, strategy and innovation, spanning both academia and the corporate world. Her career includes positions such as Executive Director of the Retail Innovation Lab and Visiting Professor in the Master’s programs in Marketing and Strategy at Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, alongside senior management responsibilities in major consumer goods companies and consulting firms.
For Maria Estarreja, this latest recognition — now for the third year in a row — represents “a source of great pride and a confirmation of the continued impact of the collaborative work I have been developing between academia and industry,” while underscoring the role of retail as a driver of innovation and socio-economic influence.
Top Retail Experts is regarded as one of the most influential thought-leadership communities in global retail. Selected professionals become part of a high-impact network, with access to exclusive events, international networking opportunities and ongoing visibility among key decision-makers and innovators in the sector.