RIYADH: The RLC Global Forum 2026 opened in Riyadh on Feb. 3, aiming to shape the future of retail and consumer-facing industries by bringing together the most influential leaders from across the sector.
Addressing the opening session, Panos Linardos, chairman of RLC Global Forum, said: “We meet at a moment that feels fundamentally different from just a few years ago. Growth today is no longer linear. It is no longer evenly distributed. And it is no longer guaranteed.
“We find ourselves at what we call a growth crossroads, a moment where traditional models are under pressure, geopolitical dynamics are reshaping trade and investment, and leadership choices carry longer-lasting consequences.”
He added that at the 2025 event, the discussions were focused on trust and collaboration in a time of disruption.
“This year, the environment is more fragmented, more volatile, and more urgent,” he said, explaining that supply chains are shifting, consumer expectations are moving faster than organizations, and capital is more selective.
