The Retail Design Institute Inducts Five New Members into the Retail Design Legion of Honor
- Retail Design Institute
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The Institute honors five design visionaries for their lifelong contributions to innovation, mentorship, and excellence in the global retail design industry.
During the Retail Design Institute’s 54th International Design Awards Celebration, held at FIT’s Katie Murphy Amphitheater in New York City, five distinguished professionals were inducted into the Retail Design Legion of Honor, the Industry's highest individual recognition for lifetime achievement in the field of retail design.
Since its founding in 2001, the Legion of Honor has celebrated leaders whose careers have advanced the profession through innovation, mentorship, and an enduring commitment to design excellence. This year’s honorees exemplify those values through decades of transformative work shaping the environments where consumers connect with brands and one another.
Wendy Johnson
Recognized for her remarkable career at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and execution, Wendy Johnson’s journey with Chute Gerdeman began in 1993 as its first student intern. Over more than three decades, she has become a visionary leader whose work continues to elevate global brands through design rooted in business insight. Her passion for mentorship and her dedication to aligning creative excellence with measurable results have inspired the next generation of designers and helped shape the evolution of retail experience worldwide.
Cindi Kato, RDI
With a career spanning over 35 years at what is now Arcadis, Cindi Kato has become a defining force in global retail design—bridging creativity, client leadership, and business growth across continents. Beginning as an interior designer on Nordstrom’s first East Coast stores, she evolved into a global client lead and business development director, guiding projects for iconic brands including Nike, Cole Haan, Adidas, and Target.
Beyond her extensive portfolio, Cindi’s lifelong commitment to mentorship and industry collaboration through the Retail Design Institute, PAVE Global, and the National Retail Federation continues to strengthen design education and professional development across the world.
Surender Gnanaolivu, RDI
For more than three decades, Surender Gnanaolivu has been a pioneering voice in shaping India’s modern retail design landscape. From his early contributions at Shoppers Stop and Reliance Retail to his current role as Chief of Strategy and Development at 4 Dimensions Retail Design, he has championed innovation, elevated professional standards, and fostered design education. His influence extends far beyond India, positioning the nation as a growing force on the global stage of retail design.
MJ Munsell
MJ Munsell’s career spans over 30 years of guiding some of the world’s most recognized brands. A visionary retail strategist and design leader, she combines strategic insight with an innate understanding of how design shapes human connection. From redefining Victoria’s Secret early in her career to mentoring future leaders and advising global firms, MJ’s work continues to set benchmarks for experiential design and holistic brand storytelling.
Diane Rambo
For more than four decades, Diane Rambo has demonstrated visionary leadership, creative excellence, and an enduring passion for connecting people and brands through design. As co-founder of Big Red Rooster and former Executive Creative Director at Retail Planning Associates, Diane has partnered with over 100 global brands to create award-winning retail and hospitality experiences. A mentor, educator, and advocate for her community, she exemplifies the artistry, innovation, and human connection that define the Legion of Honor.
“The Legion of Honor recognizes leaders within our industry who exhibit innovation, professionalism, and mentorship,” said Cynthia Ortiz, RDI, International President of the Retail Design Institute.“Each of this year’s inductees has not only achieved excellence in their own careers but has lifted others along the way, helping shape the future of retail design with grace, partnership, and style.”
The Retail Design Institute congratulates the 2025 Class of Legion of Honor Inductees and extends special thanks to Joe Nevin, FRDI, Chairperson of the Legion of Honor, and the review committee for their thoughtful work in selecting this year’s honorees.
About the Legion of Honor, www.retaildesigninstitute.org/legion-of-honor
Established in 2001, the Retail Design Legion of Honor recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the advancement of retail design. To date, more than 50 industry leaders have been inducted. Honorees are nominated by Professional Members of the Retail Design Institute and selected by an appointed review committee.