Retail Insider is partnering once again with the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management for an evening of conversations with executives shaping Canadian retail. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, four prominent retail leaders will take the stage at Rotman’s Desautels Hall for the second Retail Insider @ Rotman event, exploring the theme of “Finding Customer Fit” and how retailers are adapting to changing consumer expectations, competitive pressures and new opportunities.
The event’s lineup includes Ana Mihaljevic, who was named Chief Executive Officer of Canadian fashion brand SMYTHE on October 14. Her appointment comes as the Toronto-founded company prepares for its next phase of growth, including a new store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in early 2027. She joins executives from Harry Rosen, Roots and Absolutely Fabrics for an evening examining how established brands and emerging retail concepts are evolving to connect with their customers.
Register now: Tickets are $35 + HST and available through Rotman’s event registration page.
Four Retail Leaders, Four Perspectives
The evening features four speakers, each interviewed on stage by Retail Insider Founder and Publisher Craig Patterson.
Ian Rosen, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harry Rosen Inc. A third-generation leader of the Canadian luxury menswear retailer founded by his grandfather in Toronto in 1954, Rosen is helping guide the company through a major transformation of its national store network. Having previously led Harry Rosen’s digital and strategic initiatives, and with a background in management consulting, he brings a perspective on modernizing heritage retail brands while maintaining the customer relationships and personalized service that have defined their success.
Meghan Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer, Roots Corporation. Roach has led the iconic Canadian lifestyle brand since 2020, overseeing its evolution in a changing retail environment. Before joining Roots, she was a Managing Director at Searchlight Capital Partners and a member of the investment team at Teachers’ Private Capital. She brings experience spanning retail leadership, finance and corporate strategy, and serves on the boards of the Business Council of Canada and Canada Packers.
Ana Mihaljevic, Chief Executive Officer, SMYTHE. Appointed CEO of the Toronto-founded womenswear brand in October 2026, Mihaljevic brings more than two decades of experience in luxury apparel, commercial strategy and retail operations. She previously served as President, North America at Canada Goose, where she also held senior leadership roles including Chief Commercial Officer. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade in New York working with global fashion brands including Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs. At SMYTHE, she is working alongside co-founders Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe to guide the brand’s next phase of growth, including retail expansion and digital development.
Kaelen Haworth, Founder, Absolutely Fabrics. Haworth is a Toronto fashion entrepreneur and former New York-based designer who founded Absolutely Fabrics in 2023. After spending 15 years in New York, where she studied at Parsons School of Design and launched the fashion labels Kaelen and Second Sight, she returned to Toronto to build a distinctive multi-brand retail concept featuring emerging designers, established luxury labels and archival vintage. Absolutely Fabrics recently opened a 7,000-square-foot flagship in Toronto’s Summerhill neighbourhood, expanding into menswear for the first time. Haworth brings a perspective on fashion discovery, independent retail entrepreneurship and building customer loyalty through carefully curated merchandise and personalized experiences.
Exploring What Customers Want Next
The conversations will explore how retail leaders identify and respond to shifting consumer expectations, including the role of physical stores, brand identity, customer experience, technology and evolving shopping habits.
From the transformation of established Canadian retail brands to the emergence of new independent concepts, the discussion will examine the decisions executives are making to remain competitive while maintaining meaningful connections with their customers.
Each fireside chat will offer an opportunity to hear directly from the leaders about the challenges they face, the opportunities they see and the strategies guiding their businesses. The speaking program will conclude at 7:00 p.m., followed by a networking reception with attendees and members of Canada’s retail business community.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Location: Desautels Hall, 2nd Floor, South Building, Rotman School of Management, 105 St. George Street, Toronto
- Doors open: 5:00 p.m.
- Sessions begin: 5:30 p.m.
- Networking reception: 7:00 p.m.
- Event concludes: 7:45 p.m.
- Tickets: $35 + HST
- Format: In-person only
Seats are limited. Register for Retail Insider @ Rotman through the official event page.
With four leaders representing different segments of Canada’s retail industry, Retail Insider @ Rotman offers an opportunity to examine a common challenge from multiple perspectives: how retailers continue finding the right fit with their customers as markets, expectations and shopping behaviours evolve.
The evening will also provide an opportunity for retail executives, entrepreneurs, industry professionals and students to connect with one another in an environment focused on learning, discussion and new ideas.
Register for Retail Insider @ Rotman on November 3, 2026.
