Penn State Smeal College of Business will welcome David Ziel, chief development officer of Urban Outfitters, Inc. Friday, October 10, 2014 to share his perspectives on business and leadership. His visit is part of the college’s Executive Insights series and the Melvin Jacobs Retail Leadership Lecture Series.
Ziel will take part in a moderated discussion with Charles H. Whiteman, John and Becky Surma Dean of Smeal, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. in the Struthers Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Registration for the event is required and can be completed online.
Ziel joined Urban Outfitters, Inc. as chief development officer in August 2005. He is responsible for developing systems and strategy to fuel growth. He has overseen the development of millions of square feet of retail, distribution center and corporate infrastructure globally, the Navy Yard Corporate Campus, implementation of alternative energy solutions and has forged critical new governmental relationships at the local, state and federal level.
The Melvin Jacobs Retail Leadership Lecture Series, supports campus visits from outstanding leaders and chief executives who are shaping the future of the retail industry. Previous lectures in the series have featured Arthur C. Martinez, retired Sears’ chairman and CEO and Leonard Lauder, chairman of The Estee Lauder Companies.
Executive Insights is designed to complement the Smeal educational experience by bringing high-profile business leaders to the college to connect with students, faculty, staff and administrators. Past guests include more than 25 leaders from organizations such as Boeing, Dell, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, Kohl’s, KPMG, Procter & Gamble, Samsung, Siemens, Verizon and Tumi Holdings, Inc.