FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2025
OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington Retail Association (WR) announced today that Renée Sunde, President and CEO, will retire effective December 10, 2025, following eight years of transformative leadership.
Sunde joined WR at a pivotal time for the retail industry, as e-commerce and digital innovation were rapidly reshaping consumer expectations and business models. Under her guidance, the Association navigated an era of significant organizational and industry evolution, emerging as a stronger, more agile voice for retailers.
“Renée’s leadership has been defined by vision, resilience, and a strong commitment to the retail community,” said Opio Dupree, Chair of the WR Board of Directors and Senior Director of Government Affairs for Macy’s Inc. “She guided the association through significant industry transformation and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with clarity and purpose. Under her leadership, WR became a powerful and effective voice for retailers in legislative and regulatory arenas across Washington State.”
Sunde provided steady leadership as WR forged strong public-private partnerships to address pressing challenges such as public safety, retail theft, and organized retail crime. Under her leadership, the Association expanded its statewide influence, deepened stakeholder engagement, and advanced impactful advocacy on critical issues affecting the retail sector, including economic resilience and regulatory reform.
Sunde has been a passionate advocate for retailers on both the state and national levels, culminating in her current role as Chair of the National Council of State Retail Associations. She is widely respected as a results-driven executive with more than 35 years of cross-sector experience in public, private, and nonprofit leadership. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic focus have elevated the role and visibility of the retail industry throughout Washington.
“Serving as President and CEO of the Washington Retail Association has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Sunde. “Together with our Board, staff, and partners, we’ve built a resilient, forward-looking organization that is well-positioned for the future. I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished and confident WR will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
Sunde will remain in her role through the end of the year, working with the Board and executive team to ensure a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.
The Washington Retail Association will begin a national search for her successor in the coming weeks.
For further information, please contact:
Opio Dupree, Washington Retail Association Board Chairman
Sr. Director of Government Affairs for Macy’s Inc.
