Doug Stephens

As one of the world’s foremost business futurists and retail industry experts, Doug Stephens decodes the forces reshaping commerce and translates them into strategic advantage. 

Known as “the futurist that futurists follow,” Doug Stephens is the founder and CEO of Retail Prophet, where he is the go-to authority for global brands like IKEA, Nike, Coca Cola, and Louis Vuitton. His dynamic keynotes don't just explore business transformation; they reveal the surprising competitive advantages waiting for organizations bold enough to reimagine their future in this era of unprecedented disruption.

Stephens is an internationally bestselling author of three books on the future of consumerism including his most recent, Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World. He is currently working on his fourth book, The Future of Competitive Advantage: A Business Plan to Save Your Customers, Your Company, and Democracy, to be released in June 2026. Stephens’ insights provide a roadmap for businesses seeking to thrive amid radical shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes.

Stephens’ unique perspectives on trends in economics, technology, and consumer behavior have made him a sought-after voice in leading global publications and media outlets, with features in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company, and on the BBC and CBC. He also sits on multiple corporate and academic advisory boards, including the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retail at St. Mary's University. 

As one of the world’s most sought-after business speakers, Stephens offers an ever-evolving array of cutting edge and compelling topics, suitable for any business audience.