Appliance, electronics and furniture retailer, hhgregg (NYSE:HGG), today announces its chief marketing officer, Julie Lyle, has been named the 2015 chairperson for the Global Retail Marketing Association (GRMA) Advisory Board, a leading association for C-level executives from the world’s leading retailers. As chairperson, Lyle will lead the GRMA Advisory Board and play a key role in the development of the organization’s strategic initiatives and thought leadership. Lyle succeeds Brian Beitler, EVP and chief marketing officer, David’s Bridal, who served as chairman from 2012 to 2014.

Leading the GRMA Advisory Board, Lyle will serve as senior advisor to Stephanie Fischer, president and CEO of GRMA. Lyle will also steer the GRMA Advisory Board, comprised of retail CMOs and leading supplier partner executives, to shape the organization’s strategic focus and drive thought leadership within the retail space. In addition, Lyle will spearhead the GRMA member candidate selection process, ensuring the organization remains a community of the foremost CMOs and executive decision makers.

“The mission of the GRMA is to empower each of our members to affect positive change and shape the future of retail. Julie is one of the most forward-thinking marketers that I know, and an ideal chairperson for GRMA as we embark on new thought leadership initiatives,” said Fischer. “I’ve seen firsthand the caliber of Julie’s leadership, and she is well respected within our organization. There’s no question that as chairperson, she’ll make a huge impact on the organization and continue to push innovation within the retail industry.”

Under Lyle’s leadership, the GRMA will expand its resources for retail executives, launching several thought leadership initiatives including: interactive webinars with industry experts, retail industry research, and content such as case studies and white papers. The GRMA will also unveil a new, invitation-only online community for retail executives and regional workshops. These initiatives are focused on the strategic needs of retail executives and will foster industry-wide discussions, resulting in fresh ideas to drive the future of retail and innovation.

“Through collaboration and innovation, the GRMA is changing the face of our industry, and I’m proud to serve as the 2015 chairperson,” said Lyle. “Bringing together the brightest minds in our industry helps us solve problems and develop ideas on a global scale, ultimately driving value for our companies and better serving our customers.”

Lyle will also work with the Advisory Board to drive program development for the 10th annual GRMA Executive Leadership Forum, ensuring it addresses the unique challenges facing retail CMOs—now and into the next decade. For more information on GRMA or the GRMA Executive Leadership Forum, visit http://www.thegrma.com/about-us/.

ABOUT hhgregg

hhgregg is as an appliance, electronics and furniture retailer that is committed to providing customers with a truly differentiated purchase experience through superior customer service, knowledgeable sales associates, and the highest quality product selections. Founded in 1955, hhgregg is a multi-regional retailer with 228 brick-and-mortar stores in 20 states that also offers market-leading global and local brands at value prices nationwide via hhgregg.com. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hhgregg or follow us on Twitter, @hhgregg.

ABOUT GRMA

The GRMA is recognized as the premier networking association where leading minds in technology, global economics, consumer behavior, and industry trends come together with those on the front line of retail. The GRMA’s mission is to unlock leadership value for the world's foremost CMOs by bringing new perspectives on economies and industries, empowering them to shape stronger strategies for organizations and leading the industry conversation.