2025 Rising Stars: Katie Gerrald, Walmart
Every year, Store Brands sets out to recognize the next generation of private label leaders, individuals who are not only excelling in their roles but also driving meaningful progress across the industry. The 2025 Rising Stars embody the innovation, energy, and strategic thinking that are essential to keeping store brands competitive, relevant, and compelling to today’s consumers.
This year’s honorees share a deep commitment to delivering value, quality, and fresh ideas to their companies and retail partners. Whether launching new product lines, strengthening brand identities, or collaborating across teams to improve execution, each of these professionals brings passion and purpose to their work.
The impact of these Rising Stars is already being felt across the private label landscape. Many have played pivotal roles in building more shopper-centric brands, streamlining supply chains, or identifying on-trend innovations that resonate at shelf. In an era where private brands are gaining ground, their efforts are helping to redefine what store brands can be.
As the private label industry continues to evolve, future success will depend on a new generation of leaders. Their drive, insights, and collaborative spirit are setting a new standard, one that ensures the future of store brands is bright, bold, and built to last.
Katie Gerrald
Manager, Food & Kitchen Storage & Luggage Private Brands
Walmart
In just a few short years, Katie Gerrald has emerged as one of the brightest young leaders in Walmart’s Private Brands organization. After earning her MBA in 2021, Gerrald joined Walmart as an analyst and quickly rose through the ranks to become the youngest private brand manager in the company’s general merchandise division.
Today, she oversees private brand categories that collectively exceed $1 billion in annual sales, including the Mainstays, Better Homes and Gardens, and Protege Luggage lines. Known for her forward-looking approach and strategic mindset, Gerrald is helping shape the long-term direction of these key categories by anticipating consumer trends and finding new ways to grow market share.
Earlier in her Walmart career, Gerrald made a strong impact on the Fabrics and Crafts business. She played a lead role in developing the Hello Hobby brand, launching products like Hello Hobby Vinyl to fill white space opportunities in die-cutting, and introducing innovation in general craft tools. Her efforts in product development and supply chain optimization not only drove savings for customers but also advanced sustainability goals, including eliminating Styrofoam in cemetery program products.
Gerrald's entrepreneurial spirit was evident long before Walmart. As an MBA student, she founded Krazy Kollections, a small business she grew through savvy marketing, smart partnerships, and financial discipline. That same drive and creativity now fuel her success in the corporate world.
In addition to her professional achievements, Gerrald has served on the logistics team of the Cancer Challenge in Northwest Arkansas since 2010, reflecting her dedication to giving back to the community.
