Lowe’s executive recognized as among ‘most innovative’ retail leaders

The National Retail Federation has named an executive from Mooresville-based Lowe’s Cos. as one of 25 individuals on its List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2016.

Kyle Nel is the executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs, the retailer’s technology hub launched in 2014.

Nel is part of a team that is launching a commercial 3-D printer into space. The printer is expected to arrive at the International Space Station in early 2016, making Lowe’s the first retailer to have a presence in space.

The retailer’s other high-tech innovations include the robotic sales associate OSHBot, which debuted in a San Jose, Calif., store in 2014. Lowe’s also said this fall that its virtual reality design tool Holoroom, which allows shoppers to visualize a room they are remodeling, is being installed in 19 stores across the U.S.

“The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future represents the most innovative and impressive group of professionals impacting the retail industry today,” Ellen Davis, NRF senior vice president and foundation executive director, said in a statement Tuesday.

The individuals on the Washington-based group’s list will be recognized at the NRF Foundation Gala on Jan. 17 in New York.

Other executives recognized include Stella & Dot CEO Jessica Herrin, Tory Burch LLC co-CEO Tory Burch and Ulta Beauty CEO Mary Dillon.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 8:31 AM with the headline "Lowe’s executive recognized as among ‘most innovative’ retail leaders."