The International Association of Department Stores appoints first-ever Academic Advisor in 98-Year history.

Dr. Robert Rooderkerk of Rotterdam School of Management joins International Association of Department Stores to elevate thought leadership, research access, and strategic guidance for global department store leaders.

The International Association of Department Stores (IADS) has appointed Dr. Robert Rooderkerk, Associate Professor of Operations Management at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, as its first academic advisor. The decision was taken during the IADS General Assembly in Hong Kong in November 2025, marking a historic milestone for the Association founded in 1928.

Dr. Rooderkerk brings extensive expertise at the intersection of marketing and operations, with a specific focus on omnichannel retail and retail analytics. His appointment reflects IADS's commitment to strengthening thought leadership and providing its members with access to cutting-edge academic research and management frameworks tailored to the evolving challenges facing department stores worldwide.

As founding Academic Director of the MScBA Business Analytics & Management programme at Rotterdam School of Management—ranked 20th globally out of 200+ analytics programmes according to 2025 QS rankings—Dr. Rooderkerk has demonstrated proven capacity to translate academic insight into practical business value. He serves on the editorial board of Journal of Retailing and Production and Operations Management and leads the Retail Analytics Expert Practice at the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics. Recently, Dr. Rooderkerk has led the development of a dedicated analytics track within RSM’s Full-Time MBA program, spearheading both the design and delivery of the new course Leading with Analytics: From Insights to Impact, which equips future leaders to create business value with decision-driven analytics. Dr. Rooderkerk also co-teaches a highly popular Retail Operations elective in RSM’s undergraduate program.

His research addresses critical retail challenges including the value of experience-centric stores, online fulfilment failures, sustainable assortment planning, and dynamic store staffing. Published in leading academic journals such as Production and Operations Management, Marketing Science, Journal of Marketing Research, and management outlets including California Management Review and Harvard Business Review, his work has earned recognition including the Dutch Marketing Science Award and finalist positions for the Journal of Marketing Research best paper award.

In this advisor role, Dr. Rooderkerk will support IADS across three strategic pillars: improving knowledge transfer between members through more structured and actionable meeting formats; providing digestible external insights on analytics, innovation, and organisational design; and amplifying the department stores' industry voice. His collaboration with IADS will include contributions to the annual IADS Academy programme, white papers, case study development, and tailored in-house events for member companies.

Dr. Rooderkerk has collaborated with retailers, manufacturers, industry networks, and public organisations including Coca-Cola, Coolblue, Heineken, Jumbo Supermarkten, Philips, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Several methods he developed, including assortment optimisation frameworks, have been implemented by companies across sectors. He has held visiting positions at the University of Florida, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, UCLA Anderson School of Management, and HEC Paris. In recognition of his ability to bridge retail academia and practice, Rethink Retail has recently named Dr. Rooderkerk a 2026 Top Retail Expert.

The appointment strengthens IADS's ability to deliver solution-driven insights to its members. Dr. Rooderkerk's work will complement the Association's existing partnerships with Retail Hub, RH-ISAC, and Newstores, ensuring members remain at the forefront of retail innovation and best practice.

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is the international business school of Erasmus University Rotterdam, located in the vibrant port city of Rotterdam and consistently recognised as one of Europe’s leading business schools. RSM holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB International, EQUIS and AMBA, a distinction achieved by only about 1% of business schools worldwide. According to the Financial Times, RSM ranks #1 in the Benelux for its MBA and EMBA programmes and #1 in Europe for business research impact, underscoring its strength in both academic excellence and professional education. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD and executive programmes, RSM integrates rigorous research with real-world relevance, emphasising responsible leadership, sustainability and data-driven decision-making. With a highly international student body and faculty, strong corporate partnerships, and an alumni network spanning more than 150 countries, RSM prepares graduates to become positive change-makers in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The International Association of Department Stores (IADS) is the only expert body specialising globally in the department store retail format. Consisting of leading department store members worldwide, the Association serves as an international network that facilitates exchange and communication among its members. It also conducts research to address the current challenges of department stores and provide actionable insights for its members.

Today, IADS permanent members include Beijing Hualian Group (PRC), Bloomingdale’s (USA), Boyner (Turkey), Breuninger (Germany), Chalhoub Group (UAE), Centro Beco (Venezuela), El Corte Inglés (Spain), El Palacio de Hierro (Mexico), Falabella (Chile, Colombia and Peru), Galeries Lafayette (France), John Lewis & Partners (UK), Lifestyle International Holding (Hong Kong), Magasin du Nord (Denmark), Manor (Switzerland), The Mall Group (Thailand), TSUM Kyiv (Ukraine). These retail leaders are joined by a network of other department stores and retail companies as corresponding members.

Together, the IADS members, all key players in their respective markets, create a landscape of diverse business models and cultures, representing more than €40.5 billion in cumulated annual turnover, achieved through over 549 stores with 251,000 associates in 28 countries.

Through its activities and partnerships with Retail Hub, RH-ISAC, and Newstores, the Association remains constantly up to date on its members’ questions and challenges. It generates solution-driven problem-solving processes for its members, preparing them to face the future of the retail industry.

About the IADS Academy

The IADS Academy is an IADS transformative initiative started 30 years ago to help develop young talented executives into future leaders. During the 9-month programme, participants are asked to provide concrete and actionable answers to a question raised by CEO members. To that end, they learn, exchange and are empowered to solve a problem with a C-level vision. The IADS Academy allows them to foster relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-skilled group and gain a broader perspective on the operations of department stores.

Among current members, 3 CEOs and 1 COO are Academy Alumni. Over 30 years of existence, 29 companies from 22 countries have participated and the Academy trained 160+ high potential executives.

About the IADS White Paper collection

In its role of researching and documenting the most pressing challenges department stores face, the IADS produces an annual report for its members and the general public. The 2020 edition reflected on lessons from the pandemic. Then in 2021, the IADS White Paper examined digital transformation and its organisational impact. The 2022 edition analysed sustainability, CSR and ESG. In 2023, retail media and monetisation ecosystems were explored. And in 2024, the White Paper highlighted the crucial role of middle management.

Faithful to its mission of sharing insights with the general public and true to its vision of abolishing boundaries, the IADS makes its current and past White Paper digital issues available on its website (link: https://www.iads.org/white-papers). Hard copies can also be provided upon request.

Press Contact: IADS, press@iads.org

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Download the full press release, in English, here.

Read the full press release, in French, below:

Download the full press release, in French, here.