In a major win for Australia’s retail industry, Nicole Venter, Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Retail at Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), has been named one of RETHINK Retail’s international “Top Retail Experts for 2025.” This global accolade places her among an elite group of thought leaders shaping the future of retail.

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as one of RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Experts for 2025,” says Venter. “This recognition reflects the important work we’re doing at SaCSA to empower Australia’s retail workforce. From addressing workforce challenges to creating meaningful career pathways, I’m proud to contribute to initiatives that support the future growth and success of this dynamic sector.”

Venter has dedicated nearly two decades to the retail sector, earning a reputation for her strategic expertise and ability to drive impactful solutions. She has worked extensively with C-level executives across major consumer organisations, including Qantas, Westfield and Myer. Venter also spearheaded Australia’s first retail-focused business degree, featuring over 1,000 hours of tailored content. As a national representative for Australia’s retail workforce at SaCSA, she has played a key role in projects addressing talent retention, customer aggression and career pathways, while influencing training programs that resonate with industry stakeholders.

“Nicole’s recognition as a Top Retail Expert shines a spotlight on the important work being done in Australia to future-proof our retail workforce. It further solidifies SaCSA’s role in shaping the future of our workforce and training packages that drive lasting impact across the sector,” says Natalie Turmine, CEO at SaCSA.

Venter joins an esteemed group of honourees from leading companies and organisations, including Deloitte, IBM, and RMIT, as well as the established network of Top Retail Experts, to collaborate on tackling critical challenges facing the retail industry.