The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ (NAW) marquee of speakers for the 2024 NAW Executive Summit in Washington D.C. will include former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence Robert Gates, and economist and author Alan Beaulieu.

During the summit, to be held Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2024, Gates will share his insights from nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional on how business leaders can contribute to global stability and security while ensuring the resilience and success of their organizations.

Beaulieu is returning by popular demand to provide economic updates related to wholesale distribution, NAW officials said in a Dec. 6 news release.

“The political instability across the globe has significant impact on the global supply chain,” said NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin. “Helping our members become agents of change and understand the demands of the market, as well as the economic factors putting pressure on their profits, is why we are proud to be providing high-caliber experts at the 2024 NAW Executive Summit.”

About the Speakers

Robert Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011, and spent 27 years as an intelligence professional in the Central Intelligence Agency.

As secretary of defense, Gates served eight U.S. presidents across both parties, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, by Barack Obama. Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966. He served as director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993, and as deputy director from 1986 until 1989, among other roles. Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has three times received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA’s highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

Gates currently is a partner in the consulting firm, Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel, with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

Alan Beaulieu has been a keynote speaker and consultant for over 25 years. Along with his role as President and Principal of ITR Economics, he is a chief economist for numerous U.S. and European trade associations. He conducts workshops and seminars to speak about forecasting reports and emerging trends.