Denny Gerdeman
Co-founder & CEO
Chute Gerdeman

Denny’s hands-on approach drives the company to get the job done right the first time around. His clear, strategic thinking and ability to hone in on the realities of any given situation make him a valuable contributor on projects. His communication skills have proven instrumental in brainstorming, advising and motivating teams, allowing him to capture core design objectives and map effective solutions for clients.

Widely regarded by the retail industry as a thought leader, Denny’s work has been published in magazines such as DDI, VMSD, Contract, and Chain Store Age. He is also a requested speaker for retail symposiums around the world including GlobalShop, EuroShop, the National Retail Federation (NRF), The Shop in New Delhi, India and the World Retail Congress.

After studying architecture at The Ohio State University, Denny began his career in 1976 as a designer with The Limited, a position that gave him exposure to a wide range of international retailing. In 1989, he partnered with Elle Chute to form Chute Gerdeman Retail, now recognized as one of the top retail design firms in the country.

Under his leadership, Chute Gerdeman has been recognized with more than 150 design awards in the past 20 years, including numerous first place and grand prize awards, as well as being named Designer of the Year by DDI in 2006. The firm holds four Store of the Year Awards—one for Kiva Spa, one for M&M’S World Orlando and two for Barbie Shanghai.

Denny’s reign in the industry, as well as Chute Gerdeman’s awards and recognition, have made him a well-known presence in the community of retailers, service providers and manufacturers of consumer products. DDI magazine honored him as a Retail Design Influencer. Most recently he was inducted into the Retail Design Institute Retail Design Legion of Honor for his lifetime contributions that have influenced and shaped retailing, store design, and the design culture both here and abroad. He was also named the 2011 Markopoulos Award winner by DDI magazine recognizing his distinguished career as well as his efforts to give back to the profession. The prestigious honor, named after the late visual merchandising legend Andrew Markopoulos, is presented annually by DDI to one outstanding industry professional.

Denny has worked with a diverse range of clients, including Christopher & Banks, Club Libby Lu, Delaware North, Hamleys (UK), Hanesbrands Inc., Kohl’s, KFC Japan, Kodak China, Lane Bryant, LensCrafters, The Limited, Mattel (Barbie Shanghai), M&M’S/Mars, Marriott Vacation Club International, Red Lobster, Skazka (Russia), Smithsonian, Stride Rite, Target, Tween Brands, Walmart and Woolworths.

Actively involved in the education of aspiring designers, Denny is often invited to speak and offer his expertise at major Ohio design programs including the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, The Ohio State University, and the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). After delivering CCAD’s 2008 commencement address, Denny was awarded the school’s honorary Doctor of Arts degree. He serves on The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) Board of Directors, the CCAD Business Advisory Council and the Board of Advisors for DDI magazine. He is also a member and past president of the Ohio Chapter of the Retail Design Institute.