Actor Ryan Reynolds, Costco’s former CFO to headline 10th ENGAGE

Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds and business leader Richard Galanti will heat things up this June in Las Vegas, joining forces for a keynote conversation that headlines the 10th edition of ENGAGE.

Reynolds, the star of the Deadpool movie franchise with countless credits in front of and behind the camera, has carved out a role beyond Hollywood’s bright lights highlighting his business savvy. Galanti retired last year after nearly four decades as CFO of warehouse retail giant Costco.

ENGAGE, one of the world’s largest conferences for the accounting and finance profession, is scheduled for June 8–11 at the ARIA Resort & Casino, featuring an opening program that includes AICPA Town Hall and multiple keynotes. Later in the conference, political scientist Ian Bremmer returns to the ENGAGE stage to offer an assessment of global conditions and political risk.

Reynolds has become recognized for his strategic approach to building and elevating brands. Two of his ventures, Aviation American Gin and Mint Mobile, were sold in major acquisition deals and helped bolster his reputation for transforming companies through bold marketing. His role in revitalizing the Welsh soccer team Wrexham AFC and in expanding production and creative agency Maximum Effort has “further demonstrated his ability to blend cultural insight with sharp business instincts,” a news release said.

Galanti brings nearly four decades of financial stewardship at Costco, where he became known as the “voice of Costco” for his candid leadership on earnings calls and his steady hand guiding the company through growth, market and regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer expectations. His tenure, marked by consistent operational discipline and customer‑centric strategy, has made him one of the most respected figures in retail finance, the release said.

Their keynote conversation will explore creative risk taking, the role of storytelling in business, and financial strategies behind sustainable growth.

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Bryan Strickland at Bryan.Strickland@aicpa-cima.com.