2022 Star Women in Grocery winner Chirine Ben Amor-Amsterdam (Q&A)
Chirine Ben Amor-Amsterdam
Director Corporate Strategy & Process
Lactalis Canada
How did you get into the grocery/CPG business?
The CPG industry has always intrigued me because of its day-to-day impact on consumers. I was interested in the inner workings of these complex corporations that serve consumers and communities. Upon graduating, I began working for Nielsen, which gave me exposure and insight into multiple CPG companies, increasing my passion for the industry.
What do you like most about your job?
My role is focused on future thinking and continuously driving the company’s long-term vision. In this fast-changing environment, this means challenging the status quo, re-positioning our priorities, and being able to pivot to best enable the business. Every day I am met with new challenges, opportunities, and exciting new developments. No two days are alike!
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
Be an endless learner. I try to approach every day as a new opportunity to get better at what I do and learn from those around me. I have always found that no matter how much we know, we can continuously develop and gain perspective from anyone, which drives my passion for my job.
What do you think is your best quality?
I would have to say my curiosity. I am curious about the people I work with and the potential impact of our decisions within the organization. As someone who has lived and worked in four different countries, I think it’s critical to understand the global landscape and societal and cultural shifts around the world. I love to follow international politics, read up on industry news, and listen to subject matter experts in their respective fields. I have found that these learnings and knowledge help inspire and inform me to drive new opportunities in my role.
What has been a career highlight or one of your greatest career achievements so far?
In 2020, while I was working in a sales function, I was approached by CEO Mark Taylor to participate in a future thinking task force to navigate through the immediate and future challenges resulting from the pandemic. My initial contribution evolved into a newly developed role to work with the CEO and our leadership to support long-term strategy. I now serve as the director of corporate strategy, which focuses on being a catalyst to enrich strategic and future thinking and develop and execute Lactalis Canada’s long-term vision and plan. In this role, I am really proud to drive innovation within the organization, and recently launched Lactalis Canada NEXT Ventures, an innovative intrapreneurship program.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I have always enjoyed travelling and experiencing new places and cultures and finding that “best-kept secret” restaurant that only the locals know about. I am also very passionate about meritocracy and equality of chances and served as a board member of Ellevate, the largest community of women at work.
Additionally, I am from Paris, and I like to keep close to my roots by playing an advisory role in French political campaigns in Canada.
Click here for the full list of 2022 Star Women in Grocery award winners.