2022 Star Women in Grocery winner Marie-Eve Lemieux-Roy (Q&A)

Marie-Eve Lemieux-Roy

National Business Development Manager

Danone Canada

 

How did you get into the grocery/CPG business?

While I was in university, I got a part-time job on the sampling team of a large energy drink company. The focus was not only on sampling the product, but also to educate consumers on its ingredients and benefits. This experience spiked my interest in the food and beverage industry, and I knew I wanted to be part of this dynamic and ever-evolving industry. I joined Danone 13 years ago as a retail representative based out of Vancouver, and I’ve since had the opportunity to grow within the sales organization.

What do you like most about your job?

Having a direct impact on the business. I am empowered every day to make decisions to win in the market and serve the community by bringing healthy and delicious products to grocery stores. Finding an organization linking closely with my values and beliefs has been highly motivating, and it makes me proud to be part of a company that uses its business as a force for good. I also love working as one team, I learn a lot from collaborating closely with my colleagues and we make it fun.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

Experience cannot be bought. The best way to learn and evolve is by experiencing different situations and getting through the ups and downs yourself, every role you take on adds to your skill set. Identify different projects and opportunities that are out of your comfort zone—those will bring high value development experiences.

What do you think is your best quality?

My positive mindset and drive to succeed. It’s what made me overcome challenges and seek opportunities by having real dialogue, being open to other’s opinions, challenging the status quo, developing strong relationships with team members internally and with category teams externally, as well as the will to learn and grow every day!

What has been a career highlight or one of your greatest career achievements so far?

In my past role I was working with a national club channel customer, and I led a project to list a dairy-free and certified vegan test article for the first time in the frozen section under Danone’s So Delicious brand. This project required high cross-functional collaboration working with teams across North America, while working on tight timelines and finding innovative solutions to make this offer sustainable for both parties.

After being a member of the LIFT (Leading and Inspiring Female Talent) Employee Resource Group since its beginning in 2019, I now have the opportunity to lead the group, which provides a place to inspire, empower and support women at Danone in the professional market and in our greater community. I’m very proud of the impact our group has had.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I enjoy travelling and discovering new countries. It’s quite inspiring and a personal growth experience to better understand the world we live in from different cultures and perspectives. When I’m home, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as my dog who I bring everywhere I go.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m honoured to be recognized with so many remarkable women in the grocery industry! I’ll finish by saying that staying positive, trusting your intuition, and believing in yourself will get you a long way.

Click here for the full list of 2022 Star Women in Grocery award winners.