2024 Generation Next winner Prashant Lad (Q&A)

Prashant Lad

Senior Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis, Longo's

Financial planning is a tough gig in this sector. Putting forth a solid financial recommendation requires balancing competing priorities and considering diverse perspectives, all while keeping the end user—the shopper—top of mind. But, Prashant Lad earns ample praise from peers, senior leaders, store department managers and distribution centre team members for his people-first approach. 

“The collaboration with different functions is what I love most about my job,” he says. Working alongside the vice-president of supply chain, Lad developed financial models, business cases and analysis to support the doubling of Longo’s distribution centre. He is also on a committee to reduce shrink by more than 20%.

Now 38, Lad reflects on the importance of mentorship. “I wish from day one I had been open to putting my hand up and saying, ‘I want to develop in this area. Could I be paired with somebody who’s an expert at this?’” says Lad, who started at Longo’s in 2014 and returned in 2020 after an almost four-year stint with PepsiCo. “My advice for young people? Take a more head-on approach to mentorship and coaching.”

See the full list of Generation Next 2024 winners profiles.

Profiles were first published in the December 2024 issue of Canadian Grocer