2024 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Danielle Thibedeau (Q&A)

Danielle Thibedeau 

Director - Digital Commerce, Net Revenue Management & Customer Operations
Unilever Canada

How did you get your start in CPG?  

I started my career doing quantitative market research for Ipsos Camelford Graham and was immediately drawn to our CPG clients. I could relate to the products we were testing and was intrigued by the challenges faced by manufacturers in the CPG industry. This led me to Unilever in 2008. I was not only drawn to Unilever’s powerhouse stable of brands, but also inspired by Unilever’s purpose and the positive impact that the organization aspired to have on the communities we serve. There is never a dull moment in this industry and I love the ongoing challenge!

You’ve held a variety of roles at Unilever. How have you approached them? 

I’ve always leaned into new positions with a lot of humility and have had a servant leadership philosophy. This means learning from the experts within the team at every opportunity and taking the time to determine how I can best add value/clear roadblocks for the team to thrive. Stepping into a leadership role in a new area is uncomfortable, but these experiences have been some of the most rewarding of my career, so far.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement, so far?

Leading our digital commerce business to new heights through the pandemic. Of course, this was a time where online sales soared as lockdowns ensued, but what made me most proud was watching the resiliency and agility of our team as we navigated through this period both personally and professionally.  We established an agile scrum team to tackle the key challenges that lay ahead of us, from simple tasks like managing availability to demand creation and evolving our portfolio. The strategies and ways of working we put in place during that period set the business up for future success.

What is the best advice you’ve received? 

Have confidence in your ideas and perspectives and vocalize them! Every voice at the table matters and provides a unique perspective—don’t get in your own way. I give the same advice as a mentor today. I would also add that our careers are a lot longer than we all initially think in terms of seeking the next role/progressing, and you need to do what’s right for you personally throughout this journey. Your capacity and interest in taking this on will ebb and flow throughout your career as personal circumstances shift. Enjoy the moment you’re in and absorb all that each experience can offer.

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

I am a busy mom to two daughters, with a third on the way this August. Our family enjoys getting outside as much as possible, whether it be skiing over the winter months or enjoying time at the cottage in the summer. I also love to travel!  While travel looks a little different these days, it’s still something we try to prioritize as a family, leaning into new experiences and building memories together.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I’d just like to add how honoured and humbled I feel to be in the company of such inspirational female leaders within the grocery industry. 

Click here for the full list of 2024 Star Women in Grocery award winners.