2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Elizabeth Mackay (Q&A)
Elizabeth Mackay
Director, Customer Development
Maple Leaf Foods
What inspires and motivates you in your current role?
Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by the ability to make a meaningful impact—whether it’s helping individuals grow, advancing sustainability initiatives or launching innovations that consumers love. But, what inspires me to bring my best every day? The people. At Maple Leaf Foods, I’m surrounded by intellectually curious, empathetic and ambitious colleagues who challenge and support me to be at my best. It’s the power of this team—the way we collaborate to achieve more together than any one of us could alone—that motivates me to set bold goals and relentlessly pursue them.
What is your best quality or superpower?
Invisibility… Just kidding (I wish). My real superpower is my ability to build and lead high-performing teams. I care deeply about the people I work with, and I’m genuinely passionate about helping them succeed. That, combined with a strong drive to win, has allowed me to be part of—and lead—teams that have achieved incredible results throughout my career.
Most valuable career advice you’ve received?
One piece of advice that really stuck with me came from my husband: “Just because someone is more senior than you doesn’t make them smarter.” It’s something I’ve reflected on often, and it’s motivated me to speak up more confidently and assert my opinion, no matter who’s in the room. Letting go of that limiting belief unlocked a new level of confidence in myself and my abilities. But please don’t tell him I listened to his advice!
Why is mentorship important to you, and how do you support others in their careers?
Mentorship has played a huge role in my own career growth. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to have people at all levels generously share their time, advice and experiences when I needed guidance. Because of that, I always make it a priority to offer the same support to anyone seeking career advice. I’ve also learned the power of a strong peer network. Whenever someone is newly promoted or stepping into a bigger role, I make a point of reaching out to offer support and let them know I’m here—without judgment—whenever they need a sounding board or a listening ear.
What do you find most exciting or rewarding about working in the CPG industry?
I’m incredibly proud to work for a Canadian company that helps feed my family, friends and so many others. There’s something special about creating products that sit at the centre of meaningful moments in people’s homes. I’m also especially proud to have had the opportunity to lead an ambitious sustainable meat agenda. The impact of climate change is impossible to ignore, and being part of a business that prioritizes sustainability gives real purpose to my work.
How do you like to spend time outside of work?
With two children under six, most of our “free” time is happily spent between our cottage, birthday parties and plenty of art projects. When I carve out time for myself, I’m developing my skills on the golf course, the tennis court, the slopes or listening to a podcast.
Anything else you’d like to share?
It’s truly an honour to be recognized for my achievements in this industry—thank you. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the amazing people I’ve worked with along the way.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.