2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Megan Bentham-Campbell (Q&A)
Megan Bentham-Campbell
Lead, OMNI Shopper Experience
Kraft Heinz Canada
How did you get your start in the CPG business?
I started with Kraft 25 years ago as an in-store merchandiser, which was a great hands-on introduction to the industry. It gave me a real appreciation for how much work happens behind the scenes to create a great shopping experience, and it sparked my interest on how brands influence decisions right at the point of purchase.
What intrigues you about the grocery/CPG business?
What intrigues me most is how dynamic it is. It is an incredibly fast-paced environment that directly impacts people’s daily lives. There is always something to learn, and I love being part of a team that needs to understand what drives consumers—from their needs and preferences to their emotional triggers. I love the blend of data-driven insights and creative thinking required to connect with consumers in meaningful ways. It is incredibly rewarding to shape campaigns that not only increase sales, but also enhance the consumer’s journey and brand loyalty in such a competitive space.
What keeps you motivated at work?
I feel most motivated when I am in an environment where I can contribute and continuously improve. I have been fortunate to be part of collaborative teams where we support each other and share ideas. I get energy from working toward common goals with others where there is open communication and mutual respect. I am also driven by opportunities to learn and grow—whether that’s developing new skills, taking on challenges or learning from people around me.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my job is the ability to connect insights with action. I love digging into shopper behaviour, uncovering what influences buying decisions and then turning that into programming that resonates with consumers. It is incredibly satisfying to see a strategy come to life in-store or online and know it’s driving real results for the brand, the retailer and the consumer. I also enjoy the collaboration aspect—working with cross-functional teams, retailers and brand partners keeps things dynamic and creative. I enjoy being part of a supportive, respectful and inspiring team. Every day brings new challenges, and that keeps me energized.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you prioritize your time?
A typical day for me is a mix of strategy, collaboration and execution. A big part of my day involves cross functional collaboration—meeting with brand teams, sales and retailer partners to align on goals and ensure campaigns are on track. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting; there is always a challenge to solve.
I prioritize my time by balancing strategic impact with executional urgency. I use a mix of planning tools and regular check-ins with cross-functional teams to stay focused on the most time-sensitive and high-impact initiatives. I also make time for flexibility, because in my role things can shift quickly based on daily business changes. I focus on what will deliver the most value for the shopper, our brands and the retailer. Clear communication and staying proactive is key to making sure everything moves forward as smoothly as possible.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my career is leading a team with high workload and limited resources.
How did you overcome it?
It was clear my team couldn’t do everything at once, so I had to take a step back, reassess priorities and make tough but necessary decisions about what could realistically be delivered with impact. I had to align on expectations, and streamline processes to reduce inefficiencies, and empower my team to focus on high-value activities. I also made it a priority to communicate transparently and recognize wins—big and small. The situation forced me to grow as a leader, learning how to manage pressure, protect my team’s focus and deliver results in a constrained environment. It wasn’t easy, but it made my team stronger, more agile and more intentional in how we worked.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is balancing long-term strategic planning with the need to react quickly to changing priorities—whether it’s retailer demands, shifting shopper behaviour or internal business needs. There is always something urgent competing for attention, and it can be difficult to protect time for thoughtful planning, testing and optimization.
What habits or mindsets have helped you stay resilient?
I stay focused on clear objectives and stay closely aligned with cross-functional planning teams, so we are all pulling in the same direction. It is a constant juggling act, but it is what makes my role dynamic and rewarding. I am always learning, adapting and pushing for smarter ways to connect with consumers in real time, while keeping our top-line goals intact.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process and don’t be afraid to speak up. I have learned that growth comes from putting yourself out there. I would also say don’t wait for permission to lead—take initiative, ask questions and stay curious. And finally, build strong relationships. The connections you make with people can be just as important as your skills when it comes to creating opportunities and navigating challenges.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
The best career advice I have received is, “focus on what you can control and let your work speak for itself.” In a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, it’s easy to get caught up in things outside of your control. Stay focused and deliver value, show up consistently and maintain a solution-oriented mindset. Long-term growth is built through steady intentional effort, not just big wins.
What is a fun fact about you?
I grew up in Saskatchewan in a hard-working artistic family—my dad is an abstract sculptor and my mom owned an art gallery she started from scratch with her business partner. I learned how to mix creativity with grit. I was raised to roll up my sleeves and find beauty in the process. That blend of resourcefulness and creativity still shapes how I approach challenges today.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.