2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Anita Soesilo (Q&A)
Anita Soesilo
Director, Product Management
Loblaw Companies Ltd.
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
My journey began in the supply chain division, where I gained first-hand insight into the complexity of ensuring products reach the right place at the right time. Over time, I found myself naturally drawn to the front-end side of the business. Having worked in retail during school, store operations and solutions resonate with me on a personal level. I understand the fast-paced environment of retail and the important role technology plays in creating a seamless experience for both customers and store teams.
What are your biggest career accomplishments so far?
One of my most significant career accomplishments has been leading a portfolio that delivers meaningful impact for both customers and Canadian businesses. My team and I recently played a key role in launching the “Made in Canada” and tariff indicators, enhancing transparency around product origin and pricing. We had to pivot quickly, make high-stakes decisions under pressure and adapt in real time to evolving requirements. In many ways, this work positioned us as pioneers of transparency, strengthening customer trust during a challenging period of tariff-related announcements and reinforcing Loblaw’s commitment to clarity, fairness and customer-centric solutions.
I also spearheaded the first large-scale electronic shelf label rollout, now deployed across more than 1,100 stores. This initiative fundamentally transformed pricing and in-store signage operations, saving hundreds of thousands of hours of manual labour while advancing sustainability goals. It also marked a major digital innovation milestone by enabling real-time price updates, improving pricing accuracy and establishing a scalable platform that continues to evolve with new capabilities.
What’s a career challenge that taught you the most?
One of the biggest career lessons I’ve learned is not to take things personally. Early on, I realized that feedback, disagreements or tough situations at work are rarely about you as a person. They’re usually about pressure, priorities or communication styles. That shift taught me to approach challenges with positive intent, stay solution-focused and not react emotionally in the moment. It also reinforced the importance of integrity, knowing your worth and taking ownership. I’ve learned to stay grounded in my values, be accountable for my work and decisions, and advocate for myself confidently while remaining open to feedback. Leading with integrity and assuming positive intent has helped me build stronger relationships, navigate difficult situations professionally and become more resilient under pressure.
What advice would you give future grocery leaders?
To always lead with integrity. Trust is something you earn consistently through your actions, so lead by example and set the standard for the culture you want your team to have. I also believe it’s important to use your voice. Your team needs you to advocate for them, make thoughtful decisions and provide clarity during both good times and challenging moments. Strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but it’s about showing up authentically and creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered and motivated to succeed together.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Family, food and travel. As a mom to two energetic toddlers, life is fast-paced, unpredictable and never short on adventure. They challenge me every day to think creatively, stay adaptable and find joy in the chaos.
I also love exploring new places, cultures and cuisines because it reminds me that we’re all a small part of something much bigger. Travelling also pushes me outside my comfort zone, gives me fresh perspective, helps me connect with people more openly and continuously shapes how I show up both personally and professionally. These experiences have made me more curious, resilient and adaptable when navigating different personalities and situations. They’ve also helped me become a stronger role model, a more empathetic leader and someone who values connection, understanding and continuous learning.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m a party planner through and through. I love designing and elevating a vision for friends and family during some of their most important moments, whether it’s a wedding, baby shower or birthday celebration. Give me a theme, a vision board and a tight timeline and I’m fully in my element. There’s something incredibly rewarding about turning an idea into an experience that makes people feel celebrated and connected.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.