2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Crystal Pontone (Q&A)
Crystal Pontone
Director, Finance – Financial Planning and Analysis & Advanced Analytics
Henkel Consumer Brands
What do you like most about your job?
At Henkel, there truly is never a boring day, and that variety is exactly what keeps me energized. I love that the company offers an incredible breadth of opportunity, whether that means gaining experience locally here in Canada or expanding into regional and global roles. I’ve found so much fulfilment in being part of diverse projects, from complex M&A activities to cross-departmental initiatives. Beyond the business results, I am proud of our community impact through initiatives such as Henkel’s Community Impact Day, where we support local charities, including a women’s shelter, which is a personal passion of mine. And last, and certainly not least, it is the incredible people. We have a team that is fiercely dedicated to striving for excellence and driving results, but we also know how to have fun and show up for each other as a source of genuine support.
You’ve said growth happens outside your comfort zone. How has that shaped your career progression?
I’ve always believed that if you wait until you feel 100% ready for an opportunity, you’ve waited too long. Stepping outside my comfort zone has been the catalyst for my most significant growth and the most fun I’ve had in my career. This mindset allowed me to pivot from my core expertise in finance into a temporary commercial leadership role and to work across different countries and cultures. There have been many times when I didn’t have all the answers going in, but taking those chances led to rewarding experiences and introduced me to amazing people who shaped who I am today. Embracing the unknown has turned perceived challenges into my greatest professional advantages.
What is a challenge you've faced?
One of my greatest challenges was evolving from a technical expert into a high-visibility leader. My foundation is in finance, and as I moved into senior roles, I had to learn how to be more outspoken and present in ways that didn't always come naturally to me. It required a conscious shift from focusing solely on the data to focusing on how I communicate the story and the "why" behind it. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors who encouraged me to find my voice and lead with confidence. Today, I strive to pay that forward by being a source of strength and encouragement for my team during their own "stretch" moments.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
My leadership philosophy is built on a ”kindness first“ approach, paired with a drive for excellence. I believe in being open and honest, and I make it a priority to know my team as individuals because everyone has a full, vibrant life outside of the office. I want my team to feel respected and seen, knowing they can trust me with their successes and their struggles so we can solve problems together. At the same time, I lead with passion and an entrepreneurial spirit, holding people accountable for their results while providing the support they need to reach them. To me, authenticity and high performance aren't mutually exclusive—they are the perfect partners.
What excites you most about the grocery industry right now?
The constant evolution of the grocery landscape is fascinating, especially as consumer trends shift toward more purposeful living. While my core is finance, I’ve always had a passion for marketing, and I love seeing those worlds collide through our financial planning and analysis, advanced analytics and innovation planning processes. It’s exciting to see how we predict and react to consumer needs, particularly in the sustainability space. Henkel is a global leader in sustainability, and seeing our eco-conscious products come to life on grocery shelves—aligning with the industry’s own passion for environmental impact—is incredibly inspiring.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of the office, my world revolves around my family; I love traveling and exploring new places with my husband and our children, Sophia and Leo. I find my peace in nature—whether it’s the sunshine, the flowers or the sound of a waterfall—and my favourite way to start a Saturday is with a quiet cup of coffee outdoors. To stay grounded, I try to embrace a fitness routine whenever I can find the free time, and my current passion is attending sessions at a local infrared hot yoga studio. And, like many Canadian parents, I proudly spend much of my “downtime“ as a dedicated driver for my kids' hockey and gymnastics schedules, cheering them on in everything they do.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.