2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Friyana Engineer (Q&A)
Friyana Engineer
Senior Brand Manager
McCormick Canada
How did you get your start in the CPG business?
I started my career in brand finance at Kraft Heinz, and that experience shaped how I approach brand building today. It gave me a clear lens on how strategy, marketing and financial performance all need to come together to drive real impact. I learned quickly that every brand decision connects back to revenue and profit. I then moved into marketing at Lindt, where I saw the power of brand love and how it drives connection and loyalty. At Campbell’s, I experienced the other side of that equation, working to help rebuild that connection and reinvigorate brands and established categories. Today at McCormick Canada, I draw on all those experiences to inform how I lead and drive future growth at a portfolio level. Figuring out ways to expand the role of ‘spices and flavour’ in consumers’ everyday lives whether through innovation, strategy or commercial execution is at the heart of my focus.
What is your superpower?
I am naturally an introvert, so I tend to listen first. Early in my career, that meant I didn’t always speak up, even when I had a point of view. I always had strong performance reviews, with one caveat–to speak up more. Over time, I realized that my strength is not just in listening, rather it is what I do with it. I take in the complexity of any situation, connect the dots and bring clarity to help teams move forward. Now, even when it feels uncomfortable, I speak up because I know that is where I add the most value. Growth does not come from staying comfortable, and that shift has made a meaningful difference in how I lead.
What is your leadership style?
I lead with trust, clarity and open dialogue, anchored in a clear connection to the company vision as our true north. We build our team culture together, not top down, because I believe co-created cultures are stronger and set teams up for long-term success. Within my team, open and honest dialogue is the norm, especially when things are not going well, because that is when support matters most. Finding the right balance between challenge and support through situational leadership is so important to how a team performs and grows. I know first-hand how important the right support and coaching can be, and developing people is an important part of my leadership philosophy. I enjoy coaching individuals to build confidence, use their voice and grow into bigger opportunities.
What is a career challenge you’ve faced?
Earlier in my career, I would hesitate when things were not fully defined. I was looking for clarity before acting, and that held me back at times. Gradually, I realized ambiguity is where the most interesting work lives. It is where strategy is shaped and growth is unlocked. Now, I lean into it. I trust my thinking and resilience, take a position and bring others along to shape direction and unlock growth.
What excites you about the grocery business?
What excites me most about the grocery business is how closely it connects to consumers’ everyday lives. I love working on brands that make those moments more meaningful. This business is constantly evolving, shaped by changing consumer needs, culture and innovation, which keeps the work dynamic and relevant. There is never a dull day. At McCormick Canada, that momentum creates both opportunity and pressure, which is what excites me. It challenges me to rethink how we grow and expand the role of flavour in consumers’ lives.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have been connecting with family in the kitchen since I was six years old, learning family recipes from my mom and grandmother. These days, I am usually experimenting with different cuisines and flavours at home, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Recently, it came full circle when my mom published her own cookbook and I had the chance to help bring it to life—proud daughter moment! Safe to say, my passion for flavour started at home and continues to shape what I do today.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.