2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Jincy John Varghese (Q&A)
Jincy John Varghese
Senior Manager, Digital Procurement
Loblaw Companies Ltd.
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
My path into the grocery industry was not a traditional one. I began my career in the healthcare supply chain, where I was involved in supply chain planning, procurement and logistics to ensure critical equipment reliably reached hospitals and care providers. That experience gave me a strong foundation in operations, logistics and supply chain planning.
When I moved from Bangalore, India to Canada eight years ago, I restarted my career in an entry-level analyst role at Loblaw. It was a humbling transition, but also an opportunity to rebuild with intention. I immersed myself in learning business, taking on new challenges and steadily growing through different roles at Loblaw. Adapting to a new country, industry and systems strengthened my resilience and problem-solving skills. Those early experiences continue to shape how I approach my work in the grocery and CPG space today.
Can you share some career highlights?
A defining highlight of my career has been leading enterprise-wide technology rollouts that transformed how teams operate. These initiatives required aligning diverse stakeholders, navigating change and ensuring solutions delivered real, measurable value.
I have also had the opportunity to lead cross-functional teams on strategic projects that improved operational efficiency and strengthened collaboration between business and technology groups focused on spend management applications. What I find most rewarding is not just implementing solutions, but ensuring they are truly adopted and embedded into day-to-day operations. Seeing that shift from concept to meaningful impact is what makes the work fulfilling.
What habit or mindset has had the biggest influence on your career growth?
A commitment to continuous growth has been central to my journey. Transitioning to a new country and industry required constant adaptation, and I learned quickly that staying curious and open to change was essential.
I have made it a priority to keep building my skills, whether in supply chain, technology, project management or leadership, so I can stay ahead of evolving industry demands. More importantly, I have learned to embrace change rather than resist it. That mindset has helped me navigate uncertainty, take on new challenges and continue progressing in my career.
What excites you most about the industry?
What excites me most is the pace and depth of transformation happening within the grocery and CPG industry. Digital innovation, particularly AI and advanced supply chain technologies, is reshaping how organizations operate behind the scenes.
I am especially interested in how AI can enhance areas such as spend management by improving decision-making, streamlining processes and elevating the end-user experience. These advancements do not just drive efficiency, they help build more resilient and responsive organizations. It is rewarding to be part of an industry where the work we do impacts people’s everyday lives.
Outside of work, what are you passionate about?
I stay actively involved in my community. I participate in local initiatives and organizations such as the Project Management Institute and my parish, which allows me to give back and stay connected. I also value time with my family, especially travelling with my kids and exploring new places together. Those experiences offer perspective and create lasting memories. I make it a point to regularly pause and reflect, taking stock of both personal and professional milestones. That balance helps me stay grounded and energized.
What’s something colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
My passion for public speaking. Outside of work, I often serve as a master of ceremonies at community events, bringing people together for meaningful and memorable occasions. In my professional life, I have also presented at industry conferences, sharing insights on digital transformation and spend management. These experiences allow me to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to broader conversations shaping our field. It is a side of my work that is not always visible day to day.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.