2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Katie Ryan (Q&A)
Katie Ryan
Director, Commodities
Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee
What is your best quality?
I’ve always felt that my strongest quality is my ability to form genuine, trusting connections. I’m naturally curious about people, and I try to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. When trust is there, conversations open up, ideas flow freely and collaboration feels easier. Those moments also sharpen my thinking, because I can see challenges from different angles and come up with thoughtful solutions.
What kind of leader do you aspire to be?
I aspire to be a leader who balances creativity and financial discipline. I love exploring new ideas, but I also understand the importance of pressure-testing them against strong business reasoning. My goal is to help teams innovate responsibly, to think boldly while staying clear on what it means for the business, the budget and how we operate day to day. I hope to lead in a way that inspires confidence, encourages curiosity and builds trust through transparency and thoughtful analysis.
What keeps you passionate about your work?
How connected the coffee industry is from end to end. At Mother Parkers, I’m surrounded by talented, supportive people who challenge me and make even the toughest days feel rewarding. The industry is very special and tight-knit. People build lifelong careers here, and the relationships you form become a constant source of motivation. It feels more like a community than a network. I also love visiting coffee growing regions, meeting farmers and seeing the communities behind our supply chain. It’s a powerful reminder of the responsibility we carry and knowing that our decisions can have a positive impact around the world is what inspires me.
What is a career challenge you’ve faced?
Learning to trust my own voice, especially in rooms full of strong opinions. Early on, I sometimes held back, even when I had insights grounded in data and financial analysis. Over time, with the support of great leaders, I learned that my perspective added real value and I became more confident speaking up. It didn’t happen overnight, but it taught me the importance of self-advocacy and helped shape the leader I am today.
What excites you about the grocery business?
It’s an industry that touches people’s daily lives in very real ways. In private label, a lot of that work happens behind the scenes. I’m inspired by how many people and decisions it takes to deliver consistent quality, value and reliability, especially in a global industry that is always changing.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant, and I also serve on the board of directors of Grounds for Health—a non-profit that supports cervical cancer screening and treatment for women in coffee-growing regions of Africa and Latin America. It’s a meaningful way to use my skills for a cause I care deeply about.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.