2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Penny Savoie (Q&A)

Penny Savoie

Director, Communications
WK Kellogg Co

You’ve navigated significant milestones, including the acquisition by Ferrero. During periods of change, what is the most important thing a leader can do to deliver clear and honest communications?

The most important thing a leader can do is be open, honest and transparent—early, often and even when you don’t have all the answers. In times of change, people and teams value honesty over perfection. Set a clear direction, be upfront about what’s known and unknown and commit to regular updates. That consistency builds trust and credibility, which, ultimately, matters more than having every detail figured out on day one. It’s a mindset our WK Kellogg Co leadership team has modelled from the start—setting the tone for our company and our people by leading with clarity, candour and a commitment to keep everyone informed and supported every step of the way.

How has your approach to effective communication changed over the years, especially as we move into a digital-first world?

Today, effective communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about who you’re saying it to and how they prefer to engage. In a digital-first world, that means thinking in a much more integrated, multi-channel way. We’re no longer relying on a single channel or format—it's about meeting people where they are, whether that’s through quick, visual storytelling, real-time updates or more in-depth content when it matters most. At the same time, even as the channels have evolved, the fundamentals haven’t. If anything, they’ve become more important. Clarity, transparency and authenticity cut through more than ever. What’s also changed is the expectation of two-way dialogue. Communication today isn’t a broadcast—it’s a conversation. Whether it’s with employees, customers, or stakeholders, people want to feel heard and engaged, not just informed. So, while the tools and pace have evolved dramatically, the goal remains the same: make it relevant, make it human and make it meaningful.

How did you get your start in the CPG business?

I started my career in communications right out of university, honing my skills on the agency side for a variety of CPG clients across the food, beverage and lifestyle sectors. In addition to gaining a strong foundation in storytelling and brand-building, during these early years I also had the privilege of working alongside and learning from a number of incredible, best-in-class leaders at Cotton/Smyth (Deborah Cotton), Manifest Communications (Mark Sarner, Andrea Donlan and Phillip Haid), DDB Public Relations (Martine Lévy) and Strategic Objectives (Judy Lewis, Deborah Weinstein, Michael Abbass). In 2008, I made the move in-house with Kellogg Canada (now WK Kellogg Co), where I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from and be supported by a powerhouse team of communications, marketing, sales and HR professionals, including Kris Bahner, Bruce Brown, Mike Christensen, Susan Davison, Stacy Flathau, Tony Petitti and Lores Tomé. Together, with those leaders from my early days on the agency side, they have championed me and my career development since day one and have helped shape who I am today as a leader and communications professional. I’m incredibly grateful to all of them for their guidance and support.

What do you like most about your job?

The variety is what keeps me energized—no two days are ever the same. Add to that the incredible people I get to work with and collaborate with, a strong, values-driven culture rooted in a legacy of giving back, plus iconic brands beloved by consumers and it’s a powerful and rewarding combination that has kept me at Kellogg for more than 17 years. 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it?

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic was easily one of the most defining challenges of my career, thus far. It tested everything—especially communications. With no roadmap or playbook to follow and the situation evolving in real-time, we had to adapt quickly and lead through uncertainty. We stayed anchored in strong communication fundamentals, focusing on clear, honest, two-way communication and making a commitment to share early and often even when we didn’t have all the answers. That consistency, in addition to leading with empathy and a people-first approach, helped build trust when it mattered most. Looking back, I’m especially proud of the role the communications function played in helping guide the organization and our people through such an uncertain time.

What career advice would you give your younger self? 

Lean into getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. The best opportunities for professional growth are almost always the ones that feel just out of reach. Take the stretch assignments, even when they feel daunting. Putting yourself in unfamiliar situations is what builds confidence, courage and capability. Looking back, the biggest growth came from the moments I wasn’t quite sure I was ready, but went for it anyway and soon realized and surprised myself by what I was truly capable of. 

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

More than 120 years ago, our company’s founder, W.K. Kellogg, recognized that “a reputation is a fragile thing.” Professionally, it’s an adage that continues to guide me—reinforcing the critical role communications plays in protecting and building trust through clarity, transparency and consistency. Personally, it’s a reminder of both the responsibility and the privilege that comes with the work I do. Over the course of a career, reputation isn’t defined by one big moment—it’s shaped by the thousands of small ones along the way. It’s built in how you follow through on commitments, how you navigate the hard moments and how you treat people when no one’s watching. Simply put, the “how” matters just as much—if not more—than the “what.” Because in the end, the way you lead, act and treat others becomes your legacy, and how you’ll be remembered.

Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.