2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Sophie Bélanger (Q&A)

Sophie Bélanger

Senior Director, Brand Marketing
Keurig Dr Pepper Canada 

How did you get your start in the CPG business?  

While completing my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to begin my career at L’Oréal Canada, an experience that sparked my passion for the CPG industry and shaped the foundation of my career. It introduced me to the world of brand building, commercialization strategy and consumer marketing, while surrounding me with inspiring leaders and mentors who had a lasting influence on my professional journey. From that point on, I was drawn to the fast pace, creativity and constant evolution of the industry, as well as the opportunity to build brands that genuinely connect with consumers and become part of their everyday lives.

What keeps you passionate about your work?  

Without hesitation, it’s the people. I genuinely love building alongside talented teams and passionate partners, especially when collaboration turns ambition into tangible impact. At KDP [Keurig Dr Pepper], there is a real sense of pride in knowing our brands are woven into people’s daily routines and moments of connection. Being able to shape experiences that are both culturally relevant and deeply personal is something I never take for granted.

What is your leadership style?  

Empowerment is at the core of how I lead. I believe people do their best work when they feel trusted, supported and given the space to take ownership and grow with confidence. My role as a leader is to create an environment where teams feel empowered to contribute, challenge ideas constructively and bring forward solutions together. I place great importance on building collaborative and resilient teams that can navigate change with agility and perspective. For me, leadership is not about directing every answer, but about creating the conditions for people to succeed, evolve and collectively achieve more than they thought possible.

What is your proudest career moment?  

I’ve been fortunate to experience many defining moments throughout my career, from launching my own agency to helping bring award-winning campaigns to life, and, more recently, serving as chair of the Coffee Association of Canada. Each of these milestones has shaped me both professionally and personally. That said, being recognized as part of the Star Women in Grocery class of 2026 truly feels like the cherry on top. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is knowing it comes from the people I work with every day. I am profoundly touched by this recognition because, beyond the business achievements, it reflects the relationships, trust and collective ambition that have defined my journey.

Best advice you’ve received?  

Stay confident in your instincts, remain endlessly curious and never underestimate the power of listening. Some of the most important truths are rarely said out loud, and learning to pay attention to what is left unsaid often reveals far more than the conversation itself.

What is a fun fact about you?  

I take food very seriously. Whether I’m travelling or simply trying a new spot in the city, I’m always chasing memorable dining experiences and the stories behind them. Coffee naturally fits into that passion, which makes working in this industry feel like a very fortunate match.

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