Liam Sobey, PepsiCo’s Ryan Collis join The Grocery Foundation board

The Grocery Foundation has appointed Liam Sobey of Sobeys and PepsiCo Canada’s Ryan Collis to its board of directors.

Liam Sobey is senior vice-president, merchandising, grocery, fresh and liquor, at Sobeys. He leads national assortment, pricing and merchandising strategy for the food retailer.

Sobey also serves on the board of directors of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in New Brunswick. 

“I am honoured to join The Grocery Foundation Board and contribute to an organization that reflects  the deep commitment of the Empire Family of Brands to nurture our local communities by increasing  access to healthy food for more children and families,” he said in a press release.

Collis, meanwhile, is the president and chief commercial officer for PepsiCo Canada. There, he leads the Frito Lay Canada and Quaker Canada businesses, overseeing 6,000 employees and a portfolio of brands.

A seasoned leader with 17 years of experience at PepsiCo, Collis brings experience across commercial strategy, marketing and operations to the foundation’s board. 

“Access to nutritious food is fundamental to building stronger, brighter futures,” Collis said. “I  look forward to working alongside the board to expand the foundation’s impact across Canada.”

Joe Fusco, chair of The Grocery Foundation, welcomed Sobey and Collis. 

“Their combined expertise across retail and consumer packaged goods will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of ensuring children across Canada have access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow and thrive,” Fusco said.

Based in Ontario, The Grocery Foundation supports organizations that provide healthy food to school-age children in need. 

The foundation unites retailers, manufacturers and industry partners through its annual Gala, the Make Happy Tummies store fundraising platform and a Voucher Program that offers savings to student nutrition programs.