Michael Medline, Shaun McKenna and Gary Wade named 2025 Golden Pencil winners

Michael Medline

Michael Medline was appointed president and CEO of Empire Company Ltd. and Sobeys Inc. in January 2017. 

A proven leader with a strong track record of success in Canadian retail, he has held senior retail leadership positions at Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), including president and CEO of CTC. 

He began his career working with the Ontario Securities Commission, followed by two years practicing law with McCarthy Tétrault. 

He was corporate counsel for PepsiCo Canada before moving to Abitibi Consolidated Inc. where he held a variety of roles including senior vice president, strategy and corporate development.  

Medline serves on the board of directors for Scotiabank, and as chair of the board’s corporate governance committee. He also serves on the board of trustees for SickKids (and chair of the human resources committee), as vice chair of the board of governors for Huron University College at Western University, and on the board of directors for The Sobey Foundation. He is past chair of the Retail Council of Canada as well as The Grocery Foundation and was formerly on the board of governors for Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, board of  directors for SickKids Foundation and The Black North Initiative.  

In recognition of his industry contributions and transformational leadership, Medline was  honoured as the Globe and Mail CEO of the Year in 2018, Canada’s Most Admired CEO for 2020 by Waterstone Capital and with the 2024 Trailblazer Award by the Retail Council of Canada for his outstanding service and dedication to the Canadian retail and grocery industries. 

In 2025, Medline was honoured with the 2025 Principled Achievement Award from the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary. 

Shaun McKenna

Shaun McKenna has served as executive director of The Grocery Foundation for the past eight years, leading the organization through a period of remarkable growth and expanded impact. 

Under his leadership, the foundation has advanced its vision that no child in Canada should go to school hungry, significantly growing key initiatives such as the Night to Nurture Gala, the Make Happy Tummies in-store campaign and the School Breakfast Program.

With more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and agency sectors across North America, McKenna has extensive industry expertise and a proven track record of driving innovation and organizational success. 

READ: Everything you need to know about the Golden Pencil Award

Prior to joining The Grocery Foundation, he served as executive vice president of strategic channels, North America at Acosta Sales & Marketing. He began his career at Coca-Cola Bottling and later became a partner at Consumer Impact Marketing (CIM), where he helped grow the agency and played a key role in its acquisition by Mosaic Sales Solutions. He went on to lead Mosaic’s Canadian sales operations and ultimately became president of Acosta Canada following its acquisition of Mosaic.

McKenna has since returned to his entrepreneurial roots through his involvement with Encore Market Engagement. 

He lives in Toronto with his wife, Liesbeth, and is the proud father of three children—Meghan, Kaitlyn and Liam.

Gary Wade

Gary Wade was appointed president of Unilever Canada in 2017. In his 30 years with the company, Wade has played a pivotal role in its success.

As president, Wade has been instrumental in driving consistent growth, expanding market share, and strengthening the presence of Unilever's trusted brands across the Canadian marketplace.

Under his leadership, Unilever Canada has not only achieved strong commercial results but also demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer well-being.

In February 2024, Gary's role expanded to include CEO of Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing division in North America. In this dual capacity, he now leads operations across both Canada and the United States, guiding the growth and innovation of some of the region's most iconic personal care and wellness brands.

Wade has served as chair of the board for Food, Health & Consumer Products Canada (FHCP) and as vice chair of the board for GS1 Canada, contributing valuable insight and advocacy that have shaped policy, advanced industry standards and supported collaboration across sectors.