Retail Council of Canada chief Diane Brisebois to retire

Retail Council of Canada president and CEO Diane J. Brisebois is retiring from the association after more than 30 years at the helm.

Brisebois announced Thursday (Jan. 30) that she will step down this year.

“This is an opportunity for Retail Council of Canada and for me to focus on how we can contribute most to the organization in the months and year ahead while providing the Special Committee of the Board time to conduct the search for a new president and CEO. I am grateful for the decades I have been involved with RCC and look forward to supporting the board in a smooth transition,” Brisebois said in a release. 

A special committee will oversee the selection process for Brisebois's replacement in tandem with a designated search firm.

Anne Martin-Vachon, chair of the board of directors, said the board is grateful for Brisebois’ record of service to both RCC and the retail community: “She is a relentless advocate for all retailers ensuring the association always acts as a united voice to support success for retailers large and small. Her ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, continuously building strategic partnerships, has ensured that RCC has more influence and greater impact than ever before.”  

Under Brisebois’s leadership, RCC played a critical role in the retail community and served as a key advisor to governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The board credits Brisebois with modernizing the organization.

“It’s important to keep the momentum going,” Brisebois added. “I’m proud of what our team has  accomplished, and am committed to moving the organization forward until a new successor is named. And I know that the next CEO will bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to ensure the  continued success of the organization.”