2020 Star Women in Grocery winner Marie-Eve Royer (Q&A)
Senior level star
Marie-Eve Royer
Sr. Vice President, Transformation
Bimbo Canada
Best advice received?
During my career, I have had the privilege of working with many outstanding mentors. The best advice I received was that you’re only as good as your team. People are at the heart of the organization and you need a high performing and agile team that is focused on consumer needs, which are critical to success.
How did you get into the grocery business?
When I graduated university, I knew I wanted to work in the food sector, so I joined the Leadership Management Training Program at Maple Leaf Foods, which, at the time, owned Canada Bread. It is an outstanding program that gave me the opportunity to work in various functions across the company including supply chain, marketing, sales across Montreal, Toronto and the U.K. to gain broad-based experience. Twenty years later, I am still with the same organization, now called Bimbo Canada, and I am now the executive sponsor of that same program. I take a lot of pride in feeding Canada.
Biggest challenge faced in your career?
The disruption our industry is going through right now with the pandemic is definitely one of the biggest challenges I have faced. It forces us to be even more agile, break down silos and adapt quickly. I don’t see it as a challenge though, but an opportunity to accelerate even more our transformation journey.
How do you describe your leadership style/philosophy?
I have a team-oriented leadership style. I encourage openness, collaboration and transparency with my team and colleagues across the company. I also empower my teams to take risks; even if we fail, we learn a lot from that. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and I am action oriented.
What do you like most about your job?
The grocery industry is fast-paced especially when it comes to direct store delivery (DSD). I like the high energy and the need for our business to constantly re-invent itself. I also like my incredible colleagues and the teams we have built together. We have an open collaborative culture where all associates feel empowered and come to work enthusiastic.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If you believe it, you can achieve it!
Click here for the full list of 2020 Star Women in Grocery award winners.