Unilever’s Gary Wade to receive 2025 Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award

Unilever’s Gary Wade is the latest recipient of the Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award.

Wade, the president of Unilever Canada and CEO of Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing, North America, will be recognized by the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP).

Over his past 30 years with Unilever, Wade has played a pivotal role in the company's success.

He was appointed president of Unilever Canada in 2017 and, in February 2024, his role expanded to include CEO of the Beauty & Wellbeing division in North America.

Wade now leads operations across Canada and the U.S.

Outside Unilever, he has served as chair of the board for FHCP and as vice chair of the board for GS1 Canada.

"Gary has consistently led the CPG industry through times of rapid change and uncertainty. His bold, innovative mindset and willingness to challenge convention have propelled the sector forward and inspired others to rethink how we build, deliver, and grow consumer brands," said FHCP CEO Michael Graydon in a press release.

Added RCC president and CEO Diane J. Brisebois: "Gary's deep understanding of the evolving consumer landscape has helped drive strategic partnerships that are reshaping the way brands and retailers collaborate. We join FHCP in applauding Gary for his outstanding leadership.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Wade at RCC’s Canadian Grand Prix Awards Gala, to be held on June 4 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Past Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer recipients include Longo's CEO Anthony Longo and the Longo Family; Cindy and Tina Lee of T&T Supermarket; Burnbrae Farms president & CEO Margaret Hudson; former Pattison Food Group president Darrell Jones; Morrison Lamothe Inc. & Club Coffee L.P. CEO John Pigott; Metro Inc.'s former SVP, procurement and corporate brands, Serge Boulanger; Kruger Products CEO Dino Bianco; and Sobeys Inc. president and CEO Michael Medline.