Setting the trail afire

President and CEO of Empire Company Ltd. and Sobeys Inc., Michael Medline, recognized for his significant contribution to the Canadian grocery industry

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Some say that the grocery nut is a difficult one to crack, that it’s a sector that presents frequent hurdles and obstacles to success in front of those who operate within it. It’s an environment that’s so fast-paced there is often too little time to celebrate achievements and too little room for error. In short, the grocery sector in Canada is not one for the faint of heart. However, for leaders like retail ground-breaker Michael Medline, grocery simply represents a different set of challenges to overcome and opportunities to uncover. And given the results that he’s achieved at Empire and Sobeys in a little more than seven years at the helm, he’s been doing more than a few things right. For this reason, Medline was honoured by Retail Council of Canada (RCC) with the Trailblazer Award at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards gala.

Transformational leader

The Canadian Grand Prix Trailblazer Award is one that recognizes individuals or families who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the Canadian retail and grocery industries, spearheaded historic, transformational change in their sectors, and exhibited both passion and courage in their leadership. Medline not only exhibits each of these traits, they have been present throughout the entirety of his career.

Before assuming his current position, Medline held a number of leadership positions at Canadian Tire Corporation, including that of President and CEO, during which time he was instrumental in helping to transform the automotive, sporting goods and housewares giant, enhancing the experience that it provides for its customers across the country. He was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc. in January 2017, and has since added to his strong track record of transformation, success and achievement within the industry. In addition, Medline also serves on the Board of Directors for Scotiabank, the Board of Trustees for SickKids, the Board of Governors for Huron University College at Western University, the Board of Directors for The BlackNorth Initiative, and the Sobey Foundation.

Passion and dedication

Despite the incredible list of achievements Medline has amassed to this point in his career, it’s the passion and dedication to the retail and grocery industries that have made the biggest impression on those who have had the privilege of crossing paths with him. It’s passion and dedication that were evident in his response to receiving the prestigious award from RCC.

“What a great industry we’re a part of,” he asserted. “I challenge anyone to find an industry as dynamic, innovative, complex, multi-dimensional, or one so critical to the health and wellbeing of Canadians than grocery retail. An industry that gives back to the customers and communities it serves across this vast country, every single day of the year, never taking a day off, including, I might add, during the worst pandemic that our planet has experienced in more than a century. An industry that employs millions of Canadians directly and indirectly, that spends billions of dollars a year to build new stores and distribution centres to serve this country’s growing population, and in technology to create a customer experience that’s the envy of retailers around the world.”

Stand up and defend

Medline, who’s never been afraid to confront challenges head on, addressed the intense scrutiny and criticism that Canadian grocers have been coming under of late, issuing a challenge to his peers in the audience.

“Everyone within the industry has played an important role in shaping it. And everyone within the industry must stand up and defend it from those who have agendas or who seek division or simply blame us for the challenges our country and the world have faced over the past couple of years. I made the decision a number of years ago that I would say what I think and passionately defend this great industry. I’m not going to stop telling the truth and pointing out the facts. So, during a time when the loudest voices seem to take up all of the oxygen, and the facts and truth seem a mere afterthought, we as individuals, and through the organizations we work for, must all rise up, speak the truth, and celebrate the contributions and successes of our great industry. The risk of not doing so erodes our collective ability to contribute to the vibrancy of the communities we serve and customers who rely on us. We can all be incredibly proud of this industry. And I implore you to stick up for it.”

Visit the official RCCSTORE24 Conference website to view a full list of past winners of the Canadian Grand Prix Trailblazer Award, or for more information about Retail Council of Canada’s Awards of Distinction Program.