Retail

Michel Rochette has been at the heart of Quebec’s economic and political ecosystem for more than 20 years and is the president of the Quebec section of the Retail Council of Canada since 2021. An outstanding communicator, Mr. Rochette has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of public policy and trade issues affecting the retail sector in Quebec. A university lecturer, he is also the author of the book 150 ans de petites et grandes révolutions, published in 2017. Earlier in his career, Mr. Rochette served as vice-president of the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ), as an executive with the renowned public relations firm NATIONAL, and in political and government circles in Quebec.

Pierre-Alexandre Blouin has been President and CEO of the Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec (ADA) since 2018, and has been with the Association for nearly 20 years. ADA aims to serve well-served communities aware of the impact of their consumption choices thanks to the expertise and proximity of food retailer-owners. As a lobbyist, he regularly intervenes in the news while serving on various committees related to the bio-food and environmental industry, notably on the Conseil d’Aliments du Québec (CPAQ), the Comité sectoriel de la main-d’œuvre du commerce de l’alimentation (CSMOCA), and the Comité consultatif sur les normes du travail. He frequently participates in conferences and has collaborated on several studies.

Mr. Blouin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations from UQÀM and a Certification in Leadership and Management Skills from the Leadership Institute (2016). On a personal basis, Mr. Blouin is also involved with a sustainable development organization and minor soccer in North Montreal, where he resides.

Michael is the founder and President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a senior advisor to the Retail Council of Canada in its consulting practice. He has over 25 years of leadership experience in branding, retail, marketing and e-commerce and has been at the forefront of change in the retail industry throughout his career. Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts, including Canada’s leading retail podcast, The Voice of Retail, as well as Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois and, now in its second season, Conversations with CommerceNext! You can learn more about Michael here or on LinkedIn. Don’t forget to check out Michael’s latest adventure for fun and influencer enrichment: Last Request Barbecue, his barbecue cooking YouTube channel!

Diane J. Brisebois is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and has held that position since 1995. Prior to joining RCC, Diane held the position of President and CEO of the Canadian Office Products Association for 14 years. Diane has spent more than 38 years leading retail industry associations in Canada.

Retail Council is the largest retail association in the country representing more than 45,000 retail establishments of all shapes and sizes from coast to coast. RCC`s membership covers all retail segments including general merchandise, grocery and pharmacy and accounts for more than 70% of all retail sales in the country excluding auto and gas sales.

Diane has and continues to serve on several boards across North America.

With decades of grocery retail experience, Jamie Nelson is a key member of the executive leadership team of the Pattison Food Group. Jamie began his career in the grocery business as a retail clerk in Mission, B.C., in 1980, and steadily rose through various levels of management at Save-On-Foods before joining the company’s leadership team in 2012. Today, as Chief Operating Officer of the Pattison Food Group, Jamie holds overall management accountability and strategic direction for the operations of all Pattison Food Group banners – including Save-On-Foods, the group’s largest company.

A widely respected leader throughout the grocery industry, Jamie was named the recipient of the 2023 Golden Pencil Award – the highest distinction in Canada’s grocery industry – for his lifetime contributions to the industry he considers himself fortunate to be part of. Jamie’s passion and expertise in the grocery industry has parlayed into active participation on industry boards, including that of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, for which he is chair.

Michael Graydon is Chief Executive Officer of Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada(FHCP) the national association voice of Canada’s food, health and consumer products sector. A seasoned business executive, Michael has nearly 20 years of visionary CEO leadership across multiple industries, driving proactive and collaborative stakeholderengagement and consistent corporate results. Since joining FHCP (then FCPC) in 2016, his leadership has dramatically repositioned the
organization into a driving force on industry issues as diverse as Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, free trade and tariff issues, environmental sustainability, product labelling and the changing dynamics of the supplier/retailer relationship. Michael’s unique perspectives on the economic and political factors influencing the sector are regularly featured in media throughout North America. He is a strong supporter of industry/government partnership advocating industry voice and inclusion in consultations at all levels and he is a sought after speaker at high level industry events and roundtables. Before joining FHCP, Michael was the President of Parq Holdings (PHLP). He joined PHLP in 2014 after six years at the British Columbia Lottery Corporation where he led the company to become a recognized leader in the worldwide gambling and entertainment industry. Previously, Michael held several senior roles in large corporations including CEO of Mega Group, Canada’s largest retail buying company, food manufacturer J.D. Sweid, food retailer Sobeys, The Keg Restaurants and Carling O’Keefe Breweries. His community commitments have included serving on the Advisory Board of the School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers University; the Board of Directors of the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation and the Board of Directors of Brand Source USA. He has also served as Vice Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was the Co-Chair of the 2014 Grey Cup in Vancouver.

Stewart is a recognised thought leader in the retail industry, with a comprehensive understanding of retailer strategies, format evolution, digital transformation, and cutting-edge innovation. His insights have helped numerous companies stay ahead of the curve in this ever-changing landscape.

As part of IGD Consulting, he collaborates with international business leaders on strategic projects that drive growth and profitability. Stewart’s expertise has garnered attention both domestically and internationally, leading to frequent speaking engagements. He is also a regular commentator in the media, sharing his perspective on current trends and developments in the retail industry.