2023 Star Women in Convenience winner: Anne-Marie Jeanson

Regional sales director

Imperial Tobacco Canada

 

How did you get into this industry?

I studied biochemistry at Laval University and worked in pharmaceutical for 17 years at Johnson & Johnson. I’ve lived in cities across Canada, gaining experience in many marketing/trade roles. Mr. Bonelli, head of trade at BAT Canada, sold me on the transforming tobacco vision so I joined five years ago. I’m now proud to lead the Eastern trade region.

What do you like most about your job?

My team—they’re the most brilliant, devoted, positive, driven, hardworking and fun people to work with.

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

Moving to different cities for work and learning diverse channel legislation, activation, and customer/banner strategy. My manager and mentor at that time believed in my capabilities and career goals.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

Be yourself; that’s your superpower!

What's your proudest achievement?

I’m a very small hometown girl who made it to the big boys’ club.

 

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last year?

My team’s positive and devoted attitude while navigating a restructuration and having no long-term career confirmation—they made it all happen anyway.

What excites you most about the future of this channel? 

Transforming the future and mindset of every Canadian; we are part of history with new categories.

How do you define yourself as a leader?

The woman who doesn’t need a brief; she’s got this under control. I always say that I have a new BAT tattoo on my shoulder; I believe in our strategy and future.

What trend or innovation will shape the business in the next five years?

Transforming tobacco future.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m honoured to be nominated with those admirable women!