2023 Star Women in Convenience winner: Sarah Richard

Sales team lead

Hershey Canada

How did you get into this industry?

I have a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Sports Administration. I fulfilled my love for and desire to work in sports with a part-time role on the stats crew for the Toronto Raptors. Then, I chose to focus on consumer-packaged goods. I’ve worked in multiple roles with Frito-Lay, ConAgra Brands and Hershey Canada.

What do you like most about your job?

Working with incredible colleagues, teams, retailers and brands. Being able to collaborate towards common goals, continually seeking to learn or teach others, and the drive to achieve success make every day unique and adventurous. I love a team atmosphere: “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

What's the best advice you ever received? 

Treat everyone with respect and act with integrity.

What's your proudest achievement?

Coaching people and developing strong, loyal teams of individuals with their own unique skill set, characteristics and levels of experience who all want to learn, develop, succeed and win. It’s a true passion I have refined throughout my career.

What excites you most about the future of this channel? 

We survived a global pandemic that set new highs in retail pricing and new lows in supply chain sourcing. With post-pandemic consumer shifts emerging, convenience is resilient, and I look forward to what’s to come!