2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Cathy Comeau

Manager, logistics, snacking and foodservices         

Petro-Canada, a Suncor business

How did you get into this business?

I started on the CPG side of the business in business development in large format retail. I connected with small format retail when I was leading the business development team at The Royal Canadian Mint and activating the 2010 Olympic coin program with Petro-Canada. I enjoyed working with Petro-Canada so much that I joined the company in 2011, after the completion of the 2010 Games. I have not looked back since.

What do you like most about your job?

The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the business. It is never the same day twice. I really enjoy the people and the relationships I have been able to develop and nurture over the years.  I particularly love getting out into the field and engaging with our associates to better understand their operations and to identify opportunities that will drive enhanced value.

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

I would say dealing with the supply chain challenges that occurred during COVID and that lingered after. As a logistics team, we pride ourselves on being able to reliably deliver c-store and car-wash products that enable our associates the best opportunity for growth. During the peak of the supply chain challenges, we were frustrated, like many others, with the lack of control we had in resolving these issues. 

What's the best advice you ever received?

You are the master of your own destiny. You need to put yourself out there and create opportunities, as uncomfortable as it may be at times getting out of your comfort zone.  Challenge yourself, initiate conversations, and get feedback on capability development areas that will set you up for future success. One of my favourite quotes is “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”. 

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

Convenience as an experience is a top priority for all of us time-starved consumers and as a convenience channel we are obviously set up for great success. The key will be in data to better understand the customer needs and expectations and to continue to increase the relevance of the c-store channel including store layouts, offers and digital experiences.