2025 Star Women in Convenience winner: Denisa Solomon

Denisa Solomon           

Head of Marketing      

Le Groupe Martel         

How did you get into this business?

I entered this field thanks to a great opportunity shared by Emmanuelle Martel, a friend and former colleague I met at David’s Tea. She shared a marketing job offer just as I was looking for a new challenge. I jumped at the chance—and that’s how I dove into the exciting world of food and convenience stores! Since then, I’ve truly thrived in this environment.

What are you most proud of in the last 12 to 18 months?

The rebranding of the Vita range, a line of healthy salads and snacks, which was one of my first projects at Martel. The positive feedback on the new colourful and appetizing design reflects the success of the initiative. These efforts also led to major partnerships with retailers like Walmart and No Frills.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The variety of projects and the creative freedom I’m given. The trust of my colleagues allows me to fully explore my creativity and contribute actively to the company’s innovation.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career? What did you learn?

Adapting my creativity from the fashion and beauty world to the food industry, while respecting Martel’s brand identity, which was established in 1965. This transition taught me the importance of teamwork and listening in order to achieve a smooth transformation.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Step out of your comfort zone—that’s where the magic happens.” This advice encouraged me to seize opportunities that initially felt intimidating but ultimately made a huge difference in my journey.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

My first job at L’Oréal in marketing. I was responsible for creating the Vichy gift sets and seeing them displayed in pharmacies across Canada made me incredibly proud. It was so rewarding to see the tangible impact of my work.

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

The many projects we plan to launch and improve to better serve our customers. Continuous innovation and product enhancement are at the heart of our future strategy.

What trend or innovation will have the biggest impact on the industry in the next three years?

The focus on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging will reshape consumer expectations. To stay competitive, food industry players will need to offer convenient products while reducing their environmental impact. This shift will be both a challenge and a great opportunity for innovation. Additionally, the growing demand for quick and affordable meal solutions will push Martel to keep innovating to meet evolving needs.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve observed that the food and convenience store industry remains largely male-dominated. However, it’s incredibly encouraging to see a growing number of young women stepping into leadership roles and making their mark. This shift is not only inspiring but also reinforces my own drive to contribute meaningfully and help pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.

How would you define yourself as a leader?

I see myself as a leader who values collaboration and active listening. I strive to lead by example, foster a climate of trust, and give each team member the space to grow. To me, a good leader doesn’t lead alone—they help others grow with them. Trusting my team and integrating their ideas is essential to achieving our shared goals.