2025 Star Women in Convenience winner: Kristina Kearby

Kristina Kearby               

National Planogram Specialist            

Arterra Wines Canada       

How did you get into this business? 

My career in the wine industry began while I was completing my post-secondary education, when I took a part-time role at a Wine Rack store. What started as a short-term opportunity quickly grew into a genuine passion for the world of wine and a clear career path. Over the past seven years at Arterra, I have expanded my skills, taken on new challenges, and deepened my industry knowledge. I’ve been fortunate to work for a company that has provided me with valuable opportunities for growth, and my passion for the wine industry continues to drive my ambition.

What do you like most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the balance between creativity and strategy. Effective planogram design requires building visually appealing layouts while using data and insights to drive sales and enhance the customer experience. Each project presents a new challenge to solve, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of that work—especially with exciting initiatives such as the successful launch of alcohol in Convenience and Gas.

I’m also incredibly fortunate to work with so many brilliant and talented people in this channel. Collaborating with those who bring fresh ideas and perspectives is not only inspiring but also plays a big role in the continued success of each project. The combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and meaningful collaboration is what makes this role truly fulfilling for me.

What's your career highlight/biggest achievement?

As a planogram specialist, helping lead one of the biggest shifts in the wine industry—the modernization of retail and the expansion of alcohol into new channels—has been a defining moment in my career. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the layouts, strategies, and shopper experiences I helped design played a direct role in shaping this milestone. The challenges were complex—from maximizing limited space to adapting to new shopper behaviours—but each one pushed the channel forward. Being able to guide this evolution through strategic, insight-driven design, and to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, is something I take immense pride in. This moment marks not just a change in retail, but a true transformation—and I’m proud to have been at the forefront of it.

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

I’m excited about the continued growth we’re seeing in the Convenience and Gas channel, especially as shopper habits evolve. With this being the first summer that alcohol is available in the channel, there’s a tremendous opportunity to meet new consumer needs and drive incremental growth. I look forward to seeing the channel’s continued success as new opportunities emerge with the ongoing evolution and establishment of alcohol in Convenience and Gas.