2025 Star Women in Convenience Winner: Melanie Durham-Robert

Melanie Durham-Robert         

General Manager Mobility Network Delivery and Portfolio                

Shell Canada 

How did you get into this business?

After multiple successful years in various downstream businesses, I had the opportunity to join convenience retail approximately four years ago. What drew me in was the dynamic nature of the business, its direct connection to customers, and the ability to bring meaningful projects to life. I was inspired by the tangible impact great ideas could have on our customers every single day. I wanted to be part of that journey and make a difference.

What do you like most about your job?
 I’m passionate about innovation and the diverse projects my team and I take on. We make a real difference, whether it's transforming the look and feel of our convenience retail stores, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Canada, or creating the ideal space for a selection of great food and beverage in our offerings for an exceptional customer experience. Every initiative we take on contributes to shaping a better tomorrow, a more seamless journey for our customers, and that’s what drives me every day.

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?

Being part of an organization that prioritizes innovation and aligns with our customer’s evolving mobility needs has been both inspiring and rewarding. I am particularly proud of my involvement in major capital projects that support key strategic priorities—advancing EV infrastructure, enhancing customer experience with upgraded retail and car wash offerings, and playing a key role in helping bring flagship sites to life in key markets. It’s been incredibly rewarding to play a role in the development and launch of several high-profile locations, and to collaborate on forward looking initiatives-like integrating digital screens and emerging technologies—to deliver a seamless, engaging and future-ready customer experience.

How do you define yourself as a leader?
I am an empathetic leader who strives to create an environment where my team members can excel at work. I believe in empowerment, encouraging them to make decisions, take ownership, and feel passionate about the work they do. I foster a culture where speaking up, challenging the status quo, and bringing solutions to problems are not only welcomed but celebrated. As a proud leader in Convenience Retail, I am committed to our collective success as one team. My focus is on delivering a strong business performance, exceptional customer value, driving innovation, fostering creativity and enabling employee growth and development, helping each individual tap into their full potential.