2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Ashley Gorrie
Ashley Gorrie
CEO
Gorrie RCP
What are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?
I'm incredibly proud of how we've integrated sensor technology and intelligence into our products. We're at a point where usage data can inform operational patterns, which directly impacts costs. I'm excited about the innovation behind this and proud of the cases where we're seeing the technology applied.
What do you like most about your job?
I love creative problem-solving. Because we're both a creative agency and a manufacturer of forecourt amenities, I get to look at business challenges from multiple angles. We're constantly working to improve the overall experience, whether that's how clients work with our company, how we streamline costs, or how customers interact with a brand's forecourt.
Biggest career challenge?
COVID. Being a business leader during that time was incredibly challenging. We were managing the impact that retail closures had on our creative agency while keeping our business running as an essential service supporting fuel retailers. Balancing employee safety, anticipating the long-term impact on customer experiences and navigating the financial pressures of the pandemic was extremely difficult. It taught us to be agile and innovative; and it solidified our team and culture in a deeper way than ever before.
How do you define yourself as a leader?
Curious. I want to understand how systems work, so I'm hands-on, but I also know when to step back and let my team take over.
Nomination highlights
For the past 20 years, Ashley Gorrie has led Gorrie RCP as a trusted supplier of waste, recycling and windshield service station solutions for Canada’s fuel, petroleum and convenience store industry. As CEO, she has become a recognized leader in sustainability innovation, spearheading programs that help major brands develop practical multi-stream recycling, single-stream waste and ESG-focused solutions. She worked closely with Shell to design and implement a multi-stream recycling program across the West Coast and partnered with Recycling Across America to improve standardized waste and recycling signage for consumers. She also collaborated with Return-It, Tim Hortons and the City of Vancouver to create returnable collection solutions manufactured entirely from recycled materials. Beyond convenience retail, she led the development of sustainable sorting stations for Cadillac Fairview dining halls using more than 60% recycled content. Through strategy, consultation, design and advocacy, she continues to educate retailers on circular materials and sustainable waste diversion practices. Beyond her industry impact, she supports Toronto’s homeless youth through Covenant House’s Executive Sleepers initiative, an organization helping the youth of Toronto connect to career opportunities, like the convenience industry.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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