2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Émilie Larochelle
Émilie Larochelle
Senior account manager
Petro-Canada, a Suncor business
How did you get into this business?
After my studies, Suncor/Petro-Canada was the right environment to begin my career. It’s a well-known, dynamic organization that offers great development opportunities. I was drawn by the sector’s diversity, rhythm of operations and the chance to contribute to a variety of projects.
What do you like most about your job?
I appreciate the diversity of the projects I contribute to. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues and partners who are engaged and passionate. There’s a perfect balance between business affairs and the richness of human relationships that makes my role particularly exciting.
Biggest career challenge?
Evolving within a role that represented multiple responsibilities that included sales, operations, distribution, allocation management and pricing, plus projects involving site openings and maintaining standards. The diversity of my mandate required excellent organizing skills and a strong ability to adapt quickly.
What excites you most about the future?
I’m passionate about our industry’s constant evolution. Change is an integral part of our reality, and it pushes us to adapt, innovate and continually rethink how we do things. It’s a stimulating environment that offers so many new possibilities.
Nomination highlights
With more than 18 years of experience in the convenience and fuel retail industry, Emilie Larochelle is recognized for her deep understanding of this dynamic landscape. She manages some of the organization’s largest and most complex joint venture partners, representing networks of more than 260 locations. Larochelle is known for her ability to balance operational priorities, guest experience and long-term partnership growth, positioning her as a trusted advisor. She plays a key role in strategic collaboration and business planning, supporting partners as they navigate industry transformation. A strong and effective bilingual communicator, she bridges corporate strategy with the realities faced by independent operators. Internally, she champions retailer perspectives, ensuring initiatives align with the entrepreneurial nature of the convenience sector. Her leadership continues to drive operational excellence, strengthen retailer confidence and support long-term success across Eastern Canada.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
Be there when the industry comes together in-person to celebrate at the Star Women in Convenience Awards Event.