2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Katherine Martineau
Katherine Martineau
Regional sales manager
Sleeman Breweries
How did you get into this business?
I started at PepsiCo as a sales rep, following in my mother’s footsteps. This experience enabled me to evolve towards managerial functions at Procter & Gamble. Today, I’ve rediscovered the field at Sleeman, where I combine my expertise in sales and business strategy.
What do you like most about your job?
The adrenaline from an ever-evolving market that requires us to innovate and transform our strategies to succeed. My work is challenging and supported by a passionate team.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
That boredom is the greatest enemy, so choose an industry where there’s non-stop action. This advice proved true and I’ve always sought challenges and excitement in evolving fields.
Career highlight?
The evolution of my team. I took several junior colleagues under my wing in high-pressure situations and in applying my vision of modern, human leadership, I watched several of them get promotions. Guiding them to fulfill their potential is my ultimate success.
What excites you most about the future?
For our industry, reinvention is crucial, whether it’s expanding points of sale or adapting to new consumer trends, the potential for growth is huge. I’m looking forward to translating these changes into concrete actions in the field to guarantee our products remain top of mind for our customers.
How do you define yourself as a leader?
A team’s success is a direct reflection of how it’s being managed. I strive to create a culture of confidence where delegation is essential, because making mistakes is an integral part of learning. True leadership is about using your emotional intelligence to foster an accessible work environment.
Nomination highlights
Katherine Martineau leads a young regional sales team with a balance of accountability, mentorship and encouragement, creating an environment where individuals feel supported to grow and succeed. Her ability to build trusted relationships with key decision-makers and banner partners has made her a highly respected and influential leader within the organization. She has contributed to several impactful initiatives, including active participation in mentorship programs that support emerging talent and leadership development. She also successfully completed major development challenges through the L’effet A leadership program, demonstrating resilience, ambition and a commitment to continuous growth. Her strong industry knowledge and ability to translate market trends into actionable strategies have helped strengthen regional performance and collaboration across teams. In her role, she oversees regional sales execution, team development, strategic planning and partner relationships while collaborating cross-functionally to drive business growth. Beyond results, she contributes to the broader convenience industry by fostering knowledge-sharing, empowering future leaders and promoting a culture built on collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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