2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Vanessa Dufour

Vanessa Dufour

Key account manager

Labatt Canada

How did you get into this business? 

I started at Labatt as a tele-sales representative after university. I was interested in Labatt because it was the leading brewer globally with strong brands in their portfolio.

What are you most proud of? 

As a new mom, my biggest accomplishment is generating great results within my organization while spending quality time with my family.

What do you like most about your job? 

I love working with colleagues and partners who are motivated to win, both internally and externally.

Biggest career challenge? 

I moved through six different roles in four departments in five years earlier in my career and it was challenging to adapt and learn quickly. That helped me develop my sense of curiosity, my resilience and to always be in learning mode.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received? 

Trust yourself and remember that mistakes are a learning opportunity.

Career highlight? 

Being named to my first senior leadership role as a sales director at 29 years old. It’s been an important highlight for me to get this level of confidence from the organization to lead a senior team so early in my career.

What excites you most about the future? 

I’m excited to see how I can contribute to maximize the momentum we have as a business to help my partners grow their businesses, so we win together.

How do you define yourself as a leader? 

I'm a results-driven person who believes that people need to feel good and be engaged to deliver their best, so it’s important to provide a safe environment that allows for good work-life balance.