TORONTO — The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and Food Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) have announced that Gary Wade, president of Unilever Canada and CEO of Beauty & Wellbeing, North America, will be honoured with the Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and lifelong contributions to the Canadian consumer-packaged goods and retail industries.
During his 30 years with Unilever, Wade has played a pivotal role in the company’s success, culminating in his appointment as president of Unilever Canada in 2017, where he has been instrumental in driving consistent growth, expanding market share, and strengthening the presence of Unilever’s trusted brands across the Canadian marketplace. Under his leadership, Unilever Canada has not only achieved strong commercial results but also demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer well-being.
In February 2024, Wade’s role expanded to include CEO of Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division in North America. In this dual capacity, he now leads operations across both Canada and the U.S., guiding the growth and innovation of some of the region’s most iconic personal care and wellness brands.
Wade’s industry influence extends well beyond Unilever. He has served as Chair of the Board for FHCP and as vice-Chair of the Board for GS1 Canada, contributing valuable insight and advocacy that have shaped policy, advanced industry standards, and supported collaboration across sectors.
“Gary has consistently led the CPG industry through times of rapid change and uncertainty. His bold, innovative mindset and willingness to challenge convention have propelled the sector forward and inspired others to rethink how we build, deliver, and grow consumer brands,” says Michael Graydon, CEO of FHCP.
“Gary’s deep understanding of the evolving consumer landscape has helped drive strategic partnerships that are re-shaping the way brands and retailers collaborate. We join FHCP in applauding Gary for his outstanding leadership,” says Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO of RCC.
Wade joins a distinguished list of past Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer recipients from across Canada that include Longo’s President and CEO Anthony Longo and the Longo family; Cindy and Tina Lee of T&T Supermarkets; Burnbrae Farms’ president & CEO, Margaret Hudson; Pattison Food Group’s president, Darrell Jones; Morrison Lamothe Inc & Club Coffee L.P. CEO, John Pigott; Metro Inc.’s former SVP, Procurement & Corporate Brands, Serge Boulanger; Kruger Products CEO Dino Bianco; and Sobeys Inc. president and CEO Michael Medline.
