Empire president and CEO Michael Medline recognized with the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix Trailblazer Award

Michael Medline, president and CEO of Empire Company Limited, is the recipient of the 2024 Retail Council of Canada’s Canadian Grand Prix Tralblazer award.

Medline, who is also a 2021 Grocery Business Hall of Fame recipient, was appointed president and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc. in January 2017, He has held senior retail leadership positions at Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), including serving as president and CEO of CTC.

He serves on the Board of Directors for Scotiabank, the Board of Trustees for SickKids, the Board of Governors for Huron University College at Western University, the Board of Directors for The BlackNorth Initiative and the Sobey Foundation. He is past Chair of the Retail Council of Canada as well as The Grocery Foundation and was formerly on the Board of Governors for Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Board of Directors for SickKids Foundation.

“Michael has always been a passionate and vocal advocate of the retail sector and has never shied away from standing up and speaking out on the issues of greatest importance for our industry,” says Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO, RCC. “His commitment to being authentic and courageous, and leading with compassion each and every day has left an indelible mark on our industry and his professional and philanthropic pursuits perfectly exemplify the essence of a true Trailblazer.

“Michael has played a significant role in strengthening the foundations and resilience of our industry while demonstrating exceptional and unwavering passion to respectfully serve customers, employees, and the community at large.”

The Canadian Grand Prix Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals or families who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the Canadian retail and grocery industries, spearheaded historic, transformational change in their sectors, and exhibited both passion and courage in their leadership.