Faculty of Business Distinguished Leader Lecture Series

On October 13, 2010, Galen Weston Jr., Executive Chairman of Loblaw Companies Ltd., visited Brock University as part of the Faculty of Business Distinguished Leader Lecture Series. Throughout the day, both graduate and undergraduate business students had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Weston regarding issues currently facing the food industry.

Mr. Weston, who had recently been given an award for his corporate social responsibility efforts with Loblaw Companies Ltd., entertained a select group of students in a morning discussion period. He was described by students as being extremely personable, down-to-earth, and full of energy and enthusiasm regarding the business practices of Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Business students interacting with Galen Weston at a discussion session

In an afternoon lecture, entitled The Global Politics of Food, Mr. Weston spoke about the pillars of corporate social responsibility: respecting the environment, sourcing products with integrity, making a difference in the community, reflecting our nation's diversity, and being a great place to work. As the largest public employer in Canada, his commitment to increasing employee job satisfaction is beneficial to many Canadians. In the midst of current and future global issues regarding the food industry, including availability, affordability, climate change, health risks, and safety concerns, Mr. Weston stated that Canada's challenge is to remain a vibrant country with a plethora of food industries, while becoming competitive on a global scale through specialization.

The President's Choice (PC) brand developed by Loblaw Companies Ltd., has been a major advocate of leading change and partnering for change, in the food industry. The organic baby food that PC recently released was priced equal to a national brand, and has since become the number one selling brand of baby food in Canada. The enormous consumer response to this particular product has encouraged PC to create new innovative products that consumers will find beneficial to their health and their wallets.

Perhaps one of the most interesting initiatives Mr. Weston explained was the Sustainable Seafood Policy that has recently been developed. The goal of PC is to have 100% of their seafood products sustainable by 2013. This initiative will be rolled out in phases, and will ultimately change the North American aquaculture industry from a deeply unsustainable one, to one that is completely sustainable. It is in these ways that Loblaw Companies Ltd. is driving change in their industry.

After the lecture, Mr. Weston joined some business students at Alphie's Trough, a graduate student campus eatery. As attendees munched on chocolate-covered strawberries and sipped local Niagara wines, Mr. Weston was able to mingle with the students and answer some of their questions. His approachable nature and vast experience in business made this event a huge success.

Written by Heather Pals, GBC Communications Manager

{photo courtesy of Fab Formisano}