Retailer

Inaugural Inductee

Michael Medline

Michael Medline is president and CEO of Empire Company Limited. His 30-year career in retail includes serving as president and CEO of Canadian Tire. When he took over the helm in 2017, he rallied Empire’s workforce behind his vision and executed one of the most effective turnaround strategies in Canadian retail history. Under his leadership, Empire has grown, expanding its FreshCo banner into Western Canada, acquiring Farm Boy and a majority stake in Longo’s. He developed the Community Action Fund, which empowers frontline managers at 1,500 stores across Canada to allocate millions of dollars of the retailer’s funds to causes most in need in their regions. Medline serves on multiple boards, including the Grocery Foundation, GIFTS Foundation, and SickKids Foundation. He is also a past chair and current board member of the Retail Council of Canada and the recipient of numerous awards, including Canada’s Most Admired CEO 2020 for Transformational Leadership.