Four Retail Business Services Leaders Named Top Women in Grocery
Progressive Grocer has named four leaders from Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, to its 2020 Top Women in Grocery list, a recognition that celebrates women leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership capabilities and honorable achievements in the grocery retail industry.
The 2020 award recipients from Retail Business Services include:
- Jennifer Smith, Manager of A-Brands Sourcing
- Nancy Dawson-Brady, Central Fresh Kitchen Lead
- Tara Ponnett, Vice President of Sourcing
- Dawn Rogers, Director of Human Resource Business Partners (HRBPs)
Each woman is recognized for making a difference in the grocery industry this year by leading innovative company initiatives, executing strategic objectives and giving back to their communities.
Smith expressed her gratification for being awarded alongside colleagues and thought-women leaders in the grocery retail sphere.
“I am very humbled and proud to represent Retail Business Services in this award,” she shared. “These are amazing women doing such great things in our organization and our industry, and it’s truly an honor to be recognized with them.”
On receiving the award, Ponnett spoke to the importance of workplace diversity and the empowerment of Retail Business Services’ inclusive culture.
“I think we have made a meaningful cultural shift in celebrating the strengths and accomplishments of women and recognizing that diversity in general brings new and better ideas,” said Ponnett. “It’s not about only women though, as much as it is that the company believes in and supports diversity and inclusion.”
Dawson-Brady, who has served the organization for 22 years, said that being named a Top Woman in Grocery is a career goal she is honored to reach.
“I’m honored and proud to be recognized for work that I love to do,” she said. “In providing service and solutions to the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA, we are bringing innovative visions to life and leading positive progress in grocery.”
On the company’s culture work, Rogers says she is proud of Retail Business Services’ focus on inclusion and providing opportunities for associates to succeed.
“Our organization encourages so many diverse outlets for associates to lead, develop and learn,” said Rogers. “Whether it is through business resource groups, networking programs or service opportunities, I have been encouraged to take on special projects and have built amazing relationships and skills through opportunities promoted by the company.”
These leaders are recognized in the June issue of Progressive Grocer, which showcases the overall excellence and continued accomplishments of women in the industry. View the features, which celebrate all recipients from the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA: Senior-Level Executives, Rising Stars and Store Managers.
Read Progressive Grocer's full Top Women in Grocery report here.
Keep an eye out on our blog for upcoming features on each Retail Business Services award recipient to learn more about the ways they are revolutionizing the grocery retail industry.