The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has announced that Diane J. Brisebois, its long-serving President and CEO, will retire in 2025 after more than 30 years leading the organization. The announcement was made by Anne Martin-Vachon, Chair of RCC’s Board of Directors, who confirmed that a Special Committee has been formed to oversee the selection of a successor.
A Transformative Tenure
Brisebois has played a pivotal role in shaping RCC into a highly respected advocacy organization that represents retailers across the country. Under her leadership, RCC has grown into the most influential industry association for Canadian retailers, offering strategic support, policy advocacy, and crisis management for its members.
During her tenure, Brisebois guided the organization through significant industry challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where RCC acted as a key liaison between retailers and government bodies. Her leadership ensured that the retail sector received crucial support and that businesses could navigate rapidly changing regulations and economic disruptions.
Reflecting on her tenure, Brisebois emphasized her commitment to a smooth transition.
“This is an opportunity for Retail Council of Canada and for me to focus on how we can contribute most to the organization in the months and year ahead while providing the Special Committee of the Board time to conduct the search for a new President & CEO. I am grateful for the decades I have been involved with RCC and look forward to supporting the Board in a smooth transition.”
Strengthening RCC’s Influence
Beyond crisis management, Brisebois has modernized RCC, expanded its team across Canada, and strengthened the association’s ability to advocate for the retail industry at both provincial and federal levels. Her ability to build partnerships and develop strategic initiatives has significantly increased RCC’s influence in policy discussions affecting the retail sector.
Anne Martin-Vachon praised Brisebois for her dedication and impact:
“She is a relentless advocate for all retailers, ensuring the association always acts as a united voice to support success for retailers large and small. Her ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, continuously building strategic partnerships, has ensured that RCC has more influence and greater impact than ever before.”
Martin-Vachon also emphasized that RCC remains well-positioned to continue its work under new leadership:
“Our new President and CEO will have the privilege of working with a very strong team to ensure a great future for all our retailers.”
The Search for a New CEO
The Special Committee of the Board, working alongside an executive search firm, will oversee an extensive selection process to identify a successor who can lead RCC into its next phase of growth. The Board is looking for a business leader with extensive public affairs and communication expertise, ensuring that RCC remains a relevant and influential voice for Canadian retailers.
Brisebois expressed confidence in RCC’s future leadership:
“It’s important to keep the momentum going. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished, and I am committed to moving the organization forward until a new successor is named. I know that the next CEO will bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to ensure the continued success of the organization.”
About Retail Council of Canada
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) represents the country’s largest private-sector employer, with over 2.3 million Canadians working in retail. The sector contributes more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits, and in 2023, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $502 billion.
RCC members account for more than two-thirds of core retail sales and 95% of the grocery market. The organization represents over 54,000 storefronts across department stores, grocery, specialty retail, discount chains, e-commerce merchants, and quick-service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail™ in Canada, RCC advocates for retailers of all sizes, providing policy guidance and industry insights.
