Retail Council of Canada taps Odgers Berndtson to find next CEO

The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has hired Odgers Berndtson, a UK-headquartered executive search firm, to help recruit its next president and chief executive officer.

The nonprofit trade association, which represents 54,000 storefronts across retail categories, has been led by Diane Brisebois since 1995. Brisebois previously led the Canadian Office Products Association for 14 years.

According to the job posting on Odgers Berndtson’s website, the prospective CEO will work with board and association members to identify and implement strategic priorities and programs that promote and protect the Canadian retail sector. They will oversee a budget of $9 million and a team of 40 people.

The ideal candidate would have experience in strategic planning, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, as well as a broad understanding of the issues facing the retail sector, the posting says.

The Canadian retail sector finds itself at a significant inflection point as it faces an escalating trade war with the United States and the inflationary pressures therein. The sector also continues to contend with the ongoing shift to e-commerce. 

The RCC is the largest retail association in the country, representing members across grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick-service restaurants. The association was founded in 1963 and has offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, and Vancouver.

Odgers Berndtson is one of the largest executive search firms in the world, with over 1,200 employees globally. The UK-based firm has Canadian offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Aside from executive search, the consultancy offers services in interim management, DEI advisory, and leadership advisory.