Bel Group Canada has had an action plan in place for the last five years to achieve gender diversity among managers. As a result, women now account for 51% of director level and above roles at the company. That’s much higher than Statistics Canada numbers that found women in the country hold only 31% of senior management roles.
Women at Bel Group Canada hold five of seven vice-president and higher-level positions, including the CEO of the Canadian business unit and a plant director at the Babybel cheese plant in Sorel-Tracy, Que.
Bel has also taken concrete actions for women to achieve equity in senior leadership roles, such as joining, in 2023, the LEAD Network, an organization committed to attracting, retaining, and advancing women in the CPG industry.
“At Bel Group Canada, corporate responsibility is an integral part of how we operate,” says the company’s CEO Cristine Laforest. “That is why we have built our business model around having a positive impact, which includes ensuring we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for all. We are working to integrate DEI, both internally and externally, for greater social cohesion, well-being, and performance.”
This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to building an inclusive workplace where every voice is respected and valued. At Bel, we understand that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and success. By fostering a culture of belonging, where all employees can thrive, we not only embody our global values but also strengthen our ability to grow and succeed as a company. Diversity is not just a goal—it is the cornerstone of our progress and the foundation of our collective achievements.
