Jacqueline Gravel, new Vice President of Operations at Le Groupe Maurice
|Interview
Jacqueline Gravel brings an impressive background in retail, having held multiple executive positions in major, renowned companies. In 2024, she decided to channel her expertise toward improving the well-being of seniors by joining Le Groupe Maurice as Assistant Vice President. Now, she takes on the role of Vice President – Operations, following in the footsteps of Chantal Beaulieu. One thing’s for sure, this challenge-driven leader is in for a dynamic year ahead!
Jacqueline, was your entire career in retail before coming to Le Groupe Maurice?
Yes, for more than 30 years. Like many, I got my start as a store cashier while I was still in school. But since I’ve always been ambitious, I quickly became head cashier and moved up the ladder from there.
You had an ambitious streak from the start.
Absolutely. I’m originally from the Mauricie region, and like many people from smaller areas, I had to move to Montreal for university. I completed my studies, from CEGEP to my MBA, part-time so I could work all the while. Working 30 hours a week allowed me to gain valuable experience early on. Among other things, I was part of the team that opened the very first Staples (Bureau en Gros) store in Quebec when I was just 21.
What drove you to push yourself so much?
I dreamed of traveling the world – of working in international purchasing for a company, for instance. That’s why I earned a bachelor’s degree in International Management from UQAM. But in 1993, the year I graduated, there was a major economic downturn, and job opportunities were scarce. So, I had no choice but to stay in retail, but this time as an assistant manager. A few years later, I landed a purchasing role at the head office, and when the company closed in 1996, I transitioned to Rona as a category manager and negotiator in Boucherville.
That’s when my university studies finally paid off, and I got to live my dream! In this role, I had the opportunity to travel all over the world. I went to Asia, Europe, the U.S. and South America to negotiate and source products. It was truly exciting. I also completed my MBA during my five years at Rona.
How did family fit into all of this?
I met my husband not long after moving to Toronto, where I had become Senior Director for Joe Fresh collections at Loblaws across Canada. He was in the Navy with the Armed Forces, stationed in Quebec, and I decided to follow him so we could build our life together. His job required a lot of travel, especially toward the end of his career, so we moved several times. But that didn’t stop us from having two amazing boys, now 14 and 16 years old.
What made you decide to switch fields and join Le Groupe Maurice?
After more than 30 years in retail and distribution holding key positions at Provigo-Loblaws, Maxi, Familiprix, L’Aubainerie, SAQ, Walmart, Target, Lowe’s and more – I felt I had accomplished what I set out to do. So, I took a step back to reflect on the next chapter of my career.
I wanted to use my skills and experience in an industry that directly contributes to people’s well-being. It’s important to me now to feel like I’m doing my part to make society better, and that feels even more meaningful given everything happening in the world today. While I was considering my next step, Anne Grenier – who was then Vice President of Human Resources at Le Groupe Maurice and someone I’d known for a long time – told me about an upcoming opportunity on the executive team. And the rest, as they say, is history!
What convinced you to choose Le Groupe Maurice?
I was instantly drawn to the company’s values. There’s a real sense of kindness and collaboration here. People are incredibly warm, and believe me, that’s not something you find everywhere. I had also met Luc Maurice a few years earlier, so I knew that the company’s values stemmed from a sincere, compassionate and generous leader.
I’m truly passionate about what I do. I’ve always been deeply committed to my work, but today, I understand just how important it is to do that in a healthy environment. I’m no longer willing to make sacrifices when it comes to my professional happiness. Yes, achieving goals is important, but not at any cost. I want to do it with joy, while being mindful of myself and others… with respect and mutual support. That’s the approach at Le Groupe Maurice. The focus is on being, not just doing, and that’s incredibly important to me.
Is this a new approach for you in the workplace?
In some ways, yes. Retail is an incredibly competitive field. It requires you to have a strong character and not be easily shaken. You have to be adaptable – whether you’re feeling well or not, work takes priority because competitors are always right on your heels. I was constantly reacting, staying alert… always developing, planning strategies, finding fast solutions; in short, always on the go.
Even though the business world is evolving, it still carries a lot of masculine attitudes. There’s definitely more work to be done to shift mentalities and reach a better balance. That said, this issue affects both women and men: I’ve worked with female bosses who were often quite rigid.
Has the importance you place on your career changed over time?
My career has always been very important to me, but now I’m seeking more balance – which, by the way, isn’t the same for everyone – because my family is my priority. However, I’m lucky to possess an abundance of energy and a good ability to manage stress. It takes a lot for me to feel overwhelmed. I’m used to long workdays, but weekends are now sacred and reserved for my family. It’s my priorities that have shifted over the years.
What’s your connection to older people?
I’ve always been very close to my family and in-laws. When I was younger, my maternal grandparents, who lived in Abitibi, would come and spend several weeks with us in Mauricie during the winter… “down south”, as they called it. Older adults have always been a part of my life. More recently, my husband and I were caregivers for his parents, who have unfortunately passed away. Now, it’s my own parents who need our support: my dad has Parkinson’s disease, and my mom is his primary caregiver. So, the well-being of seniors is something that’s very close to my heart.
Do you have a favourite hobby or activity you enjoy, either alone or with your family?
My dad owns a sugar shack and woodlands in Saint-Prosper. We visit regularly to spend time together as a family, take walks in the forest with our two dogs, who are truly part of the family. We bring them with us wherever we can. I’m a huge animal lover! I also love to read – whether it’s fiction, biographies, or books related to business, current events or management. Reading is a big part of my routine. And whenever possible, we try to travel. I’ve visited many countries over the years, whether for business or pleasure. I make sure to go on at least one trip each year – there’s so much to see and experience!
Lastly, I’m really into music. I like all kinds of styles, and I listen to music every day. Let’s just say I’m more into my Spotify playlist than the news right now! Recently, I’ve been thinking about taking up drumming lessons. We’ll see if it turns into a new passion.
What will you prioritize in your new role at Le Groupe Maurice?
Of course, we need to continue listening to our customers to ensure their satisfaction, but that doesn’t happen without engaged, loyal and happy employees. So, after solidifying our operational foundation, it’s the employee and customer experience that will drive the company’s results.
It all comes down to happiness. I want to work not only to increase my own happiness but also that of those I interact with. What a wonderful way to continue my career! I feel truly fortunate.
It is us who are fortunate! Thank you, Jacqueline, for the passion you bring. We’re excited to have you on board to take on all the challenges related to better-aging in society in the years to come. We’re definitely in good hands with you and wish you a wonderful journey at Le Groupe Maurice!