Couche-Tard: Best Convenience Store Diversity & Inclusion Employer Global 2021

Alimentation Couche-Tard has grown through acquisitions and organic expansion from one Canadian convenience store in 1980 to a global network with 14,200 stores and a growing international presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. Couche-Tard, a Canadian company, has its primary corporate office in Laval, Quebec. The company values remind people to act as one team, do the right thing, take ownership, and play to win. Couche-Tard prioritises diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation, aiming to build a workforce that’s reflective of the diverse communities it serves. It leaves no stone unturned when recruiting for top talent — then gives them the room and attention to grow. Couche-Tard has made inroads on gender diversity targets, with women holding 60 percent of shop floor positions. Couche-Tard CPO Ina Strand, an engineer, was brought into the executive leadership following the acquisition of a major oil company nearly a decade ago. She has spearheaded efforts to position the company as an ally to underrepresented groups. Strand offers 30-minute “Engage with Ina” sessions to address the ideas and concerns of all employees — from the floor to the c-suite. Mentoring and sponsorship programmes are bringing more women to leadership positions: five of Couche-Tard’s 16 executives are female. The company has an active women’s council as well as global groups for underrepresented minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. The CFI.co judging panel presents Couche-Tard with the 2021 award for Best Convenience Store Diversity & Inclusion Employer.