2024 Grocery Industry Icons & Innovators

Penney is the VP of Marketing & Member Experiences for Calgary Co-op. She brings a passion for understanding consumers and the customer journey, backed by 25 years of experience in consumer research and marketing. Having joined Calgary Co-op in 2018, Penney is incredibly proud and honored to be a part of the team, especially because of its deep roots in the community. To her, being local is special not only for the products that Calgary Co-op carries, but the organization’s ability to connect with the community and support neighbors when they need it. She also serves as the Chair of the Calgary Co-op Community Foundation focused on addressing food security among vulnerable populations, raising over $3M annually in food and funds. Prior to joining Calgary Co-op Penney held roles as AVP of Marketing Planning for Mark's, a division of Canadian Tire, and VP of Research with Ipsos. Penney holds a B. Sc. (Biology) and a M.B.A. from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Founded in 1956 Calgary Co-op is one of North America's largest retail cooperatives, with over 400,000 member-owners serving Calgary and surrounding communities in Alberta, Canada. With topline sales in excess of $1.3B, under the Calgary Co-op banner it operates food stores, pharmacies, gas stations, liquor, and home healthcare stores. In addition, it operates wholly-owned subsidiaries of Beacon Pharmacies, Care Pharmacies, Community Natural Foods, and Willow Park Wines & Spirits.