Ex-Home Depot exec named head merchant at Sobey's

STELLARTON, N.S. -- Sobeys Inc. has named a former Home Depot executive as the Canadian retailer's chief merchandising officer.

Lyne Castonguay will oversee all aspects of Sobeys go-to-market strategy, with responsibility for category management, marketing, data insights, research, procurement, private label and merchandising as well as the company's digital strategy.

For the past 14 years Castonguay has held progressively senior positions with The Home Depot both in Canada and, for the past 12 years, the United States, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Home Services. Prior to The Home Depot Castonguay worked for General Electric in Canada where she held numerous roles including General Manager for the Canadian lighting business. She has experience in both retailing and manufacturing in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

"Lyne is a passionate and successful retailer who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record for growing the businesses she has led," said Marc Poulin, president and CEO, Sobeys Inc. "I am delighted she is returning to Canada to take on this extremely important role for our organization."

A native of Edmundston, Castonguay holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Université de Moncton. Castonguay will be based at Sobeys office in Mississauga, Ontario.

Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton's Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations.