Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, April 2025 – Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited has announced the appointment of Katie Rogers as its new Chief People Officer. In her new role, Rogers will be responsible for leading the co-operative’s people strategy and cultivating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture aligned with the organization’s core values and strategic vision.
Katie Rogers, who previously served as Vice President, People, National Retail at Walmart Canada, brings a wealth of HR leadership experience, particularly in change and performance management. Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition as she succeeds Dana Stevens, who has announced his plan to retire on September 30, 2025.
Dana Stevens has served as Vice President of Human Resources at Gay Lea Foods for nearly a decade, supporting two CEOs and playing a vital role in guiding the co-operative through a period of rapid growth. His distinguished HR career spans over 40 years with leadership roles at Dominion/A&P, Cadbury, Canon Canada, and Weston Foods.
Suzanna Dalrymple, President and CEO, Gay Lea Foods, expressed her excitement about the appointment and gratitude to the outgoing leader:
“We are thrilled to welcome Katie to Gay Lea Foods,” said Suzanna Dalrymple. “Her extensive experience and proven track record make her a perfect fit to lead our people strategy and strengthen our commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dana Stevens for his decade of dedicated service and invaluable contributions to our co-operative. His leadership has been instrumental in our growth and success, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
About Gay Lea Foods
Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian co-operative known for its innovative, high-quality dairy and food products and its strong commitment to community values. With members from more than 1,200 dairy farms across Ontario and Manitoba, the co-operative has been enriching communities for over 65 years by ensuring that the value it creates benefits its members, employees, and the wider community.
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