Speakers
Selwyn Crittendon is CEO and CSO of IKEA Canada, a world-leading home furnishing retailer. Forward thinking and passionate, Selwyn brings extensive experience as a people-focused steward of the IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many.
Selwyn joined the Canadian organization in August 2023, after spending 22 years in numerous roles within IKEA US, including leading business development and transformation.
Over the past two decades, Selwyn has supported driving a culture of excellent customer experience while also developing and strengthening leadership teams. His IKEA journey began in 2002 at the IKEA Woodbridge, VA store as the Customer Convenience Manager and progressed to roles including Deputy Store Manager (IKEA Orlando), Store Manager (IKEA Miami), and Business Development and Transformation Manager (US Country Management Team).
Selwyn's passion for people and energy for positive change fuels his focus on strategic growth that will propel IKEA Canada for many years to come. Today, he leads the ongoing transformation of the Canadian business to create a more affordable, accessible, convenient, and sustainable shopping experience for the IKEA customer and more importantly, a rewarding place to work for IKEA co-workers nationally. In his role as CEO, Selwyn also contributes his expertise as a board member of the Retail Council of Canada, helping to shape the future of retail across the country.
Throughout this omnichannel, people-focused transformation, IKEA continues to explore new store formats, enhance the in-store experience, invest in new digital experiences, improve its service offer, and optimize its distribution networks.
An avid foodie and father of two, Selwyn has settled with his family in Oakville, ON.
Diane Brisebois is one of Canada’s most respected retail leaders. As President and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) from 1995 to 2025, she transformed the organization into the country’s leading voice for retail, representing companies responsible for more than 75% of Canada’s retail sales.
Under her leadership, RCC became a trusted partner to government and industry, shaping national policy on trade, labour, sustainability, and innovation. Diane also guided the retail sector through the COVID-19 crisis and championed initiatives advancing sustainability, workforce development, and digital transformation.
She continues to share her expertise through service on several boards and advisory councils, including Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations, the Federal Disability Inclusion Council, and the David Sobey Retailing Centre at Saint Mary’s University Advisory Council.
A recipient of numerous honours—including the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame, the Pinnacle Award for association excellence and the Star Women in Grocery Icon Award—Diane remains a visionary leader dedicated to shaping the future of retail through mentorship, innovation, and advocacy for inclusion.
A visionary, strategist, and advocate for progress, Diane continues to shape the future of Canadian retail through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to innovation and inclusion.
François Bouchard currently serves as Co-President of GS1 Canada, a bilingual, purpose-driven, not-for-profit organization that helps industries share trusted, accurate data through global standards and collaboration.
Having served on GS1 Canada's Board of Governors from 2004 to 2018, François joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Subscriber Engagement. Since then, he has held progressively senior leadership roles, most recently as Executive Vice President, overseeing healthcare, public affairs, and community engagement.
A respected leader in governance, François has chaired numerous industry associations, including the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), and has earned accolades such as the Ottawa Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 and the Telfer Young Achiever's Award.
Proudly bilingual and a sought-after speaker, François is known for his results-driven, people-first leadership and his dedication to innovation.
Outside of his professional life, François is a committed community leader, mentor and advocate for underprivileged children.
Stuart is a circular economy expert and co-founder of Beauty Kitchen & Reposit with his wife Jo. They are obsessed by circular design and collective action to deliver the innovation that’s needed to achieve a triple bottom line. Having launched indie beauty brand Beauty Kitchen, which is one of the highest scoring B Corporations in the world, with cradle to cradle certified products in returnable packaging, they have now developed Reposit. Reposit is a cross-category returnable packaging platform for the benefit of all stakeholders.