Acquisition International - Influential Businesswoman Awards 2023 79 Founded in 1993, White’s IGA Group consists of six award-winning, market-leading grocery stores focused on providing the freshest, most delicious food. It offers an extensive range of locally sourced produce that customers won’t find anywhere else in one location. The company is owned by Roz White and her husband Michael, who work to support the vibrant and diverse communities they operate within. Here, we speak to Roz, who has been named our Most Influential Retail Group Owner 2023. May23365 hite’s IGA began when Roz and Michael White took on a humble 7-days-a-week convenience store ran by a team of just three hard-working employees. This was their first taste in the world of retail, fresh food, and groceries. Having previously worked in banking providing corporate experience and training, Roz was excited to embark on a new adventure in owning her own business with Michael. Now, after 30 years, they employ 500 people across six locations, meaning her role has grown with the company over the years. She currently oversees all aspects of the business, working alongside her key leadership team to drive new business with innovative designs and initiatives. Each new store acquired by White’s IGA is intimately designed, unique to its area and to the brand, built with the surrounding community in mind. The company strives to support and strengthen the vibrant and diverse communities in which it operates. Furthermore, White’s IGA prides itself on its distinctive locavore culture, which is highlighted by its trademarked ‘tractor’ emblem. The tractor signifies the company’s provision of locally grown and made products, sourced from 200 Sunshine Coast providers. Behind every locavore tractor is a family and a story connecting customers to the journey of the food they buy. The creation and introduction of this exclusive locavore culture over a decade ago has enabled the business to grow significantly. As the mind behind this initiative, Roz continues to be inspired by the passion and drive shown by White’s IGA’s local supply network as well as its team, who advocate on the behalf of these local providers. In the 30 years since she founded White’s IGA, Roz is proud to have built a team of highly motivated retail professionals, who are passionate about what they do and how they conduct themselves each day. Roz is also proud to have become a leading woman in her industry. “I am honoured to have held the position of Board Chair, IGA Queensland, becoming the first woman in the history of the IGA brand to do so,” she comments. “Similarly, I was the sole female representative to hold a leadership position on the IGA National Council at this time and became the first and only stand-alone female to be inducted into the prestigious IGA Hall of Fame.” As the sole female leader amidst a dynamic and leading group of male colleagues, Roz experienced the initial challenge of tackling her own self-doubt. “I overcame this through sheer grit and determination to succeed, focusing on achieving outcomes and providing strong representation on behalf of the network I was elected to do,” she W Most Influential Retail Group Owner 2023 (Australia): Roz White explains. “My advice to other women looking to succeed is to focus on the knowledge and experience you have to make a meaningful impact, adding value to debate and bringing new and innovative ideas to the table.” As a result of her outstanding leadership of White’s IGA Group, Roz White has been awarded Most Influential Retail Group Owner as part of the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2023. In the coming year, the company continues to focus on sustainability across all aspects of the business. As well as this, it plans to prioritise its community and the health, resilience, and wellness of its team. This year, White’s IGA will celebrate its 30-year milestone with its customers, community, industry, colleagues, and team. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence will continue with plans to upgrade, expand, and modify its stores while refining processes to drive best practice. It also plans to provide innovative and groundbreaking personal and professional support to its team. We congratulate Roz on her success in this awards programme and look forward to seeing what she goes on to achieve with White’s IGA in the coming years. Contact: Roz White Company: White’s IGA Iga Group Web Address: www.whitesgrocers.com.au
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==