Michael Medline MBA ’91 named William & Mary’s 2025 Principled Leadership Award recipient
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary has announced that Michael Medline, President and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc., one of Canada’s leading grocery retailers, will receive the 2025 Principled Leadership Award. The award recognizes leaders who prioritize ethical decision-making and a commitment to principled achievement. Medline will be honored at a dinner on Saturday, March 29.
“Being honored with this award is incredibly meaningful to me because it reinforces that strong leadership and ethical decision-making can, and should, go hand in hand, and it’s what we were taught at William & Mary,” Medline reflected.
Medline, a graduate of the Mason School’s MBA program, has built a successful career in Canadian retail. Since becoming President and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc. in 2017, he has led the company through two major transformations, which grew sales, simplified business operations, and enhanced efficiency.
“Michael represents what it means to lead with integrity and a focus on doing the right thing,” said Dean Todd Mooradian. “His leadership at Sobeys and Empire as well as in the broader business community shows how strong values and good business practices can work together.”
Medline’s previous roles include serving as President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation. He began his career at the Ontario Securities Commission before practicing law at McCarthy Tétrault. He later held roles at PepsiCo Canada as Corporate Counsel and at Abitibi-Consolidated Inc., where he served in various senior positions, including Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development.
Reflecting on his time at William & Mary, Medline credits the university with shaping his leadership approach.
“My time at William & Mary was instrumental in shaping my perspective on leadership and ethical decision-making, and the lessons I learned there have stayed with me throughout my career,” he said. “Professor Bill Stewart, in particular, had a lasting impact. He led a negotiation course that I still draw from every day, and the learnings from his course played a foundational role in how I approach discussions, decisions, and leadership challenges.”
Throughout his career, Medline has received multiple awards for his leadership acumen. He was named the Globe and Mail Canadian CEO of the Year in 2018 and Canada’s Most Admired CEO for 2020 by Waterstone Capital. Most recently, he was honored with the 2024 Trailblazer Award by the Retail Council of Canada.
Outside of work, Medline serves on the Board of Directors for Scotiabank, Huron University College at Western University, The Sobey Foundation, and the Board of Trustees for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), a world-renowned pediatric hospital, where he also serves as the Chair of the Human Resources Committee.
However, Medline has thrived the most in the fast-moving retail sector, where constant change presents new challenges and opportunities. “I’m a competitive person by nature—I love sports, and I bring that same mindset to business. Retail is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries out there, and that challenge is what motivates and drives me. Every day, there’s an opportunity to innovate, to get better, and to win for our customers and teams,” he shared. “Beyond the competition, what drives me most is knowing that we are an essential industry. People rely on us every single day—for fresh food, for quality products, and for a great shopping experience.”
As he prepares to accept the Principled Leadership Award, Medline offered advice to future leaders. “First, leadership isn’t about making the easiest or most popular choice—it’s about making the right one, even when it’s hard,” he shared. “Second, surround yourself with great people and listen to them. The best leaders don’t have all the answers; they seek out different perspectives and are willing to learn and adapt.
“Finally, never lose sight of your values. There will be moments in your career when you’ll face pressure to compromise, but staying true to your principles is what earns trust and respect over the long run.”
William & Mary’s Principled Leadership Award is given to leaders who set a standard for ethical decision-making and responsible leadership. Medline’s recognition highlights his approach to leadership, one that balances success with integrity. As he accepts this honor, his career serves as a reminder that principled leadership is not just about making tough decisions but about shaping even the most challenging of industries and leaving a lasting, positive impact.
The concept of “Principled Achievement,” introduced by former Mason School Dean Larry Pulley, ’74, P ’13, P ’15, reflects the school’s commitment to ethical leadership. It embodies the values of integrity, respect, and service, which define Mason School graduates. The Principled Achievement Award, presented annually, honors individuals who exemplify these ideals in their leadership.
Past recipients include AnnaMaria DeSalva, Global Chairman and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies (2023), and Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott ’98 (2024). Their achievements, like Medline’s, underscore the award’s purpose: recognizing leaders who demonstrate ethical leadership, promote diverse perspectives, and uphold the William & Mary Honor Code.
