Our Purpose: Raising the Good in Food with Kathleen Sullivan | Maple Leaf Foods

Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Government & Industry Relations at Maple Leaf Foods, shares her journey of combining food passion with policy advocacy in this company profile.

Sullivan leads government relations across Canada, building relationships with policymakers and regulators while navigating complex food safety, sustainability, and trade regulations. Her role bridges policy development with business strategy, supporting teams across marketing, innovation, and production. Beyond her professional duties, she maintains a personal connection to food through home gardening, preserving vegetables, and cooking elaborate meals that bring people together.

• Manages relationships with government officials across federal and provincial levels on food policy issues
• Advocates for practical regulations covering food safety, sustainability, packaging, and animal welfare
• Supports internal teams by helping them navigate regulatory challenges and compliance requirements
• Believes in celebrating frontline workers as the backbone of safe, nutritious food production