Grocery Industry Honors Lipton Teas Executive as Leading Pioneer in Consumer Packaged Goods
Racquel Harris Mason: A Trailblazer in Consumer Goods and Retail
Racquel Harris Mason, a distinguished figure in the consumer goods and retail industry, has made a significant impact in her role as the North America President of Lipton Teas and Infusions, a position she assumed in June 2023.
Mason's journey to the top has been marked by the guidance and advice of mentors Gary McCullough and Kathy Waller. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping her career.
Mason advocates for women aiming for executive-level roles in consumer goods or retail to know their "why", define their own goals, and be unapologetic about them. She believes that effective leadership requires taking care of oneself and one's family.
In her leadership style, Mason places a greater emphasis on building relationships rather than just focusing on performance. She stays ahead of change by being a curious observer, hanging out in grocery stores, talking to consumers, reading constantly, and pushing her team to maintain an external focus.
Mason's career spans 14 years at The Coca-Cola Co, where she served in critical roles such as SVP and general manager for McDonald's Division USA and VP for the Coca-Cola and Coke Zero brands. She also led the Sprite and sparkling flavor brands, multicultural marketing, and marketing innovation at The Coca-Cola Co.
Mason believes that AI will have a significant impact on CPG operations, allowing for instant data processing and dynamic pricing. She sees the role of a CPG brand evolving to understand context, anticipate trends, build trust, and help retailers win in a VUCA world.
Mason's early life experiences, including immigrating to America from Jamaica and getting a paper route when she was 10, have played a significant role in shaping her approach to business. She currently sits on the board of NielsenIQ, the world's leading consumer intelligence company.
Despite the lack of external data about her career path or notable achievements in the CPG industry, Mason's accomplishments are evident in her current position and her impact on the industry. Her early career failure taught her the importance of engaging teams in the creation of solutions they will execute. Her proudest accomplishment is leading the carve-out of Lipton from Unilever in North America, standing up an entire business, and building a new team and culture.
Mason's journey serves as an inspiration for women in the industry, demonstrating that with guidance, determination, and a focus on building relationships, one can rise through the ranks and make a significant impact in the consumer goods and retail sector.
- Racquel Harris Mason's leadership in the health-and-wellness segment, particularly women's health, has been significant as the North America President of Lipton Teas and Infusions.
- In her role, Mason advocates for diversity-and-inclusion, pointing out the importance of mentorship, especially from leaders like Gary McCullough and Kathy Waller, in entrepreneurship and careers.
- Mason's approach to business is rooted in a vision that ties supply chain performance with finance, fostering a culture that fosters innovation and growth for the consumer goods sector.
- Recognizing the impact of science and technology on the industry, Mason embraces the use of AI to improve CPG operations, enabling dynamic pricing and instant data processing.
- An admired figure in the business world, Mason's journey serves as a testament to the potential for women leaders to make a remarkable impact in the consumer goods and retail industry, demonstrating the power of leadership, diversity, and a focused mindset.
