Brett Stevenson
Ennismore,Canada
Summary
Forward-thinking professional offering advanced experience in overseeing operations, driving business strategy and overhauling distribution networks. Highly proficient in business development and strategic planning resulting in consistent growth and profitability. Proven leader with track record of successful communication, client relationship building, and achievement of sales goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Central Smith Creamery
Selwyn, Canada
01.2024 - Current
- Operational Oversight and Performance Management - create and deliver all compressed cost and people development initiatives
- Financial Stewardship and Resource Allocation - ensure financial stability and profitability for the organization.
- Strategic Leadership and Vision - deliver YOY growth, regulatory stewardship and world class food safety results.
- Leadership, Culture, and Stakeholder Relations - build and lead a strong executive team, fostering a high-performance, safety-oriented, and values-based culture
Chief Operations Officer
Central Smith Creamery
Selwyn, Canada
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Operational Management and Efficiency - lead all manufacturing, production, supply chain, logistics, and distribution functions. Ensured optimal quality, productivity, and cost efficiency in operations.
- Strategy Execution and Process Improvement - implemented continuous improvement initiatives, through Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma programs. Liaison between departments (production, procurement, sales, and service) to ensure smooth and efficient growth.
- Leadership and Performance Management - lead and developed plant manager and operational teams to deliver top performance and accountability. Fostered a culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
Director of Operations
Muskoka Brewery
Bracebridge, Canada
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Production and Quality Management - managed inventory of raw materials (malt, hops, yeast) and finished goods to meet production schedules and demand. Oversaw all brewing, cellaring, packaging, and maintenance operations. Ensured that all products were produced safely, efficiently, and consistently to meet quality standards and recipes.
- Process Optimization and Resource Management - implemented and improved production systems, workflows, yields, costs, and efficiency metrics to optimize resource use.
- Team Leadership and Compliance - fostered a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Delivered major capital installation of new equipment and infrastructure to enable future growth.
Site Operations Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
Peterborough, Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Lead Capital & Infrastructure Improvement Projects - planned, prioritized, and executed facility and equipment upgrades to support production capacity, food safety standards, compliance, and reliability. Created and delivered project timelines, budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional alignment.
- Drive Resource Efficiency & Sustainability - implemented systems and practices to reduce waste, energy consumption, and air usage while optimizing ingredient yield and packaging efficiency.
- Ensure Safe, Efficient & Compliant Operations - fostered an empowered culture focused on reliability, proactive maintenance, personal development, and robust performance execution.
Maintenance Business Unit Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
Peterborough, Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Lead Maintenance Strategy & Skilled Trades Development - enhanced and executed the site maintenance strategy to improve equipment reliability, food safety compliance, and operational uptime. Established and lead a structured apprenticeship program to build internal talent pipelines and strengthen technical capabilities across trades.
- Manage Unionized Skilled Trades Workforce & Labour Relations - provided leadership and direction to a multi-trade unionized team, ensured clear expectations, and performance excellence KPIs. Led trades-related collective bargaining initiatives, managed contract compliance, and collaborated with union partners to support workforce stability and engagement.
- Oversee Capital Projects & Preventive Maintenance Execution - managed capital improvement, and infrastructure projects aligned with plant reliability, process performance, and long-term asset health. Ensured effective execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs, spare-parts management, and contractor oversight.
Ready to Eat Cereals Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
Peterborough, Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Deliver Operational Performance & Alignment to Business Goals - led daily production operations to achieve safety, quality, service, cost, and productivity targets. Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements, continuous improvement in processes, equipment utilization, and workforce efficiency.
- Lead and Engage a Unionized Workforce - build strong working relationships with union partners, ensuring fair and consistent application of the collective agreement and effective resolution of workplace issues.
Instant Oats Business Unit Coordinator
PepsiCo Foods Canada
Peterborough, Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Support Daily Operational Execution & Communication - coordinated schedules, materials, and resources to ensure production ran smoothly. Acted as a communication link between departments (production, QA, maintenance, supply chain) to resolve issues quickly and keep operations aligned.
- Maintain Documentation & Ensure Compliance - completed and organized production, quality, and safety documentation in accordance with food safety and regulatory standards.
Shift Front Line Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
Peterborough, Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Lead safe and efficient execution of the Site for assigned shifts, ensured equipment operated reliably, food safety and personal safety standards were strictly followed, and employees were supported and directed to respond effectively to operational issues and emergency responses.
Operations Manager
J.H Ryder Machinery (now Crown Lift Trucks)
Mississauga, Canada
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Ensure Safe, Compliant, and Reliable Facility Operations, lead daily operations and maintenance of the facility, planning and distribution material-handling equipment, ensured adherence to regulatory, health & safety, and environmental requirements.
- Strategic Planning & Business Direction, participated in leadership discussions to shape long-term strategy, operational goals, and resource planning for a family-owned business.
- Provided operational insight to support growth initiatives, evaluate investment priorities, and help guide company direction in alignment with ownership vision.
Education
Effective use of AI in today's Business Climate -
Trent University
01.2025
Ice Cream Technology Course -
University of Guelph
01.2023
Project Management Certification -
PMI Institute
01.2018
Labour Relations Certification -
Queens University IRC
01.2015
Lean Sigma Green Belt Designation -
Accenture
01.2010
Canadian Securities Certificate -
Canadian Securities Institute
01.2002
Marketing Management -
Seneca College
01.2000
International Business and Marketing -
Seneca College
01.1998
Public Administration -
University of Windsor
01.1997
Skills
- Technological literacy of multiple ERP
- CRM
- Data analytics software
- AI
- CI
- Lean
- Six Sigma
- TPM Methodology
- Risk Management
- Digital Marketing platforms
- Communication
- Presentation proficiency
- Project management
- Financial analysis
- Data-driven decision making
- Process improvement
- Team leadership
- Operational oversight
- Business development
- Customer relationship management
- Stakeholder relations
- Contract management
Hobbies and Interests
- Coaching - Hockey and Softball
- Golf
- Boating
- Fitness
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Central Smith Creamery
01.2024 - Current
Chief Operations Officer
Central Smith Creamery
01.2019 - 01.2024
Director of Operations
Muskoka Brewery
01.2017 - 01.2019
Site Operations Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
Maintenance Business Unit Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
Ready to Eat Cereals Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
Instant Oats Business Unit Coordinator
PepsiCo Foods Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
Shift Front Line Leader
PepsiCo Foods Canada
01.2005 - 01.2017
Operations Manager
J.H Ryder Machinery (now Crown Lift Trucks)
01.2000 - 01.2005
Effective use of AI in today's Business Climate -
Trent University
Ice Cream Technology Course -
University of Guelph
Project Management Certification -
PMI Institute
Labour Relations Certification -
Queens University IRC
Lean Sigma Green Belt Designation -
Accenture
Canadian Securities Certificate -
Canadian Securities Institute
Marketing Management -
Seneca College
International Business and Marketing -
Seneca College
Public Administration -
University of Windsor