Toronto-based logistics heavyweight Maersk has appointed Michelle Grose as its new Area Managing Director/President for Canada, effective April 1, 2025, positioning her at the forefront of the company’s Canadian operations.
With over two decades of experience in global supply chain roles, Michelle Grose steps into this leadership role at a time when Canada’s logistics industry is navigating increasing complexity and demand for agile, integrated services. A native of the Greater Toronto Area, Grose brings firsthand knowledge of the region and a proven record from senior roles at Unilever, Walmart, and Microsoft. Since joining Maersk in 2023, she’s been instrumental in shaping North American strategies for air freight, first mile logistics, and supply chain management.
Her new role comes as part of Maersk’s broader efforts to deepen its footprint in the Canadian market, where it has invested heavily in recent years. According to Charles van der Steene, President of Maersk’s North America Region, the move aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of embedding local leadership to navigate regional challenges and opportunities: “Together with our highly committed Canada team, I am confident that Michelle’s expertise, vision and relentless customer focus will play a pivotal role in strengthening our presence and driving success across the vital Canadian market.”
Canada’s evolving logistics landscape—facing pressure from global disruptions, infrastructure constraints, and growing demand for end-to-end visibility—demands leaders who understand both local dynamics and global supply chain frameworks. Grose’s appointment reflects Maersk’s recognition of that need, and her background suggests she’s equipped to respond.
Grose, who has been named four times on Supply Chain Digital’s Top 100 Women in Supply Chain list, expressed both pride and urgency in her new post. “After several years working abroad, I’m thrilled to be returning to my home country of Canada to lead a phenomenal team in a market where we’ve invested significantly in growing our end-to-end capabilities,” she said. “Now, more than ever before, our customers are looking for flexible and reliable solutions that give them the resilience they need to adapt in an ever-changing landscape. We are 100 percent in their corner, and we look forward to delivering value for them.”
Her return to Canada coincides with rising expectations from Canadian shippers who are prioritizing speed, transparency, and control in their supply chains. With continued investment in terminals, warehousing, and multimodal offerings, Maersk appears focused on meeting those demands through localized leadership and global infrastructure.
