NEW's New Chief Looks to Guide Next Generation of Leaders

Sarah Alter, who stepped into the role of president and CEO of the Network of Executive Women, Retail, Consumer Goods and Services (NEW) in June, has had one busy summer: After jumping in both feet first as the Chicago-based organization prepared for two main events – the NEW Executive Leadership Forum and the NEW Leadership Summit – Alter paused to reflect and tell Convenience Store News that the event was “truly phenomenal.”

"I had been warned by many of our members that it would be an experience like no other, and it truly was," she said, explaining that the sold-out event brought together more than 300 leaders from all areas of the CPG and retail sectors.

Those gathered at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Aug. 1 included CEOs, c-suite executives, vice presidents and more. Speakers included Condoleezza Rice, PepsiCo Inc. Chair and CEO Indra Nooyi, Target Corp. Chair and CEO Brian Cornell and Chobani CEO Tim Brown.

"The theme of the event was 'Our Daring Future.' What we focused on was the daring future; our mission to create a workplace with no limits for all," Alter said. "What are those bold decisions or actions that companies and leaders need to take to drive greater parity? There has definitely been progress, but we need to be bolder in what we do going forward."

To read more about Alter and the event, check out coverage from CSN, a sister brand of Progressive Grocer.