Loblaws Mourns Transformational Leader W. Galen Weston

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Loblaws mourns transformational leader W. Galen Weston

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April 20, 2021

W. Galen Weston, who led the transformation of retail giant Loblaw from near-bankruptcy to one of Canada's leading retailers, died April 12 at home after a long illness. He was 80.

In 1961 he launched his career by acquiring and expanding supermarkets and department stores in Ireland. In 1972 he returned to Canada to take charge of Loblaw, a struggling chain of grocery stores that George Weston Ltd. had controlled since 1947. Over more than four decades of hard work and team effort, Mr. Weston led the transformation of the company, including the creation of President's Choice, the launch of PC Financial, and the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.

His leadership and entrepreneurial spirit built international food, retail, and real estate companies, which include Loblaw, Choice Properties, Selfridges Group and Weston Foods. He retired as chairman of George Weston Ltd. in 2016, but continued his lifelong commitment to philanthropy through the Weston Family Foundation, the Weston Brain Institute and many other organizations.

"My father's greatest gift was inspiring those around him to achieve more than they thought possible. In our business and in his life he built a legacy of extraordinary accomplishment and joy," said Galen G. Weston, chairman and CEO of George Weston Ltd.

"The luxury retail industry has lost a great visionary," said Alannah Weston, chairman of Selfridges Group. "His energy electrified those of us who were lucky enough to work alongside him to reimagine what customer experience could be."

Mr. Weston dedicated his life to the service of his family, his businesses, and his community. Through 55 years of marriage, he and his wife, Hilary, supported each other in family, business and community engagements. He was particularly proud of Hilary's five-year term as Ontario's 26th Lieutenant Governor.

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