executive from Lipton Teas recognized as a pioneer in consumer packaged goods by Women in Grocery's CPG Trailblazer.
Racquel Harris Mason, a trailblazing executive in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, has been appointed as the North America President of Lipton Teas and Infusions. This latest move comes after Mason's successful tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, where she held critical roles such as SVP and general manager for McDonald's Division USA and VP for the Coca-Cola and Coke Zero brands.
Mason's career in the CPG industry has been marked by her ability to stay ahead of change and maintain an external focus. She is known for her practice of observing the market by hanging out in grocery stores, talking to consumers, and pushing her team to do the same. This approach has helped her to understand consumer needs and drive brand innovations.
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. These experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a curiosity that has served her well in her career.
In her career, Mason has also led the Sprite and sparkling flavor brands, multicultural marketing, and marketing innovation at The Coca-Cola Company. She has been a significant mentee to Gary McCullough and Kathy Waller, who have provided her with straightforward advice and alternate perspectives.
Mason believes that taking care of oneself and one's family is essential for effective leadership. She takes the time to know what her team is going through personally, which helps them be willing to go the extra mile for her. This approach has been instrumental in fostering a strong, engaged team.
Mason's leadership style has evolved over time, from being focused on performance to building relationships with her team. She advises women aiming for executive-level roles to know their "why," define success in their whole life, and be unapologetic about their goals.
AI is a game-changer for CPG, enabling instant data processing and dynamic pricing. However, Mason emphasises that responsiveness to consumer needs will be more important than any single trend. She sees the conversation about integrating family and career as an important missing piece in the progress for women in CPG.
Mason holds a bachelor of science in economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. She currently sits on the board of NielsenIQ, the world's leading consumer intelligence company.
The Progressive Grocer has recently released its 2025 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America (The PG 100). With Mason at the helm of Lipton Teas and Infusions, it will be interesting to see how she leverages her extensive experience and unique approach to lead the company to new heights.
Despite the absence of specific information about Mason's career path or notable achievements in the CPG industry, her appointments at The Coca-Cola Company and now at Lipton Teas and Infusions speak volumes about her success and influence in the industry.
- Racquel Harris Mason's extensive career in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, as demonstrated by her appointments at The Coca-Cola Company and now at Lipton Teas and Infusions, showcases her significant influence in leadership and supply chain management.
- Her unique approach to business, which involves observing the market, talking to consumers, and fostering a strong, engaged team, has contributed to successful brand innovations and strong business partnerships, particularly in health-and-wellness and women's health sectors.
- In her new role as North America President of Lipton Teas and Infusions, Mason will leverage her expertise in diversity-and-inclusion and finance to strategically position the company in the CPG industry, with an emphasis on responsiveness to consumer needs, innovation, and career development for her team.
- As a respected leader, Mason continues to pave the way for career advancement for women in the CPG industry by advocating for work-life balance, mentorship, and a strong personal vision, attributes that are crucial for business growth, leadership, and personal success.
