Mastering Brand Identity in a Value, and Values Based, Retail Environment 

Amar leads thought leadership on health and wellness. He creates insights that inform strategic decisions related to key drug, home improvement, discount, convenience, grocery, and digital channels. Amar is a seasoned brand, shopper, and advertising researcher. Before joining Kantar in 2018, he managed consumer insights at a leading CPG brand, which included brand management, packaging optimization, and product innovation. Amar has an MSc in marketing and consumer studies from the University of Guelph in Canada.

Ivano Pirro is an experienced sales leader with over two decades of telecommunications leadership. He currently supports more than 3500 team members across Bell, Virgin+ Best Buy Express and Lucky Mobile. As a strategic leader he is passionate about customer experience and talent development and driving high performance. Ivano’s leadership ensures Bell’s retail stores are a go-to for personalized customer service, innovation and simplifying complex technical problems into everyday value add solutions.

Ivano is a seasoned business leader whose contribution has been felt throughout Bell in a range of progressively senior roles. Ivano began his career with Bell as a technician, later serving in various call center roles, and then in 2006 he joined Bell retail stores leading the successful nationwide integration of brands like Solo Mobile and Virgin Mobile.

Ivano holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Dawson College and a Bachelor’s degree from Concordia University with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Law.

Tanya Bevington is head of Communications for IKEA Canada, a world’s leading home furnishing retailer. For nearly 50 years, Canadians have welcomed IKEA into their homes and they have been strong supporters of the IKEA brand, product range and its vision “to create a better everyday life for the many people”. Tanya joined IKEA in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing the national corporate communications and public affairs programs for IKEA in Canada. Tanya is also a member of the Canadian management team for IKEA.  

Prior to joining IKEA, Tanya spent ten years working in communications and marketing for Waterfront Toronto, the tri-government agency responsible for overseeing the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. 

Working in the communications field for over twenty years, Tanya is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, media and government relations, brand positioning, internal communications, strategic planning and issues management.  

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Master’s degree in Professional Communications from the University of Western Sydney, Australia.