Minute Rice manufacturer makes a promotion

Gennaro Renda is starting a new position as director of shopper marketing for North America at Riviana Foods Canada.

Renda joined the Toronto-based manufacturer of Minute Rice as category management director in February 2021 and then moved into the role of director of shopper marketing analytics and category management for North America in July 2023.

Prior to joining Riviana, Renda held a number of roles during a 14-year career at Catelli Foods, where he exited in July 2023 while in the role of director of category management.

United Way Centraide Canada announces SVP

Serena Trentini has been named SVP of brand engagement and philanthropy at United Way Centraide Canada.

She most recently held the title of VP of brand strategy, marketing and communications for Centraide, the network of 57 United Way and Centraide offices.

Before joining United Way, Trentini was VP of marketing and public engagement at Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada.

She also formerly held the role of director of brand marketing and partnerships at humanitarian organization Plan International Canada

Agency side, Trentini previously worked as a business unit director handling CPG clients with DDB and as a business director with Grip.

Tilray hires former Canopy marketer

Shakira Rose has started a new role as senior marketing manager at pharmaceutical-cannabis lifestyle company Tilray.

Rose served for more than 6 1/2 years at Canopy Growth, most recently as the cannabis company’s customer marketing manager. A former Newfoundland territory sales manager, she was also assistant brand manager for Tweed and managed Canopy’s social media.

Rose also formerly worked as an education lead for Sephora.