The Family Business CEOs to Watch Class of 2023 recognizes 23 exceptional business leaders. The CEOs honored run the gamut of family business leadership, from entrepreneurial founders to fifth-generation stewards of a multifaceted enterprise to non-family executives trusted by the family ownership group to lead and expand their operations.
Margaret Hudson
President and CEO | Fourth generation | Burnbrae Farms Limited, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Margaret Hudson has gained experience in a variety of Burnbrae divisions in over 30 years of working in the business. She is the youngest daughter of company chairman emeritus Joe Hudson. Burnbrae Farms, founded in 1891, has egg grading, processing and farming operations in five Canadian provinces.
Hudson grew up in the village of Lyn, Ontario, on the original Burnbrae Farms and by age 12 was well into her career gathering eggs part-time for the family farm. As a young adult, she continued to work for the family business. She holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto with a double major in business and environmental science and an MBA from the University of Toronto's executive MBA program.
She began her full-time career with the company on the order desk in 1990 at the company's Mississauga grading station. She progressed through a series of roles and promotions in different departments over the last 30 years, rising to president in 2008 and adding the CEO role in 2020.
Over the years, she helped lead the development and launch of several award-winning egg products that appeal to health-conscious consumers. The egg category has transformed from marketing only commodity grade A large eggs to offering a variety of specialty items that can be marketed at greater gross margins. Under Hudson's leadership, Burnbrae Farms has evolved its sustainability programs, which focus on five key areas: the environment; animal care; health and wellbeing; safe, nourishing food; and community spirit.
Burnbrae supports a number of local and national charitable organizations, including local school breakfast programs, community-based initiatives and national charities. Hudson participates in a number of industry-related forums and boards.
“Margaret’s leadership style is second to none, and her passion extends far beyond her day-to-day business responsibilities,” says Sonya Fiorini, director of corporate social responsibility and community investment at Burnbrae Farms.
“She is very progressive and always thinking outside the box, looking for the next business opportunity to help advance the company with a keen interest in exploring new opportunities in technology and innovation. Margaret is often heard speaking on the importance of the health and nutritional benefits of eggs and feels a great sense of pride that Burnbrae can provide this essential food source to Canadians from coast to coast.
“Employees respect and recognize her not just as the head of the company, but as a compassionate, approachable and progressive female leader. Her door is always open to everyone, and she genuinely puts people first.
“Working in an industry predominantly male-oriented has never been a barrier to Margaret’s passion and successful career. She advocates for positive change and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. Employees will often see Margaret on the shop floor working as well as participating in various community events.
“Margaret has been able to overcome many challenges along the way and has shown incredible resilience. During the COVID-19 crisis, her leadership was tested to the limit, far beyond anything in the past. She knew she had to pivot the business and ensure all employees were safe, but also provide Canadians with an uninterrupted supply of eggs. Margaret genuinely cares about people and the planet and has been a role model for me as long as I have known her.”
“Growing up, I had two main aspirations,” Hudson says. “One was to be part of continuing our family legacy. The other was to contribute to preserving the environment, as even back then it was clear our planet would need help. I do feel that I have been working to fulfill both of my childhood dreams, and there is nothing more rewarding than this.
“Most importantly, I just love what I do. I have a passion for eggs and a love of science. Combining these two interests, layered onto the platform started by our father, has led to decades of innovation in the egg category in Canada. The best part is that I have shared this amazing journey with family. We have all worked for this success.
“There is no doubt it has been tough at times, but always worth it, and we are all very proud of the legacy that we have nurtured together. In the end, our goal is to continue to grow our family business and to pass it on to the next generation so they can continue to make a difference in the lives of Canadian families by providing them with healthy, safe, affordable, high-quality food products while minimizing our environmental impact. We are well on our way to accomplishing our vision of improving lives, one egg at a time.”