Thursday, June 5, 2025

This session puts the concerns of shippers in the spotlight, as a senior group of shipper-side supply chain logistics pros discusses the challenges and opportunities their businesses are confronting in 2025. Given how rapidly the economic and trade landscape is developing, the final topics for discussion will be determined closer to the conference, to maximize relevance for attendees.

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About the moderator:

John Corey
President
Freight Management Association of Canada

John Corey is the President of the Freight Management Association of Canada (FMA). A professional accountant by training, John spent 28 years at the Canadian Transportation Agency, working in both the Air and Rail branches of the Agency where he played a major role in dispute resolution between the federally regulated freight railways and shippers. As President of the FMA he advocates on behalf of Canadian shippers with all levels of government and transportation regulators.

About the panelists:

Alma Arzate, CCLP
Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Logistics
Apotex

Born in Mexico, Alma Arzate is a first-gen university graduate. Due to the escalating violence in her hometown of Ciudad Juarez, Alma immigrated to Canada in 2007. Alma has built a successful career of 25+ years across the Automotive, Electronics, Medical Devices, CPG, and Pharma industries. She is currently a Senior Director, Global Logistics at Apotex, where she leads a team of over 160 professionals, located in Canada, India, and the U.S. Despite her hectic schedule, Alma has volunteered over 500 hours of her time over the last few years as a mentor, keynote speaker, and panelist for many Universities, Colleges, Associations, and Canadian Immigrant Settlement Organizations. Due to Alma’s numerous business achievements and altruistic spirit, she has been recognized by many organizations. Most recently, she was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Supply Chain in 2023 by B2G Consulting, and was one of the recipients of the 2024 Women in Supply Chain Award by the Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine. Alma has been certified as CSCL/CSCMP (National Institute of Supply Chain Leaders), CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP/CITT), PMP (PMI), CPIM (APICS), and C.P.M. (ISM). Alma resides in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with her husband of over 27 years, and their three children (ages 16, 19, and 25).

Lillo Puma, CCLP
Vice President Transportation
Walmart Canada

Lillo has been a dedicated member of Walmart Canada's supply chain team for the past 15 years, currently leading the Transportation team. With a wealth of experience in all aspects of supply chain including logistics, planning, and technology integration, Lillo is responsible for overseeing the Walmart Fleet, inbound transportation operations, imports, outbound deliveries to stores, and revenue-generating programs within Walmart Canada Supply Chain. His background includes leading cross-functional supply chain initiatives, such as integrated planning, flow efficiency, and vendor collaboration programs, as well as technology integrations and implementations.

Prior to his current role, Lillo held various leadership positions within Walmart Canada, including VP of Central Services and Planning, where he oversaw integrated planning, engineering, quality assurance, vendor compliance, and network/flow planning. He also led replenishment teams in Consumables, Health and Wellness, and Grocery.

Before joining Walmart Canada, Lillo worked for The Hudson Bay Company for 10 years, holding various supply chain roles within the organization. He also has certifications in Supply Chain and Logistics Management and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from York University Schulich School of Business, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. Lillo also holds his CCLP designation from CITT.

Isaac Schmitt
Vice President of Operations
Nature Fresh Farms

Isaac Schmitt is the Vice President of Operations at Nature Fresh Farms, bringing over 13 years of dedicated leadership to the company. With a deep understanding of the fresh produce industry, Isaac has played a key role in scaling operations, optimizing supply chains, and driving strategic growth initiatives. Known for his hands-on approach and commitment to excellence, he continues to lead cross-functional teams with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.