Robin Lyn Gutridge

Class of 2025

Robin Lyn Gutridge was born on October 24, 1971, in Chicago, to Daniel and Lucia. Her family found magic in the everyday — decorating for every occasion and making even small milestones special. Her mother, a passionate cook and dreamer, instilled in Robin an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and her dad showed her that dedication and resilience pave the path to success. Together, they taught Robin and her two brothers to be bold, enjoy life and bravely step beyond their comfort zone.

At age 12, Robin’s life took a dramatic turn when her family moved to California. She says the move and her parents’ sense of adventure would later inspire her to move to New York for five years to advance her career, a decision she says changed her life.

After high school, Robin set her sights on becoming a teacher. But at the University of California, Davis, she earned a degree in Art History in 1994 and began envisioning a future in retail. Her dream was to become a buyer at Macy’s and she achieved that goal, spending 13 years with the retailer, rising from department manager to assistant buyer, associate buyer, and planner.

Robin joined Raley’s Supermarkets in 2010, overseeing seasonal general merchandise. She found her true calling when seasonal confectionery was added to her responsibilities three years later. She is currently director of Non-Edible Grocery, General Merchandise/Health & Beauty, GM Seasonal, Candy & Floral.

She recognizes the retailer’s current Ghirardelli bulk program, an idea born from an underperforming display, as one of her proudest accomplishments. Robin collaborated with Ghirardelli’s Patrick High and broker partner Steve Martinez, a 2014 Candy Hall of Fame inductee, and in six months, they transformed the display into a thriving initiative in 85 stores. That success is emblematic of her drive to embrace change and trust her gut.

Robin’s philosophy on life is: “Every day is an opportunity for self-improvement and to serve others.” She volunteers on the board of Raley’s Food For Families, which is dedicated to ending hunger, and in 2024, she received the Joyce Raley Teel Food For Families Legacy Award in honor of her service.

Robin shares her knowledge as a mentor through NCA’s Women’s Leadership Group, is a speaker at the annual State of the Industry Conference and serves on the Sweets & Snacks Expo Most Innovative New Product Awards judging panel. Earlier this year Robin was recognized with the NCA Confectionery Leadership Award.

Robin acknowledges Steve Martinez as a friend and mentor who inspires her to try new programs and vendors. She finds joy in seeing team members thrive, including her former analyst Karina Hogge, who stepped into Robin’s role after her promotion.

Known for saying, “It’s gonna be great,” Robin brings optimism and heart to every endeavor. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, cooking, traveling, and wine tastings.

Her message to those just finding their way in the industry is to be open to change and keep transforming.