1000 De La Gauchetière St W, Suite MZ400, Montréal, QC
Year called to bar: 1978 (QC)
Senior corporate strategist, advisor, lawyer and experienced corporate director with global experience in a cross-section of industries. Joined the firm in 2009 and advises on corporate strategies and portfolio transactions, financial structures, governance, and regulatory and government affairs. Currently Board Chair of ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc., Montrusco Bolton Inc. and Ovivo Inc.; and Vice-Chair of Hewitt Group Inc.; Chair, Advisory Board of La Maison Simons Inc. and Advisory Board Member of Groupe Maurice. Previously Executive V.P., Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer of Alcan Inc., where he led the design and execution of worldwide mergers, growth strategies, major transactions and capital investments. Was managing partner at another major law firm from 1988 to 1999. Was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to the community and activity with non-profit and institutional causes. Admitted to the Quebec bar in 1978 and recognized as Advocatus Emeritus in 2015 for his professional excellence, outstanding contribution to the profession and exceptional outreach. In 2020, received the distinction of Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors (F.ICD).
On October 27, 2017, Toromont Industries Ltd. (Toromont) completed the largest acquisition in its history — a $1.07-billion purchase of the businesses and net operating assets of the Hewitt Group of companies (Hewitt) in exchange for cash and shares of Toromont. This was a transformative transaction for Toromont, significantly expanding its Caterpillar dealership network and market opportunities.
On February 11, 2016, Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) closed the previously announced acquisition by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) of a US$1.5 billion convertible share investment in Bombardier Transportation’s newly-created holding company, Bombardier Transportation (Investment) UK Ltd. (BT Holdco), which, following the completion of the previously-announced corporate reorganization, owns all of the assets of Bombardier’s Transportation business segment.
