It’s official: Claudine Bouchard succeeds Michael Sabia at the head of Hydro-Québec.
The current executive vice-president and the HQ exploitation and infrastructure is the big boss of the Quebec jewel. The Council of Ministers ratified the choice on Wednesday afternoon.
Ms. Bouchard works at Hydro-Québec for 25 years now. During all these years, she knew how to climb the ladder.
She will thus become the second woman in history to occupy this prestigious post. Sophie Brochu had broken the glass ceiling, between 2020 and 2023.
Following an analysis, Hydro’s CA had recommended that the Government to appoint Claudine Bouchard to the post of President and CEO of Hydro-Québec.
On June 26, a cordial meeting took place between the Minister of Energy Christine Fréchette and Ms. Bouchard. Prime Minister François Legault was also able to speak with her.
“I am honored by the mandate entrusted to me. It is a great privilege to direct this company which has so deeply marked the history of Quebec and which plays a nerve aside in its development for the next decades. I am deeply attached to the vision that guides our plan and, with our teams, I will work with enthusiasm in its implementation, for the benefit of our customers and all Quebecers and Quebecers, “said Claudine Bouchard in a statement.
According to information broadcast by Hydro-Québec, Ms. Boucard is the first woman in Quebec graduated from the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program program.
“Ms. Bouchard, we are privileged to be able to count on a leader of your caliber to take the lead of this great institution at a particularly crucial moment in its development. Quebec as a whole will benefit from it. It is a privilege to be able to count on your leadership, and I can’t wait to collaborate with you, “said Minister Christine Féhette.
Holder of a baccalaureate in Sciences, a master’s degree in business administration and a second cycle of communication – marketing second cycle certificate, Ms. Bouchard also sits on the board of directors of the Quebec Chambers of Commerce Federation.
“Hydro-Québec plays a central role in the economic future of Quebec, notably with its 200 billion dollars plan that we continue to move forward. We are continuing wind projects in the regions of Quebec. We are finalizing the historical agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador. So we need solid leadership capable of delivering results, “said Prime Minister François Legault. “Claudine Bouchard knows the state -owned company very well. She has shown that she knows how to get things done, bring together the teams and carry out concrete transformations. I am convinced that she has everything it takes to direct Hydro-Québec in this new phase of its development. ”
The current CEO, Michael Sabia will officially leave office this Friday. He was recruited by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mike Carney, to occupy the role of clerk of the private council. This is the highest position in the Canadian public service.
