Quebec’s Council of Ministers, on the recommendation of Hydro-Québec’s Board of Directors, has appointed Pierre Despars as interim president and chief executive officer of the company effective April 11.
April 11 is the day current President and CEO Sophie Brochu ends her term, after three years with the company.
Despars joined Hydro-Québec in 2020 and currently serves as executive vice president – strategies and development. In this capacity, he led the development of the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan with his team and the company’s stakeholders. He was also involved in closing the New York City Electricity Supply Agreement and the acquisition of Great River Hydro in New England.
“I would like to thank the Board of Directors as well as the Government of Quebec for the confidence they place in me,” said Despars. “I know I am surrounded by teams with unfailing commitment and immense talent. I am happy and proud to take over in this great public service company.”
Previously, Despars had a career at Énergir, holding multiple positions for more than 27 years, mainly in the area of finance. His extensive experience, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the energy sector and the players in this sector, make him the perfect person to take on the interim, according to a release.
“My colleagues on the Board of Directors and I, together with the Government of Quebec, are continuing the selection process with a view to appointing the best candidate for the position of CEO,” said Jacynthe Côté, chair of the Board of Directors of Hydro-Quebec. “Until then, I have complete confidence in the management team and all Hydro-Quebecers to continue to advance the actions in progress, in order to allow the organization to achieve the objectives. of the Strategic Plan.”
Hydro-Québec generates, transports and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and one of the largest hydroelectric producers in the world. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government.
