As the Board of Directors has not yet found Sophie Brochu’s successor, Pierre Despars will replace her on April 11.
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“Mr. Pierre Despars is appointed as a Board Member and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec, effective April 11, 2023. Mr. Despars is Executive Vice President – Strategies and Development of this Company,” the statement said Wednesday afternoon published press release of the Council of Ministers.
The process of appointing Sophie’s successor is taking longer than expected, which is why the Legault government has decided to appoint one person as an interim member.
Pierre Despars joined Hydro-Québec in 2020 and led the development of Hydro’s 2022-2026 strategic plan. He was also involved in the development of “a hydro”. [un chambardement organisationnel visant l’abandon des divisions Production, Transport et Distribution] and was at the heart of important files. Specifically, the completion of New York City’s power supply deal and the acquisition of Green River Hydro in New England, according to an internal memo sent to employees on Wednesday and signed by Jacynthe Côté, the current chief executive officer of Hydro-Québec.
Before joining Hydro-Québec in 2020, Pierre Despars worked at Énergir for several years [anciennement Gaz Métro]mainly in finance.
Commenting on the news, Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon tweeted: “The Board of Hydro-Québec is continuing the selection process to propose the best candidates for the position of CEO. Pierre Despars has the necessary experience to manage the transition period until the next CEO is appointed by the Council of Ministers.”
Sophie Brochu announced her resignation in January and will leave her post on April 11, the same day that Mr. Despars will take office.