We are delighted to announce the names of the five HEC Montréal alumni who will be recognized at the 2024 Gala Luminescence, to be held on November 6 in the Hélène Desmarais Building.
These exceptional individuals were selected for having made a mark on the business world and society at large in one of five categories: Leadership and Performance — Large Business, Social Impact, Leadership and Performance — Small and Medium Business, Entrepreneurship and Global Recognition.
Catryn Pinard (HEC Montréal 1999)
President and CEO, Nationex
Catryn Pinard is the owner and CEO of Nationex, a Quebec-based freight company delivering close to 10 million packages across Canada every year. The company has a fleet of 350 trucks, of which 90 are electric. A passionate leader, Catryn has initiated an ambitious shift to eco-friendly practices that will benefit the industry, the planet and future generations.
Louis-Edgar Jean-François (HEC Montréal 2003 and 2005)
CEO, Groupe 3737
Louis-Edgar Jean-François, CPA, is the CEO of Groupe 3737, a Canadian organization dedicated to supporting ethnoculturally diverse entrepreneurs. Under his stewardship, Groupe 3737 has grown exponentially. Louis-Edgar chairs the board of the Chambre de Commerce de l’Est de Montréal and is also a co-founder of the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE).
Nancy Simoneau (HEC Montréal 1993)
President, Le Groupe Simoneau
Nancy Simoneau is President of Le Groupe Simoneau, a company that specializes in manufacturing industrial boilers. She is a visionary leader who has transformed this family-owned business through strategic acquisitions and technological innovation, while also developing sustainable energy solutions. Nancy sits on the boards of several organizations, including QG100 and the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ, where she advocates for greater inclusiveness and safety in the industry.
Pape Wade (HEC Montréal 2020)
Co-founder and CEO, Airudi
Pape Wade is the co-founder and CEO of Airudi, an innovative company developing artificial intelligence solutions for HR processes. Drawing on his vast experience in organizational transformation, Pape is rethinking talent management by combining technology with a people-centred approach. Under his forward-looking leadership, Airudi has rapidly risen to prominence. Pape serves on the boards of several organizations, including Mila, a globally renowned AI research institute.
Rodolphe Barrère (HEC Montréal 2014)
Co-founder and CEO, Potloc
Rodolphe Barrère is the co-founder and CEO of Potloc, the market-leading survey platform for consulting and private equity firms. Under his stewardship, the company has grown internationally and now has over 200 employees in Paris, New York and Montreal. Specializing in quantitative research, Potloc helps leading companies perform analyses for strategic projects.
During the Gala Luminescence, HEC Montréal and the HEC Montréal Alumni Association will also bestow the title of Distinguished Alumnus on Fady Dagher, Chief of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), in recognition of his outstanding career, his integrity and devotion, and his efforts to promote his alma mater.
Together, these winners of the HEC Montréal Alumni Awards embody excellence, creativity, leadership and social commitment. They are a source of inspiration not only for the HEC Montréal family, but also for the entire business community. The fourth annual Gala Luminescence, taking place on November 6, 2024, promises to be a memorable celebration of the award winners’ achievements and their impact on broader society.
