The HEC Montréal Foundation and HEC Montréal honoured Guy Fréchette (HEC Montréal 1970 and 1972) on September 19, 2024, as he stepped down after 12 years as the Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Fréchette’s unwavering commitment and philanthropic spirit have had an indelible mark on . He is now handing over the reins to Éric Morisset (HEC Montréal 1988), who has served on the Foundation’s Board since 2012.
Fréchette has been a big thinker and doer throughout his career. He has had a tremendous impact on the Quebec business community and given back to his alma mater with incredible generosity, drawing on his high-level expertise. As a member of HEC Montréal’s Board of Directors for over 15 years, and as the Chair of the HEC Montréal Foundation’s Board since 2012, he has brought a strong sense of leadership and loyalty to the entire HEC Montréal community. His ongoing support and contributions have played a key role in helping the School grow and in building its reputation and prestige.
“I grew up in a rural community. Getting a university degree was a big deal in my family. I was very fortunate to have their support and receive such a terrific education. When you’re that lucky in life, you owe it to society to give something back. That’s what I’ve tried to do for HEC Montréal over the years.”
1970 – Obtained his bachelor of commerce degree
1973 – Became a lecturer at HEC Montréal (until 1980)
1980 – Named Chair of the HEC Montréal Alumni Association
1999 – Appointed to the HEC Montréal Board of Directors, where he would serve for 15 years
2006 – Honoured with the title of Distinguished Alumnus
2008 – Became a founding member of the Conseil des Gouverneurs
2012 – Set up the Foundation’s Board of Directors and became its first Chair
At a reception honouring Fréchette, representatives of HEC Montréal and the Foundation expressed their sincere gratitude and respect.
“Guy Fréchette has left his mark on the Quebec business community and the world of philanthropy. His impressive track record is definitely one to emulate. His determination and keen business acumen have made him an influential figure and an inspiring role model. He understood early on how important it was to invest in the institution that changed his life and shaped his future.”
“On behalf of HEC Montréal, and on a personal level, I would like to extend our appreciation and admiration to Guy Fréchette for his remarkable career and everything he has done for his alma mater.”
“HEC Montréal’s reputation hinges largely on what our alumni have accomplished. This is especially true in Mr. Fréchette’s case. After two decades of service to the School in a leadership capacity, he helped us set up the Foundation, which he then chaired for 12 years. In addition, he was one of the driving forces behind the founding of our Conseil des Gouverneurs. We are deeply grateful to him, and we’re confident that there’s still more on the horizon! I would also like to extend a warm welcome to his successor, Éric Morisset, whose credentials and convictions will be vital in propelling the Foundation forward.”
An experienced corporate director, Éric Morisset was unanimously voted in as the new Chair of the HEC Montréal Foundation’s Board of Directors on September 19, 2024. He has been a board member since 2012, which gives him deep insight into the Foundation’s governance and priorities.
Morisset holds a BBA from HEC Montréal and an MBA from INSEAD in France. He is also a CPA, CA. He has enjoyed a brilliant career in the banking industry, where he served most notably as a senior executive with TD and CIBC. His commitment to HEC Montréal and the next generation of business professionals dates back many years. He is a proud member of the Conseil des Gouverneurs and the co-founder of a merit scholarship fund, along with his wife Claire Morisset (HEC Montréal 1988). His leadership has been and will continue to be a valuable asset for the Foundation.
