RDV PDG offers the opportunity to book a one-on-one meeting with the CEO of your choice, all in support of the IRCM Foundation.
Book your CEO!
Connect.
Expand your professional network, discuss topics of common interest, and inspire each other as leaders.
Propose.
Present your expertise, products, and services, while laying the groundwork for potential partnerships.
Contribute.
By getting involved in this philanthropic initiative, you become an ally of cutting-edge research that is shaping the future of health and care.
The meetings take place online. This year, we are pleased to offer two options tailored to your needs:
- 20-minute sessions devoted entirely to business development.
- 60-minute “mentoring” sessions for groups of four people.
To find out more, contact Melanie Fontaine
Philanthropic Advisor
at 514-987-5682 or by email melanie.fontaine@ircm.qc.ca
Our Generous CEOs
François DeschênesPresident and Chief Executive Officer, Groupe Deschênes |
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Under the leadership of François Deschênes, Groupe Deschênes has strengthened its market position, creating new opportunities for its employees and partners. Involved in the business community, he is one of those who actively share ideas and contribute to collective reflection on both present and future challenges. |
Marc DutilMENTOR President and Chief Executive Officer, Canam |
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Marc Dutil is the founding president of the École d'Entrepreneurship de Beauce. Highly involved in his community, he has helped numerous organizations with their governance and financing. He was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Quebec and is a member of the Order of Canada for his community and entrepreneurial involvement. |
Pierre-Yves GagnonVice-President, Cuisine Idéale
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Pierre-Yves Gagnon is an analytical and collaborative leader driven by the desire to build strong and sustainable businesses with his team. After a training experience in private equity, where he quickly learned to understand business models and performance drivers, he joined the family business in 2012. |
Éric LachancePresident and Chief Executive Officer, Énergir |
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In addition to his involvement with the IRCM Foundation through the “RDV PDG” initiative, Éric Lachance served as co-chair of the 2026 campaign for Centraide of Greater Montreal, as well as a member of its board of directors and that of the Fondation des Petits Rois. As President and CEO of Énergir, he is committed to the necessary energy transition that we are facing as a community. |
Danielle NguyenGeneral Director, Galderma |
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Danielle Nguyen is a seasoned executive known for her strategic leadership and expertise in large-scale manufacturing operations. With an engineering background, she brings over 20 years of experience working with leading multinational organizations, where she has managed large teams and driven operational transformations in complex environments. |
Alain PrimeauPresident, UAP / NAPA |
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Recognized for his inspiring leadership, Alain Primeau is President of UAP Inc., Canada’s leading distributor of automotive and heavy-duty vehicle parts. With 20 years of experience within the organization, he has made a significant contribution to the company’s growth and performance, holding several strategic leadership positions, particularly in sales and operations. His in-depth knowledge of the network, combined with a clear strategic vision and a deeply human approach to leadership, allows him to guide UAP with rigor, a hands-on approach, and ambition. Appointed President in 2025, he embodies strong continuity while paving the way for the organization’s future. |
Luc RodierPresident and Chief Executive Officer, Guillevin |
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Luc Rodier is a member of the Board of Directors of the IRCM Foundation and he has been Honorary Co-President of the Foundation's annual Gala from 2021 to 2025. Health research at the IRCM is a cause particularly close to his heart. His position as President and CEO of Guillevin International makes him a committed leader! |
Marilyne VallièresPresident, Signalisation de Ville |
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Marilyne Vallières is a chartered professional accountant and a seasoned entrepreneur in the signage industry for over 10 years. Beyond her successes, Marilyne embodies fundamental human values that resonate throughout her company. For this leader, who prioritizes relationships of trust and collaboration with her employees, clients, and suppliers, every voice must be heard and every success must be shared. |
The ambassadors of 2027 RDV PDG
Martin Bourassa
Chair of the RDV PDG Organizing Committee
Chair of the Board of Directors of the IRCM Foundation
Partner, Talsom
Jean-Francis DuRocher
Co-founder and Director of Strategy, Bite Size Agency
Josiane Parisien
Wealth Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities
CEO Testimonials from the 1st and 2nd editions
François Deschênes
President and CEO, Groupe Deschênes
"We often lack the time, especially as entrepreneurs. The networking initiative launched by the IRCM Foundation represents a valuable opportunity: it allows us to optimize our time by bringing together quality resources, enriching exchanges, and a commitment to a vital cause. A perfect balance between professional efficiency and social contribution."
Marc Dutil
President and CEO, Canam
"Learning from peers is a valuable resource, too often underestimated. I am pleased to have participated in the first edition and to commit again for a second year of the IRCM Foundation's CEO Meetings. Sharing expertise is always enriching and helps grow our Quebec entrepreneurial ecosystem. And when this commitment is combined with a cause as essential as health, the impact is all the more significant."
Luc Rodier
President and CEO, Guillevin
"In a challenging economic climate, the IRCM Foundation stands out by offering an innovative initiative that stimulates exchange and supports local entrepreneurs. Partnering with this cause is a win-win situation: supporting both our local economy and cutting-edge health research conducted right here in Quebec."
Testimonials from participants of the 1st and 2nd editions
Roger Lamontagne
Vice-President, Strategic Accounts, GDI
"A fantastic initiative that allowed us to be introduced to various leaders while supporting a worthy cause."
Sébastien Morin
President, Alfa Conseil
"It was an enriching experience! This initiative allowed us to forge genuine connections with leaders in Quebec. Thanks to this effective approach, we were able to expand our business network, showcase our expertise, and support a cause essential to the future of healthcare!"
Antoine Drapeau-Perreault
President and CEO Americas, Proaction International
"My participation in the previous edition allowed me to develop strong relationships with committed leaders in Quebec. These exchanges quickly evolved into concrete partnerships with their organizations, which is why I gladly and enthusiastically accept the invitation for this 2nd edition."
Francis Marineau
Co-founder and CTO, Volume7
"In my view, the one-on-one model remains the most effective approach for maximizing the value of mentorship for entrepreneurs."
Jérôme Gonthier
Partner, Aviseo Conseil
"This campaign enabled us to build relationships with Quebec business leaders and gain a better understanding of the challenges they face. We plan to participate again next year."
Sylvain Corbeil
Associate
Corporate and business development
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton
“I've been hospitalized hundreds of times for a rare disease called hereditary angioedema. This disease causes unpredictable episodes of swelling of various parts of the body, including the face, throat, stomach, heart and brain. Several members of my family also suffer from this disease.
We are followed by IRCM researchers and doctors. Thanks to them, we have a care protocol adapted to our situation, and since then, the frequency of my crises has dropped drastically. I'm also participating in a research project to better understand this disease and advance knowledge. Without the IRCM, it would be impossible for me to lead a life that allows me to be as active as I wish."
