Guy Cormier has been elected as the new president, CEO and chairman of the board of Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Group, Canada’s largest financial co-operative.
Cormier, currently the firm’s senior vice president of the co-operative network and personal services, was elected by 256 Desjardins officers who make up the organization’s electoral college at a special meeting in Lévis on Saturday.
“I’d like to thank the members of the electoral college. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve shown by electing me president of this co-operative financial group we’re all so proud to be a part of,” says Cormier in a statement. “The conversations I’ve had with the college members have helped me get an even better grasp on the scope of the challenges we face. The road ahead is a very exciting one.”
Cormier takes over from Monique F. Leroux, current president, CEO and chairwoman of the board, who has led the financial co-operative for eight years, and to whom Cormier says the firm owes a great deal.
“I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Guy Cormier. Being chosen to lead Desjardins Group successfully into the future is an honour, a privilege and a big responsibility,” says Leroux in a statement.
“Of course, Mr. Cormier can count on my support over the next several months, just as I know he will be able to count on the support and the dedication of the elected officers, senior management and all the employees at Desjardins throughout his term,” she adds.
Cormier began his career at Desjardins in 1992 as a business account manager and general manager. He was vice president of co-operative network finance between 2009 and 2012 and was appointed to his current role in 2012. He is also on a number of committees within the firm.
Cormier begins his four-year term on April 9.