Paul Desmarais

Title: 
Honorary Lifetime Member of Desautels International Advisory and Advancement Board
Paul Desmarais
Degree(s): 

BCom'77, LLD'12

Biography: 

Mr. Desmarais was appointed Chairman and Co‐Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation of Canada in May 1996, and is Chairman of the Board of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Desmarais obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in 1977, and his Master of Business Administration from INSEAD (France).

Mr. Desmarais is a member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of a number of companies in Canada and abroad including: Power Corporation of Canada, Power Financial, Investors Group Inc., The Great‐West Life Assurance Company; in the United States: Great‐West Life & Annuity Insurance Company; in Europe: Pargesa Holding SA (Switzerland), Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA (Belgium) and Imétal (France). He is a member of the Board of Directors of Suez‐Lyonnaise des Eaux in France; PetroFina SA, Tractebel SA, Royale Belge SA in Belgium; GWL Properties Inc. in the United States; Gesca Ltd, Les Journaux Trans‐Canada (1996) Inc. and La Presse Ltd in Canada.

Mr. Desmarais is also on the Board of Directors of INSEAD and a member of the INSEAD’s International Council, and Chairman of HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales) International Advisory Committee (Quebec).

Specialization by geographical area: 
Montreal
Group: 
Desautels International Advisory and Advancement Board

McGill Desautels International Advisory and Advancement Board

Comprised of highly successful industry leaders from around the globe, who provide regular support and recommendations to our Dean and the Faculty. 

Back to top