Québec Port Authority CEO Mario Girard is leaving

After 14 years helming the Québec Port Authority, President/CEO Mario Girard is leaving Feb. 17 to become the delegate general of Québec for Tokyo.

Girard said it was 'with great emotion' that he informed the board today of his decision, adding gratitude 'for the trust and support from all members of the board these past years.

'I feel a deep connection and admiration for the committed, dedicated and extremely competent people that made up the Port of Québec staff,' he continued. 'I am proud of what we have accomplished. It has been an immense privilege to hold this position and I cherish my years within the maritime community of Québec and elsewhere in the world.'

Exceptional leadership

Board Chair Olga Farman saluted Girard for his 'exceptional leadership throughout all these years' and thanked him for his 'tireless commitment to advancing this highly strategic asset, benefiting our capitale nationale and all of Québec and for having worked to develop a unified and strategic maritime seaway.

'He has definitively contributed to transforming and modernizing the organization to raise it to a world-class level with global appeal.'

Girard took office on Jan. 1, 2011. Among his milestones was creating a strong team to transform the organization. Together, they gave the port a vision centered on sustainable development and community relations, making it a leader in these areas in North America and an example beyond.

Sustainable cruising

With Port of Québec the driver for cruising's development on the St. Lawrence, the port and Destination Québec cité established the International Cruise Forum, bringing together representatives of the tourism sector, the maritime community and citizen groups to jointly develop policies for sustainable cruising, including a daily passenger cap.

The port also developed many recreational tourism areas that made the river more accessible to the community.

And under Girard's direction, the organization’s financial situation made a spectacular recovery. He also acted quickly and resolutely to instill the vision of a corridor along the St. Lawrence, highlighting its huge advantages in Québec and internationally, both environmentally and economically.

Search for a successor

The board is implementing a recruitment process to ensure a sound transition as the port pursues its 'Vision 2035' plan.