The Palais des congrès de Montréal appoints Luc Charbonneau interim CEO

The Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal wishes to announce the appointment of Mr. Luc Charbonneau as interim Chief Executive Officer effective April 24. The appointment was proposed by the Société’s board of directors and ratified by the Québec cabinet following Mr. Robert Mercure’s departure, who had held the position since September 2018.

Luc Charbonneau’s convention industry career spans 30+ years. The Palais Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances since 2010, he also worked 13 years with Tourisme Montréal, where he headed the Canadian, US and international business sales teams.

Mr. Charbonneau’s extensive knowledge of the industry, wide range of contacts and sharp skills as a strategist make him the ideal candidate to lead the Palais during this transition phase. He values maintaining strong ties, both with colleagues and Palais partners alike, and this will serve the Palais well, especially as the event industry restarts and Montréal looks to play a key role.

Recruiting process has begun

The Palais des congrès board of directors has set up a CEO search committee. The committee is on the verge of undertaking its recruitment process, so it may recommend as soon as possible to the Québec cabinet the right candidate to fill the strategic position.

Luc Charbonneau will work closely with the search committee in order to facilitate the welcoming and integration of the chosen candidate.

I proudly and humbly accept this interim leadership role, and will carry on the important work undertaken with the 2019-2023 strategic plan. Many opportunities lie ahead, and the Palais is in an excellent position to seize them.

I and my fellow members of the Palais des congrès de Montréal board have every confidence in Luc Charbonneau’s ability to fill the position of interim CEO. He possesses a masterful command of the challenges and realities the industry faces, and he will lead and shepherd the Palais and its teams through this transition period.