Two Leaders, One Shared Vision: Meet Our Honorary Co-Chairs

Through their leadership and their concrete actions, our two co-chairs fully embody the spirit of the 2026 Montreal Gala, presented by Promutuel Assurance, taking place on Wednesday, September 2 at the Palais des congrès. A landmark occasion to celebrate the most committed organizations, spotlight the leaders who are driving change, and build connections that match your ambitions.

Marie-Claude Dumas is President of WSP Canada, one of the world's largest professional services firms, bringing together expertise in engineering, advisory services and science. She also serves as Global Executive Lead, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality for WSP.

An engineer by training and a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, Ms. Dumas has over 20 years of experience in leadership, major project management and advisory services within leading international organizations. She joined WSP in 2020 as Global Director, Major Projects and Programs, as well as Market Leader for Quebec, before being appointed President of WSP Canada in 2021.

Recognized for her galvanizing leadership, Marie-Claude Dumas has a remarkable ability to unite multidisciplinary teams around a shared and ambitious vision. Convinced that inclusion, diversity and complementary talents are essential to organizational success, she fosters workplaces where people can fully contribute, innovate and thrive.

Throughout her career, she has held senior executive positions in infrastructure, energy, construction, human resources, corporate strategy and risk management. Her expertise spans complex project management, strategic planning, health and safety, and organizational transformation.

A graduate of Polytechnique Montréal with a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's degree in applied sciences, as well as an MBA from HEC Montréal, Ms. Dumas also sits on the board of directors of the Fondation Polytechnique Montréal.

Frédéric Guichard has been President of Danone Canada since 2024. With 27 years of experience within the Danone group, he has held several executive positions in Europe and internationally, notably leading operations in Central and Eastern Europe as well as Evian Volvic International, where he helped grow the business in more than 100 countries and spearheaded its B Corp certification.

Passionate about social impact, particularly around nutrition and food security for children and families, Frédéric sits on the boards of Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) and the Grocery Foundation, and is actively involved with Breakfast Club of Canada.

Frédéric holds an engineering degree from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers and a master's degree in marketing and communications from ESCP Business School.

The Gathering Place for Canada's Most Influential Leaders

Women in Governance's Galas are not simply award ceremonies. They are strategic networking events, designed to connect senior decision-makers from the business world and the public sector around a common goal: advancing gender equality.

Why Attend Our Galas?

• Meet the key players in the decision-making ecosystem

• Gain access to an exclusive and influential network

• Affirm your commitment to more equitable leadership

• Offer your teams a prestigious and inspiring experience

We would be delighted to have you join us for what promises to be an unforgettable edition.