Sept-Îles, Monday, June 2, 2025 – The Board of Directors of the Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexandra Chouinard as President and CEO, succeeding Pierre D. Gagnon, who has led the organization for the past 24 years.
The Board and CEO announced the launch of a senior management transition process on January 25.
As stipulated in the Canada Marine Act, it is the Board’s duty to appoint the chief executive officer. A talent search was launched in collaboration with the firm Go RH to identify the candidate best suited to ensuring business continuity and port development in keeping with the values and culture of the organization.
Appointment of Alexandra Chouinard
Born in the Gaspé Peninsula and raised in Sept-Îles, the new President and CEO is very familiar with the region’s realities and challenges, and with the economic and social issues it faces. Ms. Chouinard, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from HEC Montréal, has held a number of expert and management positions, including at the Project Office of ArcelorMittal Mines Canada. She was the first women to lead the Engineering and Projects group at the company since its founding as the Quebec Cartier Mining Company in 1957.
Throughout her career, Ms. Chouinard has shown a knack for action, promoting innovation and, most importantly, value creation. Her collaborative leadership, her values and her ability to build strategic partnerships and mobilize stakeholders across all sectors will be key assets in tackling the challenges facing the Port of Sept-Îles.
Ms. Chouinard’s appointment is effective August 11. She will begin by reviewing Port Authority files before making any public statements.
Quotes
Quote from Bernard Lynch, Chairman of the Port’s Board of Directors:
“We took our search very seriously and were pleased to receive top quality applications for consideration, a testament to the strength of our organization and its appeal to outstanding managers. It is with great pleasure and pride that the Board of Directors announces is unanimous decision to entrust Alexandra Chouinard with the leadership of the Port of Sept-Îles.
Quote from Alexandra Chouinard, newly appointed CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles:
« Having grown up in Sept-Îles, I have seen firsthand the rapid growth and expansion of the Port of Sept-Îles over the past two decades. I accept this new challenge with humility and great respect for the institution and the incredible work Mr. Gagnon and his team have done, as well as with a sincere desire to make the transition as organic as possible. I thank the Board of Directors for their confidence and look forward to working closely with industry, business partners and local communities as we continue to develop and promote the Port of Sept-Îles. »
About the Port of Sept-Îles
Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s largest ore-handling port, with a projected volume for 2025 of over 40 million metric tons. It is also recognized as the largest primary aluminum port terminal in the Americas in terms of operational volume. The facilities at the Port of Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port is also deeply committed to sustainable development and has pioneered the first environmental observatory on the St. Lawrence to monitor the marine ecosystem, as well as a research chair with Université Laval to study coastal ecosystems and port operations.
-30-
Source:
Frédérick J.Tétreault
Communications and Public Relations Director
Port of Sept-Îles
Phone: 418-965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com