At the end of a rigorous selection process, the Board of Directors of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) has announced the appointment of Jacques Farcy as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. As stipulated in the Act respecting the Société des alcools du Québec, it was the Quebec cabinet that, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, today officially appointed Mr. Farcy, who will assume his duties on June 26, 2023.

It is something of a return to his roots for Jacques, who held various vice-president positions at the SAQ between 2015 and 2021, most notably of Marketing and Merchandising and of Sales Network Operations. With an executive MBA from HEC Montréal-McGill University and a diploma from the Institut commercial de Nancy (France), Jacques has more than 30 years’ experience in strategic management and developing omnichannel business strategies. Recognized for his leadership and ability to create innovative, lasting solutions, he has worked for several multinationals in both Europe and Canada.

During the last two years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the SQDC, has, together with his teams, consolidated the expansion of the company’s store network, launched the 90-minute delivery service in several regions of Quebec, prepared the SQDC’s new strategic plan and overseen steady growth in its contribution to the Quebec treasury, all while remaining faithful to the SQDC’s mission, that of protecting health.

“I congratulate Mr. Farcy on his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Société des alcools du Québec,” said Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers. “With his managerial experience and his familiarity with the government corporation, I am confident he will effectively support its development and performance to the benefit of all Quebecers. I also want to note the dedication of Ms. Dagenais, who is leaving for a well-earned retirement after 23 years of loyal service to the SAQ.”

“Over the course of his career, Jacques has developed a passion for the customer experience and amassed a wealth of experience in retailing,” said Johanne Brunet, Chair of the SAQ’s Board of Directors. “He has demonstrated his ability to deal with complex strategic issues by mobilizing his teams and respectfully and skillfully managing relations with various stakeholders. The six years he spent at the SAQ also give him a valuable insider’s knowledge of the organization. It is this rich combination of experience and skills that made Jacques the obvious choice to inspire Quebecers’ pride in their SAQ. We welcome him back to the SAQ and wish him every success as part of the team.”

“The prospect of contributing to the development of the SAQ and working with each of the members of the big SAQ team to satisfy customers every day and generate value for Quebec is one I find very exciting,” said Mr. Farcy, who will assume his new duties at the SAQ on June 26.

The SAQ also wants to applaud the 23 years of service of Catherine Dagenais, who will officially leave her duties as President and Chief Executive Officer in the coming days. At the helm of the company since 2018, Catherine has marked the organization through her human qualities and outstanding achievements. She leaves an SAQ that is solid and responsible and whose financial and societal contribution to Quebec is bigger than ever. We wish Catherine a happy and active retirement.