Monique F. Leroux – 2013 recipient

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The first woman to head a financial institution in Canada, Monique F. Leroux began her career at Ernst & Young, where she was soon promoted to partner. She then joined RBC Royal Bank, where she held the position of Senior Vice-President, Quebec Division, before going to Québecor to take on the duties of Senior Executive Vice-President Executive and Chief Operating Officer. Next on her exceptional career path, she became President of Desjardins Financial Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiaries. Prior to taking office as President of the Desjardins Group, Monique F. Leroux held the position of Chief Financial Officer.

Under her leadership, Desjardins Group has received a great deal of recognition for its excellent performance. In fact, Desjardins is now ranked the 23rd most secure financial institution in the world – 4th in North America – according to Global Finance magazine, and is the 3rd most sustainable cooperative in the world according to Corporate Knights magazine.

In her personal life, Leroux’s expertise and outstanding achievements have earned her honorary doctorates from several universities in Quebec and Canada, as well as the title of Fellow from the Ordre des CA du Québec and the Ordre des CMA du Québec. A member of the Order of Canada and a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, she has received many awards and distinctions, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for her contribution to Canadian society.

A sought-after administrator, Monique F. Leroux chairs the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité. She sits on the boards of directors of many national and international organizations, including Crédit industriel et commercial (Crédit Mutuel de France group), the Conference Board of Canada and the World Economic Forum. President of the Canada Summer Games 2013 in Sherbrooke and the Desjardins Foundation, Leroux is also very involved in the community and generously gives her time to many organizations.

Monique F. Leroux is an eminent figure of Quebec’s and Canada's financial elite, a proud Fellow of the Order, and one of a very select group of winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

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Watch the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement Award >