Announcement of the Finalists for the 2025 AQT-Banque Nationale CEO of the Year Award
Longueuil (Quebec), March 10, 2025 – AQT and the National Bank of Canada are proud to announce the three finalists for the 2025 AQT-Banque Nationale CEO of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Quebec tech community.
This year, the esteemed competition highlights the leadership, commitment, resilience, and innovation of tech CEOs who have inspired their teams, overcome market challenges, and contributed to the growth of Quebec’s tech sector in a complex economic environment. The winner will be revealed during Vision PDG 2025, which will take place from April 8 to 10, 2025, at the Fairmont Tremblant, a must-attend summit bringing together the biggest names in the province's tech sector.
Les finalistes de l’édition 2025
• Jonathan Lessard, CEO and co-founder of Nexapp
Founded: 2014 in Quebec
Sector: Consulting Services and Custom Development
Jonathan has the ability to unite his team behind ambitious goals, with a focus on human impact. For over 10 years, he has been actively involved in the tech industry, helping businesses achieve concrete and rapid results with his software expertise. Under his leadership, Nexapp has earned the trust of key clients and partners, positioning it among Canada’s fastest-growing companies. With a strategic vision and operational agility, Nexapp has become a trusted partner in custom software development and AI integration. The company has also diversified, notably with the launch of the self-financed SaaS product Axify. This strategic pivot has strengthened its presence and impact in Quebec's tech ecosystem, cementing its position as a leader in custom software development, with impressive growth of 479% and 102% over the last five and three years, respectively.
• Kevin Moore, CEO and founder of Vooban
Founded: 2011 in Quebec
Sector: Consulting Services and Custom Development
With nearly 20 years of experience in the tech sector, including 7 years at Fujitsu in research and development for Canada's defense, Kevin founded Vooban to help Quebec companies automate their processes and improve their competitiveness. Through his strategic vision, he has supported renowned clients such as Grues Guay, Familiprix, and Simard Cuisine in implementing high-impact solutions that reduce food waste and carbon footprints. His ability to integrate AI into Vooban’s offerings was crucial in transforming the company, which recently accelerated its growth after a strategic investment from CDPQ. Today, Vooban is recognized as a leader in process automation, actively contributing to organizational innovation through AI, data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Sébastien Mailhot, CEO OF D-Box Technologies
Founded: 1998 in Longueuil
Sector: Electronics and Manufacturing
With over 20 years of experience in finance and management, Sébastien has held several senior positions in tech companies before joining D-BOX in 2015. After serving as Vice President of Strategic Alliances, he quickly advanced to Chief Operating Officer and was appointed CEO in April 2020. A visionary and strategist, he focuses on innovation and strategic partnerships to propel D-BOX onto the international stage. Under his leadership, D-BOX made an impressive strategic turnaround by focusing on key segments such as theater cinema and professional simulation. In less than four years, his efforts resulted in a more than 50% increase in revenue and improved profitability. D-BOX not only overcame major challenges, like the Hollywood strike, but also doubled its stock value, drawing the attention of investors. Thanks to this bold vision, D-BOX is now a key player in haptic technology in the entertainment industry.
Selection Process
The AQT-Banque Nationale CEO of the Year Award follows a rigorous and impartial process. An independent jury of experienced tech industry leaders carefully evaluates each application before selecting the finalists. These finalists will have two opportunities to present their achievements: an interview during the Vision PDG program and a 4-minute presentation at the gala evening on April 10, marking the closing of the event. The winner will be determined equally between the jury’s evaluation (50%) and the vote of the attending tech CEOs (50%) during the evening. The voting process is managed by an independent survey firm, SOM Recherches et Sondages.
QUOTES:
“The AQT-Banque Nationale CEO of the Year Award celebrates leaders who, through their boldness, face the complex challenges and unique issues of the current tech sector. These CEOs, through their leadership and ability to inspire their teams, are drivers of transformation in their companies and role models for their peers. This award embodies our collective pride for those who actively contribute to the evolution of the tech business world in Quebec. Good luck to all the finalists!” says Nicole Martel, CEO of AQT.
“The National Bank is committed to providing sustainable and significant support to Quebec businesses in the fields of technology and innovation, and has been doing so for many years. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of their CEOs in collaboration with AQT. For nearly 30 years, the Bank's Technology and Innovation Group has contributed to the success of Quebec and Canadian businesses. Our support for AQT aligns perfectly with this mission,” said Tuyen Vo, Head – Technology & Innovation Group at the National Bank.
About AQT
We are a community of tech CEOs and entrepreneurs, united by the ambition to build a strong and sustainable Quebec-based heritage. We share a dream that goes beyond our individual businesses, aiming for both growth and sustainability. AQT member companies have a significant economic impact through their expertise in the digital transformation of all sectors, both locally and internationally.
About the National Bank
With assets of $434 billion as of January 31, 2024, the National Bank of Canada is one of the six systemically important banks in Canada. The Bank has approximately 30,000 employees in knowledge-based roles and operates in three sectors in Canada: Personal and Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Financial Markets. A fourth sector, Specialized Financing in the United States and International, complements domestic business growth. Its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow their activities on bnc.ca or through social media.
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Information:
Viviane Couto
514 874-2667 # 110 | info@aqt.ca
