Jonathan Lessard, CEO of Nexapp, named AQT – National Bank 2025 CEO of the Year: A young tech leader to watch
Mont-Tremblant (Quebec), April 10, 2025 – The AQT and National Bank are proud to announce that Jonathan Lessard, CEO of Nexapp, has been named the recipient of the 2025 AQT – National Bank CEO of the Year Award. This prestigious award honors tech CEOs who stand out in the Quebec tech landscape for their ability to grow innovative businesses. In a complex economic climate, they have built successful, sustainable companies while inspiring their teams and contributing significantly to their industry.
The award was presented during a gala evening at the 24th edition of Vision PDG, an exclusive summit for tech CEOs. Jonathan was selected through a combined evaluation process: 50% by an independent jury and 50% by votes from participating tech CEOs.
Jonathan Lessard’s journey is a true source of inspiration. In 2014, he co-founded Nexapp with two university friends—what began as a startup quickly took off. In 2018, he attended Vision PDG for the first time as part of the Young Tech Leaders Program, which supports emerging leaders in Quebec’s tech sector. Today, seven years later, he receives one of the highest distinctions awarded to tech leaders in the province—at the very same event. This recognition highlights the extent of his growth and impact in the industry.
Under his leadership, Nexapp experienced an impressive 479% growth in five years, establishing itself as a major player in custom software development and AI integration. This rapid success is the result of strategic management, continuous innovation, and a capacity to diversify—as demonstrated by the launch of Axify, a self-funded SaaS product.
This peer-bestowed award celebrates not only Jonathan Lessard’s outstanding achievements, but also his pivotal role in Nexapp’s growth and the wider influence he has had on our industry.
Quotes
“We are extremely proud to present this prestigious honor to Jonathan Lessard, a bold and dedicated young leader. This recognition not only reflects his key role in the tech ecosystem, but also his positive influence as a role model for the next generation.”
— Nicole Martel, CEO of the AQT
“National Bank is committed to providing strong, sustainable support to Quebec-based businesses in technology and innovation, and has been doing so for many years. We are proud to celebrate the success of these CEOs in collaboration with the AQT. For nearly 30 years, our Technology and Innovation Group has contributed to the growth of Quebec and Canadian companies. Our support for the AQT fits perfectly with this mission,” said Tuyen Vo, Head – Technology & Innovation Group at National Bank.
About the AQT – National Bank CEO of the Year Award
Since 2003, the AQT CEO of the Year Award has recognized the accomplishments of CEOs who embody excellence and innovation in Quebec’s digital technology sector. For the second consecutive year, National Bank is the exclusive partner of this prestigious award.
About the AQT
We are a community of tech CEOs and entrepreneurs, united by a shared ambition to build a strong and sustainable legacy for Quebec. We dream bigger than our individual businesses, striving for both growth and long-term impact. AQT member companies play a significant economic role through their digital transformation expertise across all sectors—locally and globally.
About National Bank
With $484 billion in assets as of January 31, 2025, National Bank of Canada is one of the six systemically important banks in the country. The Bank employs approximately 30,000 people in high-knowledge roles and operates in three main business segments in Canada: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management, and Financial Markets. A fourth segment—Specialized Finance in the U.S. and Internationally—complements its domestic growth. The Bank’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Learn more at nbc.ca or follow the Bank on social media. Internationally, it supports Quebec businesses with export projects and helps attract global talent and investment to the province.
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Media Contact
Viviane Couto
Director, Digital Marketing and Communications, AQT
514 874-2667, ext 110 / info@aqt.ca
Photo : Marc-Eric Baillargeon, LesFestifs.com