Announcement
Montreal, March 12, 2025 – The CQDM Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Véronique Dugas as the next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CQDM. She will succeed Diane Gosselin, who, after 17 years of dedicated service to the organization, including 13 years at its helm, will be retiring. Effective April 1, Véronique will officially step into her new role, with Diane supporting the transition until June to ensure a smooth and seamless handover.
“Following a rigorous national search that attracted an outstanding pool of candidates, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Véronique as the next President and CEO of CQDM. Her deep understanding of CQDM’s mission, combined with her vision and expertise in biomedical innovation, set her apart in a highly competitive process.
We are grateful to all the exceptional leaders who participated in this search, a testament to the strength and reputation of CQDM. We are confident that under Véronique’s leadership, CQDM will continue to advance its critical role in early-stage innovation while building on the strong foundation established by Diane Gosselin during her long tenure as President and CEO,” stated Richard Fajzel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CQDM.
A Leadership Transition Marked by Continuity and Excellence
Véronique has been with CQDM since 2018, holding several strategic positions before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2024. She has played a key role in major initiatives, including managing the Fonds d’accélération des collaborations en santé (FACS) and mobilizing the life sciences ecosystem for advancements in the field of RNA-based therapies in Quebec. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the sector, she is well-positioned to drive CQDM’s continued growth and strengthen its impact on the advancement of life sciences in Quebec and Canada.
“It is with immense pride and great enthusiasm that I embrace this new challenge. More than ever, I am convinced that our role is to be a true partner to businesses : attentive to their needs, aligned with their realities, and committed to supporting them with a human and agile approach.
Thanks to our talented team and dedicated partners, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and transform scientific discoveries into concrete solutions to improve health. We will carry out our mission with the same rigor for the benefit of the entire life sciences ecosystem in Quebec and beyond,” stated Véronique Dugas, incoming President and CEO of CQDM.
A Natural Transition into a New Era
As CQDM embarks on a new chapter in its history, this leadership transition underscores a commitment to continuity and comes at a time when CQDM is firmly established within the ecosystem. Now stronger than ever, the organization is backed by a dedicated and expanding team, allowing it to sustain its strategic position in the life sciences sector. Its role as a catalyst between public and private stakeholders continues to grow, strengthening Quebec and Canada’s presence on the international stage. Amid economic and commercial uncertainty, CQDM’s role is more crucial than ever: driving innovation, fostering a growth-friendly environment, and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness.
The Board of Directors extends its gratitude to Diane, a visionary leader who has played a pivotal role in CQDM’s growth, helping to establish it as a key player in Quebec’s life sciences and biopharmaceutical sectors. Her dedication and vision have enabled CQDM to expand its impact and forge strategic alliances between key players in the innovation ecosystem, from private industry to the academic community.
“Handing over the reins to Véronique is a tremendous source of pride for me. I have had the privilege of witnessing her growth and contributing to her development. She fully embodies the values of CQDM, and I am confident that she will carry out our mission with dedication and ambition.
It has been an honor to lead CQDM and contribute to its expansion, positioning it as a strategic player with a solid financial foundation and an ever-growing influence,” said Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Diane for her invaluable guidance and unwavering support throughout my journey at CQDM, as well as to the Board of Directors for their trust,” added Véronique Dugas, the incoming President and CEO of CQDM.
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About CQDM
Biopharma Innovation Facilitator
CQDM is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate collaborative multi-stakeholder research and development aimed at accelerating the translation or transformation of innovative technologies into solutions to unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Quebec and Canadian economy. For more information, consult our website www.cqdm.org and join us on Twitter/X @CQDM_Canada and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Julia Serafino
CQDM Marketing and Communications Manager
438-543-9498
[email protected]
