Marie-Claude Léonard, the executive director of bus and metro operations at Société de transport de Montréal (STM), has been appointed to serve as the agency’s interim CEO effective March 10.
Luc Tremblay announced his intention to step down this year and STM’s Board of Directors will conduct a “thorough internal and external recruitment process” to find a permanent CEO. However, during the interim period, STM notes Léonard will have “unwavering support” in leading the agency.
Léonard’s 30-year career at STM began when she was a student. She worked her way up in the organization and was appointed executive director of bus and metro operations in September 2021. Léonard serves as a member of the STM executive committee and is involved in several international transit associations, including serving on the board of directors of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).
“After 30 years of gaining experience and rising through the ranks here at the STM, I am honored to have been offered the position of interim chief executive officer,” said Léonard. “I am counting on the collaboration of our internal and external partners, and under my leadership, improving the customer experience will remain a top priority. The STM will continue to provide services that are safe, reliable, accessible and affordable, while remaining a key player in the Montréal area’s sustainable development strategy.”
STM Chair of the Board of Directors Éric Alan Caldwell mentioned the women who have led the agency prior to Léonard including Interim CEO Francine Gauthier and Louise Roy, who served as STM’s president and CEO nearly 40 years ago.
“I am extremely proud that another woman is now assuming that mantle in 2022. Ms. Léonard has all the qualifications that this position demands, owing in particular to her finely tuned, in-depth knowledge of the company,” said Caldwell.
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