Geneviève Tanguay has been named the new CEO of angel investing group Anges Québec, replacing longtime leader François Gilbert.
Gilbert had served as Anges Québec’s CEO since the organization was founded in 2008. Tanguay is set to take over from Gilbert as of November 2.
“We are convinced that she will be able to take the organization to new heights.”
Tanguay brings to the role more than 20 experience in the Québec innovation sector, including leading investments for Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the largest development and venture capital network in Québec. Most recently, Tanguay was responsible for corporate development at healthcare company Biron Health Group.
“Through her expertise, her strength and innovative spirit, Geneviève becomes the first woman to occupy the position of CEO of Anges Québec and we are convinced that she will be able to take the organization to new heights,” said Ginette Mailhot, president of the Anges Québec board of directors.
Anges Québec is a leading angel investment group in the region and has been investing early-stage capital for more than 12 years. It commits capital to innovative businesses across all sectors, as well as to real estate projects. The organization touts itself as the largest angel investors network in Canada, listing 230 members. It claims to have invested more than $113 million in over 150 Québec companies.
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A spokesperson for Anges Québec did not respond to questions by the time of publication regarding why Gilbert has departed from the role of CEO. The organization noted, however, that Gilbert “left an undeniable legacy,” calling him “one of the builders of the Québec venture capital ecosystem.”
With more than 15 years of Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Tanguay has sat on the boards of directors of several private companies and non-profit organizations, including the Institute of Corporate Directors and VIA Rail.
“Accelerating the development of Anges Québec by leveraging the strength of its angel investors and the passion of entrepreneurs is one of the many reasons that convinced me to accept,” said Tanguay. “The creation of new innovative business models is more relevant than ever in order to boost our economy. Anges Québec will remain a leader and a catalyst for venture capital towards the creation of the companies of tomorrow.”