Sophie Brochu

Sophie Brochu is an economist and administrator and a model of female leadership whose remarkable skillset has allowed her to gain an in-depth understanding of the energy sector. Over the course of her exceptional career, she quickly rose through the ranks to achieve positions few women hold.

After earning a bachelor's degree in economics from Université Laval,  she got her start as an economics intern at Société québécoise d'initiatives pétrolières in 1987, working her way up to become vice-president of business development in 1992. She continued to advance through a series of management appointments at Énergir Inc. between 1997 and 2007, culminating in the position of president and chief executive officer, which she held from 2007 to 2019. In 2020, Sophie Brochu became the first female president and CEO of Hydro-Québec.

Throughout her career, she has been a firm believer in sustainable development and social engagement. As head of Hydro-Québec, she made a commitment to provide Quebecers with the tools they need to tackle the energy and environmental challenges that lie ahead. She also acted as a catalyst for new opportunities, contributing significantly to the acceleration of Québec's energy transition and decarbonization.

Sophie Brochu has been honoured a number of times for her accomplishments. In 2007, she received Université Laval's Prix Grand Diplômé. She was awarded the Georges-Henri-Lévesque medal from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Université Laval in 2013. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2015. She holds an honorary doctorate from Université de Montréal and Bishop's University. In 2020, Sophie Brochu was made an Officer of the Ordre national du Québec.

Determined and generous, she contributes to major projects while remaining firmly anchored at the community level in Québec. She has served on the boards of BCE, BMO, and CGI.

Université Laval is awarding Sophie Brochu an honorary doctorate in recognition of her exemplary record, achievements, and positive influence on the socioeconomic development of Québec and Canada.