Le Zoo de Granby announces the appointment of Émilie Laurin as President and Chief Executive Officer
Press release (In French only)
Granby, February 26, 2026
The Board of Directors of Zoo de Granby is proud to announce the appointment of Émilie Laurin, PhD, as President and Chief Executive Officer. She will officially assume her duties on April 7.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment in Zoo de Granby’s evolution, as the organization continues to implement its long-term vision aimed at strengthening its role as a leader in species conservation, animal welfare, education, accessibility, and visitor experience, while ensuring the responsible and sustainable management of its operations.
Following a rigorous, structured, and thoughtful recruitment process led by the Board of Directors, Émilie Laurin’s candidacy stood out for the breadth of her experience, the consistency of her strategic vision, and her proven ability to lead complex organizations through periods of transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth.
An executive leader with more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Laurin has held senior leadership positions within major organizations including Maison Riviera, Agropur, and Nature’s Touch. In these roles, she oversaw overall and financial performance, managed large multidisciplinary teams, and led major strategic initiatives involving infrastructure modernization, the development of new offerings, and the securing of public and private funding. Her career has also been marked by a strong commitment to governance, particularly through her service as a member of boards of directors.
“The Board of Directors is confident that Émilie Laurin has the expertise, leadership, and vision needed to guide Zoo de Granby through its next phase of development. Her ability to combine management discipline, innovation, and team mobilization is fully aligned with our mission and values,” said Simon Lapointe, Chair of the Board of Directors of Zoo de Granby.
As head of the organization, Émilie Laurin will be responsible for ensuring the institution’s rigorous and sustainable financial governance, supporting innovation in service of animal welfare and visitor experience, strengthening the universal accessibility of facilities and activities, and maximizing the institution’s educational and scientific impact. She will also help enhance Zoo de Granby’s profile as a key player in conservation and biodiversity awareness, both in Quebec and internationally.
Martin Cloutier, the current Interim Executive Director, will ensure a smooth transition with the rigor and commitment for which he is known. He remains a valuable asset to the organization and will continue his contribution within the Zoo.
Through this appointment, Zoo de Granby reaffirms its commitment to strong, visionary, and inspiring leadership in order to continue its development for the benefit of the animals in its care, its visitors, and the community.
About Zoo de Granby and Mission Faune
In addition to being a must-see attraction in Quebec, Zoo de Granby is a non-profit organization whose mission is to take action to preserve the animal world. Since 1953, the Zoo has acted as a conservation organization through awareness activities, conservation actions in the field, and the funding of scientific research programs. Whether for local or international wildlife, Zoo de Granby’s Mission Faune initiative aims to accelerate the implementation of concrete actions to protect our biodiversity. It is a call to action and change, now and for generations to come.
For informations :
Julie Hébert
Content Specialist and Spokesperson
579-488-2169
jhebert@zoodegranby.com
