Appointment of Claude Lafleur as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the PITRE Group
We are proud to announce the appointment of Claude Lafleur as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the PITRE Group. This milestone marks an important moment in the evolution of our organization and reflects our commitment to pursuing sustained and ambitious growth. As we embark on a major expansion of our production capacity with the construction of a new complex spanning several dozen hectares of tunnels, his expertise will play a key role in supporting our development.
A career path that enriches the group’s vision and governance
With more than forty years of experience, Claude Lafleur’s career has developed at the intersection of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and governance. An agronomist by training, with a master’s degree in business administration from HEC Montréal and two years of studies at the University of Michigan, he has supported numerous organizations over the years in transformation and growth contexts.
This background has enabled him to develop a strong understanding of the human, economic, and territorial realities of the agricultural sector, and to balance long-term vision with concrete short-term decision-making, both within large organizations and in cooperatives or growing SMEs. He has also held key leadership roles in major companies, where strategic guidance, organizational structuring, and the evolution of governance practices were integral to his mandate. His involvement with the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce for the past nine years, along with his role as an investor with Anges Québec, has further shaped his professional journey. This deep understanding of organizations and their capacity to adapt aligns naturally with the challenges and ambitions of the PITRE Group.
An encounter that paves the way for a lasting collaboration
The encounter between Claude Lafleur and the Pitre family developed naturally through discussions and connections within the agricultural community. From the very first exchanges, several elements stood out: the strength of the group’s values, the presence of a committed next generation, and the clarity of an already well-defined entrepreneurial project. The ambition to build a large-scale, sustainable agricultural enterprise focused on excellence quickly sparked his interest. The openness to reflection, the emphasis placed on learning, and the importance given to rigorous governance also played a role in his decision to accept the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The Pitre family in front of tunnels used for soilless strawberry production. From left to right: Jérémie Pitre, Michelle Pigeon, Michel Pitre, Jonathan Pitre, and Olivier Pitre.
A forward-looking focus on upcoming projects and challenges
In a context of strong expansion, particularly with the development of a new production complex, the arrival of Mr. Lafleur represents a strategic asset for the growth of the PITRE Group. His role is to support a well-managed progression that integrates innovation and thoughtful risk management. Attentive to team cohesion, he shares the belief that lasting success is built on the commitment of each individual and the collective sense given to the project. This approach strengthens the momentum already in place and supports the next stages of the organization’s development.
“Every organization that strives to surpass itself is first and foremost grounded in the women and men who choose to take part in the journey, with its moments of progress, its successes, and its periods of uncertainty. My role, a very modest one in this process, will be to support this collective energy, contribute to the vision, and accompany the group in the next stages of its journey. In short, to continue building something of which we, and Québec, can be truly proud.”
Michel Pitre
President and Chief Executive Officer