Women who lead
We foster equity, diversity and the inclusion of a diversity of talent, especially of women, in senior management positions and on Boards of Directors, in both our organization and our portfolios companies.
Learn more about the professional experience of leaders who are essential to CDPQ’s financial and investment strategies.
Kim Thomassin
Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec
“Diversity of gender, as well as of experience, personality and opinion, is a truly valuable resource that makes our organizations stronger. I believe that encouraging women to pursue their ambitions remains a key to success. In fact, that is what led me to join the first cohort of L’effet A alongside four women leaders whom I admire.”
Kim leads CDPQ’s investment strategy in Québec and financing and support activities for medium and large companies in the province. She also oversees the Québec investment and operating partner teams. She sits on the Executive and Investment-Risk Committees. In 2019, she was named to the Chambers GC Influencers Global 100, a distinction that recognizes the leadership and contributions of heads of legal departments around the world and in 2016, she received the Québec Medal of the National Assembly in recognition of her career and her dedication to initiatives supporting women.
Maarika Paul
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial and Operations Officer
“We have to continue our efforts to increase the number of women in finance. In my view, their presence enhances innovation and collaboration, and promotes informed decision-making. And that’s a true lever for generating value.”
In addition to accounting, treasury and internal audit activities, Maarika is responsible for CDPQ’s operations as well as valuation, monitoring the financial results, and the application of financial governance and taxation best practices. She also oversees the groups responsible for human resources, talent management, public affairs and technology. She is a member of CDPQ’s Executive Committee, in addition to being a member of the Board of Ivanhoé Cambridge. Maarika was twice named to Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 list by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN).
Nathalie Palladitcheff
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ivanhoé Cambridge
“It is critical for women to trust themselves and their intuition, and to trust in their decisions and ability to face adversity, in order to succeed.”
Nathalie is responsible for the growth and evolution of Ivanhoé Cambridge, CDPQ’s global real estate subsidiary. She also oversees the development and execution of the company’s global strategy, ensuring it is well positioned to invest around the world. She also sits on CDPQ’s Executive Committee. Nathalie has an extensive track record in real estate investment, development and services. In 2012, she received France’s insignia of Chevalier of the ordre national du mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit).
Rana Ghorayeb
President and Chief Executive Officer
Otéra Capital
“To all the young women and girls out there: having a career in engineering, finance or investing really is possible! Today, there truly is space for those of you aiming for the top jobs.”
Rana is responsible for developing the strategic orientations of Otéra Capital, a CDPQ subsidiary that has become a Canadian leader in commercial real estate lending. She oversees all the organization’s activities. She also sits on CDPQ’s Executive Committee. Rana earned two Master’s degrees, one in Engineering and one in Finance, before turning her professional focus to financing and investing in real estate and infrastructure.
2021 Sustainable Investing Report
Social issues are one of our three sustainable investing priorities, alongside the environment and governance.
