As Canada’s largest integrated cooperative financial group, with more than $100 billion in assets, Desjardins offers a strong alternative to traditional banks. It now ranks 6th among all deposit taking institutions in Canada and its successes have been directly related to its cooperative nature and the democratic structure that comes with it, including unique checks and balances mechanisms. Alban D’Amours, Desjardins’ Chairman and CEO, sheds new light on good governance in the financial services sector.
Alban D’Amours grew up in Quebec and completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Laval University. He has a doctorate (Ph.C.) from Minnesota University, specializing in Monetary Theory, Public Finance and Econometrics. After several years as an Academic, including teaching at Sherbrooke University, Mr. D’Amours joined the Québec civil service rising to the position of Associate Deputy Minister of Energy in 1986. Mr. D’Amours joined Desjardins in 1988 as Senior Vice-President, Planning, Communications and Marketing. In February, 2000, Mr. D’Amours was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Desjardins Group. He was re-elected by acclamation for a second term in January 2004.
Under his leadership, Desjardins Group underwent major transformations, while still showing strong financial returns to members and while also reinforcing the cooperative principles of the organization. In addition, Desjardins’ growth in Québec and elsewhere in Canada were established as top priorities.
Mr. D’Amours is a member of the board of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Co-Chair of the 2004 campaign of Centraide (United Way) for the Greater Montreal region, Chair of the Board of CHUQ (Québec City university hospital centre), Chair of the Board of Université de Sherbrooke, and he was President of Les Violons du Roy chamber orchestra from 1991 to 1996.
