Our investment team is comprised of seasoned professionals with complementary backgrounds in industry, accounting, investment banking and management consulting all of whom work closely with each of our companies to provide hands on support and oversight and CEO coaching. Our team is focused on adding value to our portfolio companies by providing strategic direction, operational expertise and leveraging our unique relationship network.
Pierre founded Champlain Financial Corporation (“CFC”) in 2004 with the objective of making investments in Canadian small and mid-market companies. Prior to founding CFC, Pierre co-founded Champlain Capital Partners, our U.S. affiliate which raised a US$150 million buyout fund in 2002.
Prior to his foray into private equity, Pierre worked for five years as an investment banker with Lazard Frères & Co. LLC and, prior to that, for two years at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Inc. Over his career, Pierre has participated in the origination and execution of over 40 transactions including, among others, exclusive sales, high yield debt financings, management buy-outs and initial public offerings. Pierre also worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a major Canadian financial institution and for Lancaster Financial Corp., a private investment banking firm.
Pierre received a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Laval University, a Graduate Degree in Management from the Université Catholique de Louvain, and an M.B.A. from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.
Jean-Stéphane joined Champlain Financial Corporation in 2005. Prior to joining Champlain, Jean-Stéphane gained four years of management consulting experience with McKinsey & Company and six years of audit and corporate finance experience with Ernst & Young LLP.
Jean-Stéphane advised clients on topics ranging from mergers & acquisitions and corporate organization to operational improvements, sales stimulation and strategic planning. Jean-Stéphane led a variety of audit, business process analysis and corporate finance projects
Jean-Stéphane earned a Bachelor of commerce degree and a graduate degree in Accountancy from Concordia University in Montreal. He is a Member of the Canadian Order of Chartered Accountants and he earned his M.B.A. from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
Rob joined Champlain Financial Corporation in 2007. Prior to joining Champlain, Rob spent five years in investment banking most recently with Genuity Capital Markets and Westwind Partners.
As an investment banker, Rob advised clients on a variety of topics including equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings.
Rob also acquired two years of direct industry experience while working at Burger King Corporation, following its acquisition by Equity Sponsors in 2002, in the business development group, heading up the company’s acquisition efforts.
Rob earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University.
Thérèse joined the Champlain team in October 2006, with more than 27 years of experience as a paralegal having worked with top tier law firms such as Jenner & Block in Chicago, Mackenzie Gervais in Montréal and Pouliot L’Ecuyer in Quebec. Therese worked for over 12 years directly with senior management of companies such as EXFO, New Look and Orthofab.
Thérèse has worked closely within teams of expert attorneys and financial advisors on a variety of due diligence assignments.
Thérèse holds a Bachelor degree in psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago (UICC) and a Certification in paralegal studies from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
David joined Champlain Financial Corporation in 2007 with a particular focus on retail, apparel and consumer product investment opportunities.
David has over 37 years of North American retail experience, during which time he forged strong relationships with many of the country’s most respected retailers and apparel manufacturers. David was the founder and former President of Winners Apparel Limited, a 175-store Canada-wide chain, which he sold to The TJX Companies Inc. in 1990. Following the sale, David remained with the organization in an executive capacity and grew the Company to over $1 billion in annual sales at the time of his retirement in 2001.
David earned his peers’ recognition as Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year, in 2002.
Scott joined Champlain in 2006 with six years of management consulting experience with McKinsey & Company advising clients in such areas as strategic and operational improvement programs, specializing in the retail, telecommunications and manufacturing sectors.
Prior to joining McKinsey, Scott practiced corporate and tax law at McMaster Meighen. Scott earned an MBA from INSEAD Business School, a BCL LLB from McGill University, BA from University of Western Ontario and is a Member of the Quebec Bar Association.
Scott is currently President of Pro Hockey Life Sporting Goods, Inc., a Champlain portfolio company.
Jean has extensive experience as senior executive having worked in sales, marketing and manufacturing of industrial products in highly competitive markets. Jean developed a strong expertise in developing distribution networks, acquiring and integrating businesses and rationalizing operations and had a strong record in financial turnaround situations.
Prior to joining Champlain, Jean spent five years with MAAX Inc. one of the largest manufacturers of bathroom fixtures where he was most recently Vice-President and General Manager of North American operations overseeing 425 million dollars in sales, 15 plants and 2100 employees. Jean was previously with Ralston Purina Inc as Vice-president of Operations & Sales-Europe and President and Managing Director-France. Prior to these mandates he was General Manager-Quebec with Ralston Purina Canada.
Jean is holder of an Executive MBA from Sherbrooke University and has a Certified Board Director from Laval University
Jean is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Neptune, a Champlain portfolio company.
