AQT Announces the 2025–2026 Board of Directors and Welcomes Samer Saab as Chair
A renewed leadership to strengthen AQT’s mission and address the strategic challenges of Quebec’s tech industry
Longueuil (Quebec), November 28, 2025 – AQT unveils today the composition of its 2025–2026 Board of Directors, marking an important milestone in supporting Quebec tech companies as they navigate a period of rapid transformation: the rise of artificial intelligence, international competitive pressure, productivity challenges, growth financing, and the accelerated pace of digital transformation across all sectors.
As a reference organization for CEOs and leaders of technology companies, AQT’s mission is to support the growth, competitiveness, and visibility of Quebec’s tech firms by providing a strategic business network, high-level content, collaboration opportunities, and a strong voice with public and economic decision-makers.
A Board Chair Focused on Growth, Innovation, and Collective Impact
AQT announces the election of Samer Saab, CEO of Explorance, as Chair of its Board of Directors. A seasoned entrepreneur, Samer has extensive experience in business growth, innovation, and international expansion. Under his leadership, Explorance has evolved from an emerging startup to an international organization with more than 300 employees. The company is recognized worldwide for its learning experience and organizational experience solutions.
As Chair of AQT’s Board, Samer will contribute to steering the Association’s strategic priorities, including:
“It is with great humility and determination that I will assume the role of Chair of AQT’s Board, an organization that plays a central role in the vitality of our industry,” stated Samer Saab, newly elected Chair. “We are at a pivotal moment: technology is redefining business models, value chains, and the skills required to succeed. My objective is to work with AQT’s team and my fellow Board members to accelerate our companies’ growth, support innovation, strengthen our influence with decision-makers, and make our sector an even stronger pillar of Quebec’s economy.”
His personal journey—arriving in Quebec at age 19 after fleeing war in Lebanon—also highlights the essential contribution of diverse talent to the strength of Quebec’s tech ecosystem, while underscoring his leadership and strategic vision.
Continuity, Enhanced Governance, and AQT’s Strategic Evolution
After two years as Chair marked by major initiatives, a modernization of governance practices, and strengthened ties within the ecosystem, Valérie Coutu, President of Jovaco, concludes her mandate as Chair of the Board.
“It was a privilege to serve as Chair of AQT’s Board. Together, we strengthened the organization’s relevance, modernized our ways of working, and better supported the growth of our members. I am pleased to pass the torch to Samer, whose leadership experience, international vision, and commitment to the tech ecosystem will be tremendous assets for the future,” said Valérie Coutu.
For Nicole Martel, CEO of AQT, the renewed Board reflects a clear trajectory to ensure AQT continues responding to the sector’s evolving needs.
“More than ever, AQT has a strategic role to play. The expertise of this renewed Board, under Samer’s leadership, will be instrumental in fulfilling this mission. We are better positioned than ever to support our members as they face everyday challenges: talent acquisition, financing, commercialization, AI integration, and global competition,” stated Nicole Martel.
Board members elected on November 27, 2025
Alain St-Laurent, Demers Beaulne
Dany Paradis, Alithya
Jean Magny, Genius
Jocelyn Auger, Fasken
Jonathan Gagnon, TACT
Continuing members
David Hervieux, Devolutions
Jean-Michel Arseneau, Winnia
Olivier Caron-Lizotte, Explor.ai
Samer Saab, Explorance
Sarah Legendre-Bilodeau, Videns Analytics
Sylvain Simpson, Croesus
Valérie Coutu, Jovaco
Nicole Martel, AQT
AQT sincerely thanks the outgoing Board members for their dedication and significant contributions to the Association and the industry:
Jonathan Lessard, Nexapp
Luc Filiatreault, MDF Commerce
Marie-Claude Frigon, Richter
Mohamed Guetat, Momentum
Nicolas Lassonde, LJT
We are a community of tech CEOs and entrepreneurs united by the ambition to build a strong and sustainable Quebec legacy. We share a vision that goes beyond our individual companies, aiming for both growth and long-term success. AQT member companies generate significant economic impact through their expertise supporting the digital transformation of all sectors, both locally and internationally.
– 30 –
Media Contact
Viviane Couto
Director, Communications, Digital Marketing and Events
AQT