"École Polytechnique is one of the country's leading university engineering institutions in terms of both teaching and applied research. At a time when many universities, particularly those involved in research, are suffering from a lack of adequate funding, Polytechnique will face numerous challenges over the coming years," said Mr. Lamarre. "Dr. Guy is intimately acquainted with teaching and academic research and has excellent management skills. Through his involvement with large industrial clusters in Montréal, he has built and maintained close ties with industry in recent years, both here and abroad. I have no doubt that Dr. Guy is just the person we need to take the helm at Polytechnique and to promote its growth in Québec, Canada and internationally."

Dr. Guy, a native of Europe who chose Québec as his home, is the epitome of today's modern engineer, at ease with globalization and an increasingly borderless world. With a doctorate in chemical engineering from Polytechnique, Dr. Guy headed the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1995 to 2001. He went on to become Director of Research and Innovation from 2001 to 2007, a period during which he was responsible for an annual research budget of more than $68 million. Under his leadership, Polytechnique strengthened its partnerships with industry, acquired a world-class research infrastructure and positioned itself as the Canadian leader in engineering research and innovation.

Dr. Guy, a champion of technology transfer, has been a keen supporter of Québec start-up companies emerging from university research and is the holder of seven patents.

Recognized for his many abilities, Dr. Guy sits on the boards of numerous companies and organizations. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Board of the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ) and a member of the boards of Biosyntech Inc., Odotech Inc., the Centre interuniversitaire de recherche en analyse des organisations (CIRANO), the Natural Gas Technologies Centre (NGTC), NanoQuébec, and Partnerships for Research on Microelectronics, Photonics and Telecommunications (PROMPT-Québec).

In his capacity as teacher-researcher and expert on the environment, Dr. Guy has authored more than 100 scientific publications. He has supervised 36 master's and doctoral students through to graduation and is a member of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

"It is a great honour to be appointed as the 15th Chief Executive Officer of École Polytechnique de Montréal," Dr. Guy said. "Polytechnique can today proudly and without exaggeration count itself among Canada's best engineering schools and faculties. I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Papineau who, with visionary leadership, oversaw the expansion of our facilities and the comprehensive revamping of our undergraduate programs. Polytechnique trains almost a third of the engineers in the province, and through its research activities plays an active part in technological, economic and social development throughout Québec and Canada. To consolidate its achievements and continue its growth, Polytechnique must take stock, encourage its graduates to be innovative and prepare them for today's globalized world, all with an eye to sustainable development. It must be increasingly willing to tackle issues of a multidisciplinary nature and to work with the best institutions and research teams--be they affiliated with universities, government or the private sector--in Québec, Canada and around the world. It will be a great privilege to lead the institution in this direction, in partnership with the faculty and community at Polytechnique."

Mr. Lamarre also acknowledged the exceptional work accomplished by Robert L. Papineau, CEO of Polytechnique since 2002, who has decided not to renew his mandate in order to retire. Dr. Papineau contributed significantly to the institution's development and growing influence.

About Polytechnique
Founded in 1873, École Polytechnique de Montréal is one of Canada's leading engineering institutions in terms of both teaching and research. It is the largest engineering school in Québec as far as its student population and the scope of its research activities are concerned. Polytechnique provides instruction in 11 engineering specialties and is responsible for more than one-quarter of all university research in engineering in Québec. The institution has 230 professors and nearly 6,000 students. In addition to its annual operating budget of $85 million, Polytechnique has a $68-million operating and research infrastructure fund, which includes grants and contracts worth $38 million. Polytechnique is affiliated with Université de Montréal.

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Information:
Annie Touchette
Communications and Recruitment Office
École Polytechnique de Montréal
Tel.: 514-340-4711, ext. 4415