MONTRÉAL – Pierre Lassonde, Chair of the Board of Directors of Polytechnique Montréal, is proud to announce that, during the Board’s November 19th meeting, members voted to renew Maud Cohen’s mandate as President of the institution for a five-year term beginning August 10, 2026. 

In line with the governance process, a committee was tasked with assessing the President’s first term and provided a favourable recommendation on her renewal. The Board subsequently accepted the committee’s recommendation. 

Since becoming President of Polytechnique Montréal in 2022—the first woman to hold this position since the institution’s founding in 1873—Ms. Cohen has focused on major priorities such as developing the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and advancing Polytechnique’s mission in higher education, research, and innovation. Under her leadership, the institution continues to strengthen its contribution to Québec’s scientific and economic development and to excel on the global stage. 

Prior to beginning her first term as President of Polytechnique Montréal, Ms. Cohen demonstrated her leadership as President and CEO of the Fondation CHU Sainte-Justine from 2014 to 2022. Prior to that, she served three consecutive terms as President of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, from 2009 to 2012. 

“On behalf of the entire Polytechnique Montréal community, I congratulate Maud and wish her every possible success during her second term as President,” Mr. Lassonde said. “I alsopledge my full support to her, and that of all the members of the Board of Directors, as she assumes this new mandate. We are very fortunate indeed to have a woman of her stature leading our organization.”  

Ms. Cohen said: “Since 2022, it has been an immense privilege to servce as President of Polytechnique Montréal, my alma mater. I feel a profound attachment to this institution and I am truly honoured to lead it, alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. Together, we have accomplished remarkable progress in recent years and I am excited to continue on this journey with our student, faculty, staff and alumni communities, as well as with all our partners. Above all, I am committed to building on our achievements, fostering boldness and excellence, and upholding Polytechnique Montréal’s role as a flagship institution that helps transform and improve our society every single day.” 

About Polytechnique Montréal  

Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada’s largest engineering education and research institutions. It is located on the Université de Montréal campus, the largest French-language university campus in the Americas. With more than 64,400 graduates to date, Polytechnique has educated over 22% of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec’s current membership. Polytechnique offers more than 120 programs taught by over 300 professors, and welcomes in excess of 10,000 students yearly. It has an annual operating budget of $300 million, including a research budget of $100 million. 

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Christian Merciari  
Media Relations Officer and Spokesperson 
Communications 
Polytechnique Montréal   
514 742-8586   
christian.merciari@polymtl.ca