Gala Luminescence 2026: Winners Revealed
Meet the HEC Montréal alumni who will be celebrated at the 6th edition of the Luminescence Gala
On October 29, the Luminescence Gala will shine a spotlight on four HEC Montréal graduates whose careers and achievements stand out in their respective fields. The HEC Montréal community will gather at the Hélène-Desmarais Building to celebrate their contributions in four categories: Leadership and Performance – Large Business, Social Impact, Entrepreneurship, and Global Recognition.
HEC Montréal and the HEC Montréal Alumni Association will also honour Jean Chagnon, who has been named the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus.
LEADERSHIP and PERFORMANCE - Large Business
François Roberge (HEC Montréal 1987)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Boutique La Vie en Rose, Inc.
An entrepreneur at heart and a retail enthusiast, François Roberge has turned Quebec-based La Vie en Rose into a company with an international presence. After acquiring the lingerie chain in 1996, he drove its growth in Canada and in some 20 countries, then added Bikini Village to the group in 2015. A graduate of HEC Montréal with a degree in finance and marketing, he believes the School reinforced his hands-on experience and gave him the tools to become an entrepreneur and take the right risks. In 2015, he helped found Mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster, and has chaired its board of directors ever since.
social IMPACT
Julie Desharnais (HEC Montréal 2019)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Club des petits déjeuners
Driven by a desire to contribute to a more just society, Julie Desharnais has dedicated her career to the philanthropic and community sectors for over 20 years. After serving as director of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Foundation, she now brings her leadership to the Club des petits déjeuners. A graduate of HEC Montréal’s EMBA program, she credits this education with playing a decisive role in her career path, particularly in shaping her vision of leadership, which is grounded in empathy and active listening. Her commitment remains focused on the well-being of children and families.
global recognition
Paul-Harry Aithnard (HEC Montréal 1996)
UEMOA Regional Executive Director – Chief Executive Officer
Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire
With more than 20 years of experience in asset management, capital markets, and commercial banking, Paul-Harry Aithnard has held several executive positions at Ecobank, as well as at BBSP, in Paris, Montreal, and Singapore. A graduate of HEC Montréal with degrees in management and finance—where he also served as a lecturer—he credits the School with playing a pivotal role in his career. Today, he is applying his international expertise to support Africa’s development, particularly among women entrepreneurs.
entrepreneurship
Véronique Tougas (HEC Montréal 2004)
President
Cambli
At the helm of Cambli since 2010 and its majority shareholder since 2016, Véronique Tougas has helped transform and diversify the family business. With more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, she has notably led the company’s expansion into Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. A graduate of HEC Montréal, she credits the school with playing an important role in developing her independence and sense of initiative. A committed entrepreneur, she is also actively involved in the business community and the business succession sector, notably as an ambassador for Repreneuriat Québec and a member of the QG100 Network.
HEC Montréal and the HEC Montréal Alumni Association will also present Jean Chagnon (HEC Montréal 1970) with the honorary title of Distinguished Alumnus at the Gala.
This distinction recognizes his remarkable career, his contribution to the growth of Lallemand, and his commitment to the next generation and the HEC Montréal community.
The October 29, 2026, the Luminescence Gala promises to be a memorable evening celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of these exceptional members of the HEC Montréal community.
