Passing of Robert Parizeau

The members of the HEC Montréal community were saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Parizeau on June 2, 2026. HEC Montréal wishes to commend Robert Parizeau’s exceptional contribution to the development of the School throughout its history.

An HEC Montréal alumnus (1957), like his father, Gérard Parizeau (1920), and his brothers, Jacques Parizeau (1950), and Michel Parizeau (1953), he maintained a very close relationship with his alma mater. He was deeply committed to the School’s funding activities and chaired the 1993 fundraising campaign and helped create the Gérard Parizeau Fund in 2000. Each year, this fund presents an award to a leading figure in the fields of insurance, economics, management or history. He also played a major role in establishing the Jacques-Parizeau Research Chair in Economic Policy in 2023.

Recognized as one of HEC Montréal’s major contributors, he was awarded the title of Distinguished Alumnus in 1995. And in 2004, he received an Honorary PhD from the Université de Montréal, upon the recommendation of HEC Montréal.

A career dedicated to the insurance industry

After completing his studies at HEC Montréal, Robert Parizeau first joined the insurance firm run by his father. He then spent 25 years at the helm of Sodarcan, active in the insurance brokerage, reinsurance and actuarial services sectors.
Subsequently, he served as Chairman and sat on numerous boards, including those of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Power Corporation, National Bank, Gaz Métropolitain (which became Énergir), Groupe Canam and Van Houtte. His involvement encouraged business leaders to focus on governance issues. 

In addition to providing support to the academic community, Robert Parizeau was also involved in philanthropy in the medical and cultural fields. 

In 2016, Robert Parizeau was awarded the Ordre Nationale du Québec, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to Quebec’s economy and society.