MONTRÉAL, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - It is with immense regret that Loto-Québec's Board of Directors and executive management learned that Simon Patenaude, President of Lottery Operations and, since last March, Loto-Québec's Interim President and CEO, has passed away. Mr. Patenaude was admitted to hospital last August for heart-related problems. He died on October 28 following a pulmonary embolism that resulted in a heart attack.
The Corporation's managers and employees received the sad news early this morning. In a note addressed to all staff, Lynne Roiter, Secretary General and Vice President of Legal Affairs, who had taken over for Mr. Patenaude as Interim President and CEO, praised the human and professional qualities of this beloved colleague: "Over the past 30 years, many of us got to know Simon well. Highly respected as a colleague and manager, he was particularly known for his dedication, leadership, charisma and concern for the good of our company. But more than that, he was considered a great man for his human qualities, his sense of humour, close ties with employees and genuine interest in the people around him."
Hélène F. Fortin, Chairman of Loto-Québec's Board, also paid tribute to Mr. Patenaude, both personally and on behalf of the Members of the Board: "Simon was a pillar of our Corporation because of his leadership, his kindness, his vision and his many other qualities. He made a tremendous contribution in shaping Loto-Québec over the years and making it the success it is today. He will always be remembered. It was a privilege to know him and have crossed his path."
Simon Patenaude began his career at Loto-Québec in 1984 in the Marketing Department and climbed the ranks to General Manager of Marketing in 2001. Twelve years later, he was appointed Corporate Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, later returning to the Lotteries sector as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and then President of Lottery Operations, a position he held since March 2015. Last spring, he was named Loto-Québec's Interim President and CEO.
To ensure the continuity of commercial activities, Isabelle Jean, Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Innovation and Public Affairs, will continue acting as Interim President Lottery Operations, and Lynne Roiter as Loto-Québec's Interim President and CEO.
On behalf of all Loto-Québec's employees, we wish to offer our sincere condolences to Simon Patenaude's family, friends and close acquaintances.
SOURCE Loto-Québec
Image with caption: "Simon Patenaude (CNW Group/Loto-Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161031_C1286_PHOTO_EN_807638.jpg
Source: Patrice Lavoie, Corporate Director, Public Affairs, Press Relations and Social Media, Loto-Québec, 514-499-5130, [email protected], twitter.com/patricelavoie
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