Photons Canada welcomes new Executive Director

Photons Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Sébastien Chaffre as the new Executive Director of Photons Canada, effective June 3, 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sébastien Chaffre as the new Executive Director of Photons Canada. Sébastien’s extensive experience and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and support the growth and innovation of the Canadian photonics ecosystem. His proven track record and passion for technology and innovation make him the perfect fit to lead our organization into the future,” said Marie-Christine Ferland, Chair of the Photons Canada Board of Directors.

Sébastien Chaffre is a dynamic and visionary leader in the field of digital and operational transformation, with an international career in Europe, Canada and the United States. Currently based in Montreal, Quebec, Sébastien has led the technology and data departments at Desjardins in Montreal since 2019. Prior to his current role, he held leadership roles at Axelys and Greybox Solutions, where he implemented business intelligence and strategic repositioning strategies in the digital solutions sector for chronic disease management.

With more than 15 years of experience in technology transfer between universities and industries, Sébastien has played a key role in optimizing operational research and development activities and technology transfer in several large hospitals and research centers in Quebec. This expertise has enabled him to facilitate the development of strategic partnerships and the commercialization of innovation.

He currently serves on the board of directors of the Association for the Development of Research and Innovation in Quebec (ADRIQ). He holds diplomas in health management from Toulouse École supérieure de Commerce and in biotechnology engineering from ENSTBB Bordeaux INP, and a master’s degree in immunology from the University of Montreal.