Jean-Guy Paquet

Jean-Guy Paquet, born on January fifth, nineteen thirty-eight, in Montmagny, Quebec, is a distinguished Canadian scientist and businessman. He embarked on his academic journey at Université Laval, where he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering physics in nineteen fifty-nine. The following year, he furthered his studies at the École nationale supérieure de l’aéronautique, obtaining a master's degree in aeronautics. Paquet returned to Université Laval to complete his Doctor of Electrical Engineering in nineteen sixty-three.

His career at Université Laval was marked by significant leadership roles. From nineteen sixty-seven to nineteen sixty-nine, he served as the head of the electrical engineering department. His ascent continued as he became vice-rector from nineteen sixty-nine to nineteen seventy-two, and ultimately, he held the position of rector from nineteen seventy-seven to nineteen eighty-seven. Notably, he was the youngest president of a Canadian university and the second engineer to assume the role of rector at Université Laval.

After his tenure at Université Laval, Paquet transitioned to the corporate world, taking on the role of Executive Vice President at The Laurentian Mutual Insurance Company from nineteen eighty-seven to nineteen eighty-eight. He then served as President from nineteen eighty-eight to nineteen ninety-four. Since nineteen ninety-four, he has been at the helm of the National Optics Institute as President and CEO, continuing to contribute to the fields of science and business.