Quebec Appoints Serge Lamontagne as SAAQ’s Fourth CEO in Three Years

In a significant move following a critical report from the Public Market Authority, Quebec has appointed Serge Lamontagne as the fourth CEO of the Société de l’Assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) in just three years. This decision comes as the government aims to implement a cultural change within the organization, particularly after addressing issues stemming from the problematic SAAQclic project.

Serge Lamontagne Takes the Helm

The provincial government, led by Premier François Legault, announced Lamontagne’s appointment on Wednesday. He replaces Annie Lafond, who was briefly at the helm after the fallout from the SAAQclic debacle that revealed serious management flaws. Lamontagne previously served as the General Director of both Montreal and Laval, making him a strong candidate for this critical position.

Challenges Ahead for the New CEO

The SAAQ faces an uphill battle as it seeks to address numerous issues highlighted in the recent report. The report pointed out irregularities, contract fragmentation, and a lack of transparency, calling for accountability in the ongoing digital transformation that has significantly exceeded budget projections.

Transportation Minister Jonatan Julien outlined three immediate priorities for Lamontagne:

• Address external report recommendations to improve governance and operations at the SAAQ.
• Develop a plan to restore budget balance and reduce the deficit.
• Ensure high-quality services for citizens.

A Track Record of Restructuring

Lamontagne is regarded as a specialist in organizational restructuring, a vital asset for the SAAQ as it seeks to shake off past inefficiencies. His ability to foster trust with the board and various stakeholders will be crucial for the transition. The previous CEO, Nathalie Tremblay, had acknowledged that communication regarding financial state and project progress lacked clarity, a gap that Lamontagne must bridge.

Frequent Leadership Changes

The rapid succession of CEOs at the SAAQ highlights the turmoil faced by the organization:

The SAAQ has experienced instability and public skepticism since the onset of the SAAQclic project failures. With Serge Lamontagne at the forefront, there remains hope for a rejuvenation of both the organization and its reputation.