Paul Desmarais III is the Chairman and CEO of Sagard, an alternative asset management firm active in venture capital, private equity, credit, and real estate.
Paul has led Sagard since 2016, along with a handful of close partners bound by a common vision: partnering with entrepreneurs to catalyze transformation in our investments and communities. Sagard has experienced outstanding growth, with assets under management increasing to over $25B.
Under Paul, Sagard has built a global network of expertise that helps companies lead, embrace, and stay ahead of disruptive trends, expanding activity in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The team is behind some of the largest technology success stories in Canada such as Wealthsimple, Koho, nesto, and Dialogue. Sagard is also behind incredible international entrepreneurial journeys such as the growth of Ceva Sante Animale, the creation of Kiloutou as a French equipment rental champion, and the creation of Alan in the insurance space in France.
Paul engages actively in growing Sagard companies. Within the Sagard ecosystem, Paul is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Portage (fintech & financial services investing) and the Chairman and Co-Founder of Diagram (venture builder). Within the investment portfolios, he is the Chairman of Wealthsimple, Novisto, and Grayhawk, and a director of Nesto and Midas. Paul also sits on the board of Empower, the number two 401(k) business in the U.S.
Paul is dedicated to helping build a better business world. He is Co-Founder of the Black Wealth Club and the Indigenous Leadership Circle, where emerging Black and Indigenous leaders learn about creating wealth and networks giving them tools and resources that can be reinvested in their communities. Under Paul’s leadership, Sagard has committed to a more sustainable financial system by becoming a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, enlisting as a CREO participant, and embarking on its journey to carbon neutrality.
Paul was also co-chair of the Centraide (United Way) campaign in 2022 and now serves as Chair of the Major Donors campaign, playing a crucial role in mobilizing significant support for social equity and poverty reduction initiatives in the Greater Montreal area. He is also Honourary Co-President of the Sainte-Justine Hospital’s Foundation 2023-2028 campaign, where he actively contributes to advancing children’s health. Furthermore, he is a member of the 2023-2028 campaign of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Paul is also a CMi mentor and founded Young Canadians in Finance. His exceptional contributions have been recognized with accolades such as the prestigious “MBA of the Year” award, solidifying his reputation as both a business leader and a compassionate advocate for positive change.
Finally, Paul received the Arnold Edinborough Award for his work chairing the fundraising campaign for the Kenojuak Culture Center. He was formerly a board member of the Rideau Hall Foundation, Alpine Canada, and the Glenbow Museum, and co-chaired the True Patriot Love Expedition to the magnetic North Pole.
Prior to his current role, Paul worked at Goldman Sachs in the Investment Banking Division, Investment Strategy Group and Special Situations Group, Imerys S.A. in supply chain management and strategy, and Great-West Lifeco Inc. in risk management. He has earned a B.A. in Economics from Harvard College and holds an MBA from INSEAD. Paul resides in Montreal with his wife and four children.
