The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has announced the sudden departure of its president and CEO, Julie Gascon. In a brief statement issued Friday on its website, the port authority said Gascon “has ceased her position” effective immediately and that the board of directors will oversee the leadership of the organization on an interim basis. A search for her replacement is underway. The MPA did not provide a reason for her departure in the statement. A spokesperson told CTV News in an email on Saturday that the contractual relationship between Gascon and the MPA “is a private matter” and more details could not be provided. “With the Contrecœur terminal expansion project actively progressing, the Port of Montreal is entering a new phase in its development, which will take place as part of a new strategic cycle for the MPA,” said Nathalie Pilon, chair of the board of directors of the MPA, in the statement. “The organization is in an excellent position to fulfill its mandate and contribute to Canada’s competitiveness in global markets.” Gascon, originally from the Montreal area, was appointed as the head of the MPA in November 2023 and started serving in the role on Feb. 12, 2024. Before taking on the role, she was the president and CEO of the Pacific Pilotage Authority. Pilot had previously praised Gascon for her “exemplary career” and wealth of experience in the marine industry. The outgoing CEO has held previous roles with the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Université de Montréal and a bachelor’s degree of technology in nautical sciences from the University College of Cape Breton.
