Davie has hired a new president from outside the shipbuilding world by tapping a Montreal business leader with a track record in government contracts to chase growth opportunities.
The Levis, Quebec-headquartered yard group said it has appointed Maxie Lafleur as the president of its Chantier Davie Canada unit.
Lafleur has been tasked with working with chief executive and company owner James Davies to grow the business and lead key initiatives, Davie said in an Instagram post.
Davies said in an announcement that the new president brings a “unique and exceptional skill set” to his company.
“I have every confidence she will lead our Canadian activities through a period of expansion unprecedented in our 200-year history,” he said.
“Maxie will ensure Davie continues to deliver on its promise to support the ambitious shipbuilding programmes of Canada and our close allies in today’s challenging global environment. I am already working closely with her to advance Davie’s strategic priorities and create value for our customers.”
The company said she brings a wealth of experience in change management, growth strategies, digital transformation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Davie said Lafleur spearheaded growth and transformation efforts that included complex government contracts in her previous roles as chief executive at Bus.com and as a business development executive in the civil aviation division of CAE.
The yard group said her appointment is one in a series of moves to position Davie as a leading specialised shipbuilder.
Among recent moves, the company took over the assets of Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard in November, and in July the shipbuilder announced an intention to move into the US market.
Lafleur said she is honoured to join the company at a pivotal moment.
“I am ready to lead our efforts under the National Shipbuilding Strategy as well as developing our future vision through the ICE Pact initiative,” she said, referring to the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort agreed by the US, Canada and Finland.
“Working side by side with James, our talented leadership team and world-class workforce, I have no doubt we will achieve and even exceed our strategic goals in building top-tier ships for the Canadian government and its Nato allies.”
