François Tremblay: Shaping the Future with Prevost and Volvo Group Canada
François Tremblay is a big fish in a big pond. He’s been the driving force behind various branches of large multinational corporations such as Procter & Gamble and Bombardier. He now heads Prevost, Volvo Group Canada, And Volvo Bus North America, first as the General Manager and now as President.
François’s Career Trajectory
Today: Taking Prevost to New Heights
In 2016, François joined Volvo Group as General Manager of Prevost North America, where his strategic vision quickly led to his promotion to President. Today, he oversees operations for Prevost, Volvo Buses, and Volvo Group Canada. Under his leadership, Prevost reached new heights, surpassing $1 billion in revenue and navigating through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to build on the company’s long-standing legacy. When François returned to Quebec after two decades abroad, he was looking for more than just a network.
“I was looking for an opportunity to benchmark, exchange ideas with other business leaders, and learn from experts.TEC answered both needs—providing a space for candid, confidential discussions with peers and access to external expertise with TEC speakers.”
Navigating Prevost Through Its Greatest Test: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Pictured: The all-new H3-45 offers Prevost’s sleekest profile with added benefits.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought one of the most significant challenges in Prevost’s history. Practically overnight, market demand fell to 25% of its previous levels, forcing François to make the difficult decision to let go of 800 employees. Determined to rebuild, he led a bold recovery effort over the next two and a half years, rehiring nearly 950 employees and tripling production capacity, even as labour shortages and supply chain issues persisted.
Throughout this period, TEC Canada played an important role, providing François with critical support. The peer network allowed him to draw on the experiences of other members facing similar challenges, while TEC’s resources offered strategic advice on recruitment, technology implementation, and navigating market fluctuations. “The transparency and openness in the TEC group were invaluable,” François shares. “I could bring any challenge to the table, and the collective insights helped me make informed decisions to steer Prevost through the crisis.”
Leading with Innovation: A Commitment to the Future
François Tremblay is a big fish in a big pond, heading Prevost, Volvo Group Canada, And Volvo Bus North America.
As François guided Prevost beyond its centennial milestone, his focus remained on future growth. Under his leadership, the company embraced sustainable technologies, doubled investments in research and development, and launched its first electric coach program in 2023. These efforts were not just about meeting market demands but setting a foundation for continued innovation.
“Companies rarely get to where we are without adapting and evolving,” François reflects. “We made strategic investments to ensure we’re not just keeping up with the market but shaping its future.”
Throughout his career, François has embraced curiosity, networking, and continuous learning as essential pillars of success. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges that if he could start over, he might consider having a personal stake in a business, given his extensive experience in growing and transforming companies. For new executives, his advice is straightforward: seek to understand the root causes, get involved in extracurricular activities and board memberships to broaden your perspective, and stay ahead of technological advancements.
“Never stop being curious. The best leaders look beyond symptoms to understand underlying issues. Staying active on boards or associations exposes you to new ideas, and continuous learning is essential—especially with the pace of change in business today.”
“The value you gain from TEC far exceeds the time and investment. The return on investment is tenfold—not just in business growth, but in the personal development and insights you gain. TEC is a game changer.”
Giving Back: A Leader Committed to Shared Success
François’s involvement with TEC is not just about what he gains but also what he contributes. Drawing from his global business experience, he regularly shares insights on strategic planning, employee lifecycle management, and operational resilience. His advice on maintaining dynamic strategic plans and boosting employee engagement has proven valuable to fellow TEC members facing similar challenges.
“TEC has given me so much, and it’s a privilege to give back,” François says. “Helping other leaders by sharing my experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of this community.”
For leaders considering TEC membership, François states, “The value you gain from TEC far exceeds the time and investment. The return on investment is tenfold—not just in business growth, but in the personal development and insights you gain. TEC is a game changer.”
“TEC isn’t just a membership—it’s a community that inspires, challenges, and supports you,” François concludes. “If you’re serious about taking your leadership to the next level, TEC Canada is the place to start.”
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