About
A leader who understands both technology and people.
I'm François Lessard, an executive leader in information technology. With more than 30 years of experience, my career has taken me from hands-on technology roles to the IT vice-presidential level, spanning applications, infrastructure, architecture, and leadership.
Today, I help organizations structure and transform their IT function through flexible IT leadership, interim leadership, and strategic advisory engagements.
My background in communications, combined with my technology experience and executive education at MIT, shapes the way I work: understanding the issues, asking the right questions, making technology accessible, and turning complex challenges into clear business decisions.
What I bring
- A perspective that connects business strategy and technology
- The ability to structure an IT function across governance, processes, resources, and budgets
- A strong understanding of infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, and architecture
- Experience leading complex technology transformations
- Team leadership and technology partner and vendor management
- The ability to clearly communicate technology issues to executives
My philosophy
A leader delegates, builds trust, and helps people grow.
I believe that an environment built on trust, autonomy, and clarity enables teams to perform at their best, grow, and deliver lasting results.
The link between technology and business.
My career has taken me from support and applications to architecture and IT leadership. I have worked on both sides of the technology relationship: with technology service providers and within large organizations.
This dual perspective allows me to understand both the realities on the ground and the priorities of executive leadership—and to bridge the gap between the two.
Career
- Since 2024
LeaderTI
Flexible IT leadership, interim leadership, and advisory engagements in strategy, governance, processes, cybersecurity, and technology transformation.
- 2012 – 2024
Ivanhoé Cambridge
From application administration to the IT vice-presidential level. Leadership across applications, infrastructure, and operations; technology architecture, cloud transformation, cybersecurity, vendor management, and technology budgets.
- 2001 – 2012
Tink
From technical support to technology architecture. Leadership of support services, applications and infrastructure, solution architecture, and web hosting infrastructure.
Education & Certifications
- UQAM · 1996Master's Degree in Communications and Multimedia
- MIT · 2022Mastering Negotiation & Influence
- MIT · 2021Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy
- MIT · 2019Internet of Things (IoT): Business Implications and Opportunities
- CertificationsITIL 4 · Lean Yellow Belt · Microsoft Azure · Microsoft Server, Network, Security & SharePoint