The minds that
make it happen.

For over 20 years, Cynthia Labonté has been assisting boards of directors, corporate executives, and public organizations in the complete management of executive search processes. Previously, she led a team of senior directors and consultants at a major Canadian strategic consulting and executive search firm.

She has successfully completed over 350 executive search mandates for leading companies and firms in the manufacturing, industrial, distribution, retail, professional services, and not-for-profit sectors. Her entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, discipline, and analytical skills are essential attributes that enable her to recognize the unique culture and needs of organizations, and to assess the leadership required to meet her clients’ business challenges. Throughout her professional career, her approach as a business partner has proven to be a key asset in implementing strategies with lasting, value-added impact.

Ms. Labonté is a member of EntreChefs (a network of over 2,000 entrepreneurs in Quebec) and serves on the Board of Directors of Penrhyn International, a global network of executive search professionals. She is deeply involved in Montreal’s philanthropic community, actively participating on boards and in many local causes.

She holds a dual MBA from Université Paris-Dauphine and ESG-UQAM in Montreal.

Mr. Yanouk Poirier brings over 30 years of professional experience and has successfully led numerous mandates in executive search, leadership advisory, and board recruitment for SMEs as well as large national and international organizations. A recognized leader in his field, he is known for his strategic insight, strong governance expertise, and his ability to build high-impact leadership teams.

His ability to build meaningful connections and foster long-term collaborations makes him a true catalyst for success for his clients. As a strategic partner, he supports organizations in optimizing their impact and evolving their ecosystem, ensuring alignment between talent, governance, and business ambitions. His holistic approach to leadership enables companies to anticipate future challenges and build high-performing, engaged teams.

Deeply committed to his community, Mr. Poirier serves on the boards of Penrhyn International, the Club St-James de Montréal, and the Fondation de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal. He also acts as a mentor and Governor at the University of Sherbrooke, contributing to the development of emerging leaders and the advancement of responsible governance.

Yanouk describes himself as a family man, father, entrepreneur, and natural connector. He firmly believes that leadership has the power to positively transform society and that we have a collective responsibility to give back and create meaningful impact, one leader at a time.

He holds an MBA from the University of Sherbrooke, as well as a post-MBA specializing in major global strategic issues. He is also certified in executive coaching (ACC) by the International Coaching Federation.

A proud member of the Humanis Group of Companies, Bruce Powell and IQ PARTNERS bring decades of industry experience to support the executive search business in Toronto.

Bruce co-founded IQ PARTNERS in 2001 and operates as Managing Partner. His specialties include Executive Search, M&A, Corporate Counsel, and Leadership & Board Recruitment. With a passion for innovation and growth (IQ PARTNERS has been named 7x as a PROFIT 500 growth company), Bruce also specializes in venture-backed startups, scale-ups, growth companies, and emerging technologies, including Data, SaaS, Digital and AI.

Bruce began his career at Procter & Gamble and progressed into senior management roles in marketing and communications before finding his true calling in executive search as one of Canada’s leading recruiters in Mar/Com, Media & Technology companies.

Bruce is an advocate of ‘smart people’ and humble intelligence. He’s a passionate entrepreneur and derives great satisfaction helping growth companies achieve success. He is an active board member and advisor to several industry associations and companies.

Vanezza Laudé is a Senior Executive Recruitment Consultant at Humanis, with over 20 years of experience, including 16 years in executive recruitment, primarily at RCGT.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Université du Québec à Montréal, combining certificates in English, French Writing and Composition, and Communications. Vanezza has developed recognized expertise in talent identification and acquisition, from high-volume recruitment to executive and leadership searches. Her ability to manage complex mandates makes her a trusted partner for clients with diverse needs.

Her successful recruitment mandates span sectors such as education, research, service industries, organizations, and private companies. Known for her structured and results-oriented approach, she ensures exceptional service quality and client satisfaction.

Vanezza is celebrated for her team spirit, professionalism, and continuous drive to learn. Her organized and meticulous methods, combined with her ability to deliver tangible results, make her an invaluable asset to any project.

As a Senior Strategic Advisor at Humanis Montreal, Hooman leverages his extensive experience and cross-industry credentials to assist premier organizations in identifying and connecting with high-performing executives. His role involves bridging these high performers in his trusted network with opportunities that align with their culture and aspirations, ensuring successful placements and long-term success.

With over 25 years of experience at top international consulting firms, he has advised senior executives and delivered complex global transformation efforts for CFOs and Treasurers. His expertise spans business transformation, enterprise systems selection, implementation and integration, financial planning, and reporting. He has worked with dynamic global companies across various industries including asset management, banking and financial services, insurance, real estate, and high-technology manufacturing.

Hooman owns a CMA-MBA in Accounting, Management and Finance from UQAM, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems from McGill University. His personal and academic journey has taken him across multiple continents, allowing him to become proficient in French, English, and Spanish, and conversant in Italian and Farsi. He is a proud and present father of three, and cherishes spending time with friends and family, engaging in active sports, and sharing sharp opinions on politics, economics, and life outlooks.

Maria Icaza is from Mexico City; she has more than 13 years of experience in executive search. She has collaborated with partners on senior management roles up to C-Suite positions in the manufacturing, consumer, retail, pharmaceutical, industrial and professional services industry. She has been working in Mexico and Canada, nevertheless she did some assignments in Latin-America, Europe, and in the United States.

She has strong interpersonal skills and naturally attracts high-caliber talents. Besides her love for connecting with people, she aims to learn new things every day. Committed and devoted to the firm, she understands the talent market and thrives from being part of a team.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Universidad del Valle de Mexico.  

Fluent in Spanish and English, and in French (in development).

Stéphanie Larose has over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, executive advisory support and executive search. At Humanis, she contributes to strengthening the clarity and structure of communications in contexts of growth, transformation and organizational repositioning.

She supports leaders in defining their messaging and aligning communications with organizational objectives. Her expertise includes drafting leadership profiles, strategic reports and institutional content, as well as providing specialized translation of complex documents in the pharmaceutical, scientific and medical sectors.

Her background in executive search provides her with a strong understanding of governance dynamics and the realities faced by executive teams. Recognized for her rigor, analytical skills and writing excellence, she adopts a structured, thoughtful and human-centered approach.

Stéphanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Literature from the Université de Lorraine (France). She combines linguistic precision and strategic judgment in the mandates entrusted to her.

Robin Ferré is an executive search consultant.

Prior to joining Humanis, Robin worked as a consultant and then as a director for a major player in executive search in Canada, where he worked in a variety of sectors including professional services, technology and manufacturing.

Prior to this, he worked in various organizations in Europe and Canada, in human resources and recruitment functions.

In his spare time, Robin is very involved in his community. He is a board member of the Société Économique de l’Ontario and the Alliance Française de Toronto.

He’s also a big fan of combat sports, which he likes to practice or simply watch after a good dinner with his loved ones.

Robin Ferré holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and a master’s degree in Human Resources.