Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin will conclude this summer ten years of leadership, commitment, and impact as Chief Executive Officer of CIRANO

A look back at a leadership that has profoundly impacted the organization and strengthened its position in public policy analysis, scientific advice, and knowledge transfer in Quebec

The CIRANO Board of Directors announced today that Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin will conclude this summer her term as President and CEO as planned, after a decade at the head of the organization.

Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin joined CIRANO in 2000 as a researcher and subsequently held the positions of Vice President (2008-2016) and President and CEO since 2016. She left a profound impact on CIRANO's development and influence through her commitment, vision, and ability to bring people together.

During her mandate, she led the implementation of two strategic plans that strengthened scientific excellence and researchers' productivity, further structured the organization of research, notably through the establishment of a scientific committee, and consolidated the centre's governance.

Driven by a constant desire to position CIRANO at the heart of major societal issues, she has strengthened relations with government, parapublic, and private partners, promoting constructive dialogue between academics and decision-makers. During the pandemic, Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin quickly set up and coordinated a multidisciplinary committee of experts to produce rigorous analyses and informed responses within short timeframes, thereby supporting public decision-making.

A committed figure in Quebec's research ecosystem, she has actively contributed to the development of structuring initiatives involving CIRANO. Her unifying leadership, rigor, and energy have greatly strengthened CIRANO's influence and impact in Quebec and beyond. 

An internationally recognized researcher, full professor at Polytechnique Montréal, and visiting scientist at Harvard, she has led numerous structuring projects, including the creation of an economic digital twin of the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region in collaboration with the federal government. Her research, often at the intersection of economic, technological, and societal issues, has informed decision-makers on complex issues related to digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence. 

"Nathalie has embodied CIRANO's mission—combining knowledge and decision-making—with passion and determination. She leaves behind an organization that is stronger, more visible, and better positioned than ever to meet the challenges ahead. We are deeply grateful to her for her remarkable contribution," said Yves Giroux, Chair of the CIRANO Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors will soon launch a selection process to find a successor to the Executive Director. Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin will remain in her position until August to ensure a smooth transition and to continue ongoing projects. Details regarding this process, including the desired profile and the expected timeline, will be communicated in due course.

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