Changes in Aeromag’s Governance
Mario Lépine, President and Founder of Aeromag, announces changes to the company’s governance structure, along with a redefined role for himself within the organization. Since founding Aeromag in 1994, Mario has led the company from its inception. Under his entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership, supported by dedicated teams, Aeromag has achieved remarkable growth.
Today, Aeromag operates in 17 airports across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, employing more than 1,700 people. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise, innovative spirit, and operational excellence. By adopting a sustainability-driven strategy, Aeromag has successfully integrated glycol recycling into its core deicing operations, further strengthening its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Over the years, driven by a desire to ensure Aeromag’s long-term sustainability and continued growth, Mario Lépine initiated a thoughtful succession planning process. This effort was undertaken in close collaboration with his children, Gabriel and Marie-Élaine Lépine, both of whom joined Aeromag even before completing their university studies. Since then, they have held a range of roles across operations and management, gaining deep insight into the organization and its inner workings.
This reflection led to the development of a robust succession plan, designed to ensure a smooth transition of the presidency while promoting talent development across all levels of management. Currently being implemented, the plan marks a strategic milestone in Aeromag’s ongoing evolution.
In this context, Mario Lépine has decided to step down from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective June 2025. However, this transition does not mark his departure from leadership. Mario will continue to play a key role by focusing on shaping Aeromag’s strategic direction, closely monitoring its implementation, and mentoring the next generation in their new responsibilities.
Like other business founders who have successfully planned their leadership transition, Mario will assume the role of Executive President of the Board of Aeromag. In this role, he will be able to leverage his extensive industry knowledge and organizational management expertise.
“I founded Aeromag in 1994, and if someone had told me back then that the company would one day operate at more than 17 airport sites and count among its clients some of the world’s leading airports and carriers, I wouldn’t have believed it. The pride I feel is matched only by the gratitude I have for all my colleagues with whom we built Aeromag. My greatest wish has always been to ensure the continuity and sustainability of Aeromag, and now, I can fulfill that wish with confidence, knowing that the incoming leadership will carry the company forward. I will remain involved in a new role to support this next generation and help guide Aeromag’s strategic direction.” – Mario Lépine
As part of the succession plan, Mario has appointed his successors to assume the presidency of Aeromag. They will officially take on their new roles in June 2025, fully prepared to embrace the responsibilities of this strategic position with commitment and purpose.
With great pride and deep confidence in the future, Mario officially announces that Gabriel and Marie-Élaine have accepted the responsibility of leading the company as Co-Presidents. For several years, they have served as Executive Vice-Presidents, respectively overseeing all administrative, financial, commercial, and operational aspects of the organization. In effect, under Mario’s leadership, Gabriel and Marie-Élaine have already been managing the full scope of Aeromag’s operations, making this transition a natural and promising step forward for the company’s future.
They have therefore naturally emerged as the clear and ideal candidates to succeed Mario. Their appointment marks a logical continuation of a journey characterized by steady progress within the company. Gabriel and Marie-Élaine are thus appointed Co-Presidents of Aeromag. Gabriel will oversee operational services and development, while Marie-Élaine will be responsible for financial, corporate, and administrative services, along with the company’s social responsibility.
“We accept the co-presidency of Aeromag with pride, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Guided by the values passed down by our father, we are committed to carrying forward the work he built, with a strong focus on innovation, excellence, and sustainable development. We have full confidence in the collective strength of our teams to continue propelling Aeromag forward, both locally and internationally.” – Marie-Élaine and Gabriel Lépine, Co-Presidents of Aeromag
Gabriel and Marie-Élaine emphasize their reliance of the support of all their colleagues to ensure the continuity and growth of the company. Recognizing that Aeromag’s success is built on collective commitment, they acknowledge the vital role each employee, partner, and collaborator plays in the continuation of this shared journey.
