Canadian engineering firm SNC-Lavalin has chosen Robert Card as its new President and CEO, effective Oct. 1. Card told WC Monitor he is “looking forward to moving to Montreal and learning French” when reached by phone—a key point as his inability to speak French has been raised as an issue by Canadian press and Quebec politicians. An article in today’s Toronto Globe and Mailheadlined “SNC Choice Ignites Quebec Language Debate” reports that SNC interviewed and passed over several French-speaking candidates for the job: “The naming of Mr. Card, who does not speak French, to lead one of Quebec’s most successful companies has became an issue in the provincial election campaign,” the newspaper wrote. “PQ leader Pauline Marois, pushing to toughen Quebec’s controversial French language laws, seized on the appointment Monday, saying during a campaign stop in Montreal: ‘I am asking SNC-Lavalin that it make sure that he follow courses in French so that he could at least become bilingual.’ ”
Card served as Under Secretary of Energy from 2001-2004. Before coming to DOE, Card held a variety of positions at CH2M Hill, including President and Group Chief Executive of the International division; President of the Government, Environment & Nuclear division; President of the Facilities & Infrastructure division; and President of the Energy, Water & Facilities division. During his time at CH2M Hill, Card helped oversee the successful cleanup of the Rocky Flats site in Colorado. "We considered several strong candidates from Canada and around the world," SNC-Lavalin Board Chair Gwyn Morgan said in a statement. "Our key focus was to identify an experienced senior leader with both an extensive background in the international engineering and construction (E&C) sector and a deep understanding of the complexities of operating internationally. … The Selection Committee’s lengthy and thorough interviews, followed by an assessment by the entire Board and independent, external corroboration all reveal an exceptionally intelligent, energetic and ethical leader, well-equipped to deal with both the specific issues that face SNC-Lavalin and the broader strategic challenges of global political and economic changes."