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Sophie Brochu

Sophie Brochu is a Canadian business executive and economist from Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sophie Brochu is a Canadian business executive and economist from Quebec. She is best known for leading Énergir from 2007 to 2019 and for becoming the first woman to serve as president and chief executive officer of Hydro-Québec in 2020.

Early life and education

Sophie Brochu was born in Lévis, Quebec, in 1963. She studied economics at Université Laval, which led to a career in the energy sector.

Career at Énergir

Brochu joined Gaz Métro in 1997 and later became its president and CEO in 2007. During her tenure, the company expanded beyond its traditional natural gas base and rebranded as Énergir in 2017.

Hydro‑Québec leadership

In 2020, Brochu was appointed president and CEO of Hydro‑Québec, becoming the first woman in that role. She resigned in 2023 after less than three years in the position.

Board roles and public profile

Brochu has held board positions with major companies and was elected to the board of Saint‑Gobain in 2024. She is also recognized for community involvement and leadership in Quebec’s business sector.

Key facts

  • Sophie Brochu was born in Lévis, Quebec, in 1963.
  • She joined Gaz Métro in 1997 and became its president and CEO in 2007.
  • She served as president and CEO of Hydro‑Québec from 2020 until her resignation in April 2023.
  • She was the first woman to lead Hydro‑Québec.
  • Her career has focused on energy, government relations, human resources, and sustainability.
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Canadian context

Brochu is a prominent Quebec business leader whose career has been closely tied to major Canadian and provincial energy institutions, especially Énergir and Hydro-Québec.[1][3][6]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sophie Brochu?
Sophie Brochu is a Canadian business executive and economist from Quebec, best known for leading Énergir and later Hydro‑Québec.
What is Sophie Brochu known for?
She is known for becoming the first woman to lead Hydro‑Québec and for her long career in Quebec’s energy sector.
When did Sophie Brochu lead Hydro‑Québec?
She served as president and CEO of Hydro‑Québec from 2020 until her resignation in April 2023.
What company did Sophie Brochu lead before Hydro‑Québec?
Before Hydro‑Québec, she was president and CEO of Énergir from 2007 to 2019.
Where is Sophie Brochu from?
She was born in Lévis, Quebec, Canada.
What is Sophie Brochu’s educational background?
She holds a degree in economics from Université Laval.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie_Brochu
    Supports: Birth year and place, nationality, career chronology, Hydro-Québec and Énergir leadership, board role at Saint-Gobain.
  2. Hydro-Québec — https://news.hydroquebec.com/news/press-releases/all-quebec/sophie-brochu-appointed-president-and-chief-executive-officer-of-hydro-quebec.html
    Supports: Appointment as president and CEO of Hydro-Québec, prior Énergir leadership, energy-sector experience, community involvement.
  3. Consulting.ca — https://www.consulting.ca/news/1066/energir-ceo-sophie-brochu-joins-cgis-board-of-directors
    Supports: Énergir career timeline, education at Université Laval, board memberships, community roles.
  4. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/hydro-quebec-brochu-resigns-1.6709139
    Supports: Resignation as Hydro-Québec president and CEO in April 2023.
  5. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-hydro-quebec-ceo-exit-job/
    Supports: Hydro-Québec resignation, first woman to lead the utility, term duration.