MONTREAL – In a bid to further strengthen its presence in Québec, Telus says it’s expanding the roles for three of its Montreal-based executives. François Côté, Executive Vice President, will now oversee executive oversight of Telus Ventures, François Gratton has been appointed President of Telus Québec and Atlantic Canada, and Paul Lepage has been appointed the President of Telus Health and Payment Solutions. Telus says the three are being recognized for their contributions to Telus' overall success and the increasing importance and level of contribution its Québec team has on the organization's national strategy.
"Elevating the executive responsibilities of these three accomplished Telus leaders demonstrates our commitment to, and the importance of, the Québec market in our organisation. As a major employer and industry leader, Telus is dedicated to building on the hard work and skill of our more than 5,500 current Québec team members and our alumni who have demonstrated the courage to innovate within the communications industry over the past 85 years," said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of Telus.
Since joining Telus in 2008, Côté (right) has played a prominent role both in Québec, as President, Telus Québec, and nationally, as President of Telus Health and Executive Vice President, Telus Corporation. In addition to his current executive responsibilities, Côté will now assume the management of investments for Telus Ventures on a global basis.
Since 2001, Telus Ventures has invested $95 million in 34 companies and has a current portfolio of 14 active companies valued at more than $50 million. In 2012, four Telus Ventures portfolio companies have had successful liquidity events, the most recent being Ruckus Wireless, the Wi-Fi technology pioneer, which listed on the NYSE and generated a more than eight-fold return for Telus.
Telus says Côté will continue to advance its venture investments in the communications sector while increasing investment in the health sector and leveraging Telus’ expertise and reputation as a technology leader focused on preventative healthcare.
Gratton's appointment as President, Telus Québec and Atlantic Canada demonstrates the significance that the carrier places on the Québec market says Telus and the growth opportunities that the company is realizing in the Atlantic Canada market.
“He is the perfect executive to carry on the work of our 5,500 team members who have been leaving their mark on the Québec communications industry, building on our proud history of the past 85 years. François will now have the chance to be the face of Telus in his home province, and I am sure he will do an amazing job," said Côté.
Gratton (right) is responsible for supporting the consumer wireless market across the province, the business markets across Atlantic Canada, and the broadband data network that Telus has implemented for the Government of Québec. In his new capacity, Gratton now also has accountability for Telus' broadband wireless and wireline services in Eastern Québec, including Optik TV and Internet Haute Vitesse.
As President, Telus Health and Payment Solutions, Paul Lepage (left) will have increased responsibilities in support of the company's strategic priority to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Canada's healthcare system through technology and innovation.
"In this expanded role, Paul will be leading his team to transform the healthcare continuum, from hospital to home, by delivering information technology solutions that allow professionals to deliver better care more cost efficiently and importantly, empower patients to take a greater role in managing their own health and that of their families," said Côté.
Telus Health has invested more than $1 billion dollars to bring healthcare information technology to market. The organization leverages innovative technologies and applications to deliver best-in-class solutions including telehomecare, electronic medical and health records, personal health records, pharmacy management services and benefits management services.
