Outgoing Telus CEO Darren Entwistle has been appointed to the Order of Quebec in a ceremony on Wednesday.
The appointment recognizes “individuals whose achievements have profoundly shaped Québec’s development and influence,” according to a press release announcing the news.
Entwistle has spent over 25 years at the telco, which has blossomed from a regional telecom to a national and international player with tentacles in businesses as diverse as health and AI.
Entwistle was appointed an officer in the order, meaning his work is recognized as having major repercussions with international scope in one or more fields.
“Throughout that time, he has championed Québec as a strategic hub for telecommunications, AI and healthcare technology innovation and economic growth, while inspiring team members to make a positive difference in communities across the province through philanthropy and volunteerism,” the release added.
The release notes that Telus has “positioned Québec as a global hub for technology innovation and broadband connectivity through significant long-term investments.”
“I am exceedingly honoured, grateful and humbled by this distinction,” Entwistle said in the release. “Indeed, to be bestowed with the Ordre national du Québec holds profound significance, as Québec has played such an integral role in TELUS’ growth story and, equally, in my own development and leadership journey.
“Our TELUS team has always viewed Québec as a strategic and cultural cornerstone of Canada, and foundational to TELUS’ belief that to do well in business, we must do good in the communities where we live, work and serve as citizens. Our passionate commitment to the province ranges from: TELUS centre of excellence in the development of leading-edge technologies that support the needs of Québec’s consumers, businesses and the public sector; to the leadership headquarters of our preventative, digital health strategy to improve the health span of Québecers; to embodying the essence of TELUS’ social purpose ideology in action to help our fellow citizens in the province, through our innovative philanthropy and boundless volunteerism.”
Entwistle, who was also appointed to the Order of Canada in 2018, was last month appointed to the BC Innovators Hall of Fame.
Entwislte will be leaving his post ast Telus CEO at the end of this month, but will remain for a period as CEO Emeritus.
Screengrab of Telus CEO accepting Order of Quebec honour at ceremony, via Ordre national du Québec YouTube channel
