Metro Appoints EVP/CEO

Canadian grocer Metro Inc. has named François Thibault its new SVP CFO, effective Aug. 1. Thibault will lead all of the company's financial management and reporting functions, as well as treasury and investor relations, legal affairs, strategic planning and corporate development.

Thibault held various strategic positions with aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, which he joined in 1999, including VP finance of Bombardier Aerospace, a position to which he was appointed in 2009. Earlier, he held senior financial positions with large companies in the printing and telecommunications industries.

“His strong financial experience, expertise and dynamic leadership will allow him to contribute positively to the company's growth,” noted Eric La Fleche, president and CEO of Montreal-based Metro, which operates more than 600 food stores in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario under such banners as Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as more than 250 drug stores under the Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics names.