Jean Lessard began his career with Hydro-Québec some 30 years ago as a scientist at IREQ. In 2001, he became Manager of Automation and Measurement Systems. In his capacity as Director – Technology Innovation since January 2008, Mr. Lessard oversees the Institute’s innovation portfolios with respect to generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The Smart Grid Innovation Program is one of Hydro-Québec’s major innovation initiatives under his leadership.

Mr. Lessard holds a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Université Laval. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of SmartGrid Canada in 2011. He is also a founding member of SERI – Smarter Energy Research Institute in partnership with IBM Watson and is a member of the Governance Committee.