Paul Desmarais III is the Chairman and CEO of Sagard, a global middle-market alternative asset management firm active in venture capital, private equity, credit, and real estate.

Paul has led Sagard since 2016, along with a handful of close partners bound by a common vision: partnering with entrepreneurs to catalyze transformation in our investments and communities. Sagard has experienced outstanding growth, with assets under management increasing to over $45B.

Under Paul, Sagard has built a global network of expertise that helps companies lead, embrace, and stay ahead of disruptive trends, expanding activity in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The team is behind some of the largest technology success stories in Canada such as Wealthsimple, Koho, Nesto, and Dialogue. Sagard is also behind incredible international entrepreneurial journeys such as the growth of Ceva Sante Animale, the creation of Kiloutou as a French equipment rental champion, and the creation of Alan in the insurance space in France.

Paul engages actively in growing Sagard companies. Within the Sagard ecosystem, Paul is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Portage (fintech & financial services investing) and the Chairman and Co-Founder of Diagram (venture builder). Within the investment portfolios, he is the Chairman of Wealthsimple, Novisto, and Sagard Wealth, and a director of Nesto and Midas. Paul also sits on the board of Empower, the number two 401(k) business in the U.S.