Biography
Claude Pinard was President and CEO of Centraide of Greater Montreal from July 2021 to August 2025. Centraide is a strategic social investor that supports a network of more than 375 organizations and collective projects committed to fighting poverty and social exclusion each year.
Prior to joining Centraide, Claude headed the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation from 2013 to 2021, a private family foundation working to improve the well-being of people with disabilities, seniors, and immigrants. His professional career has also taken him to the private and public sectors, notably at Saputo Inc., where he held various management positions, and at Hydro-Québec, where he served as assistant to the chairman of the board of directors.
As a strategic manager, Claude is known for his vision focused on innovation and collaboration to address contemporary social issues. He conceptualized, helped establish, and presided over the board of directors of the Maison de l’innovation sociale. He participated in the creation of the Academy for Collaboration with Ashoka Canada and Philanthropic Foundations Canada, and served on its board of directors. He also collaborated with HEC Montréal on the creation of the very first incubator dedicated to newcomers, an initiative praised by the OECD and the European Commission as a model of inclusion.
Claude was also a member of the advisory committee for the Impact Canada Initiative, which supports the Impact and Innovation Unit of the Privy Council Office of the Government of Canada in identifying best practices for increasing the impact of public programs.
With a degree in political science and training in communications, Claude has expertise in management, public relations, philanthropy, marketing, and sports management.
Recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contribution to the development of the United Way-Centraide movement in Canada, he also served on the board of directors of the Fédération des sports cyclistes du Québec for eight years, including two years as president.
