Vortex Aquatic Structures have announced two key promotions to it’s senior management team.
Virginie Guilbeault has been promoted to Executive Vice-President while Louis Parent becomes Vice-President of Operation at the Montreal-based aquatic play specialists.
Guilbeault joined joined Vortex in 2005. Most recently she held the position of VP Business Development, Europe/Middle East. Her new role will make her responsible for sales and operations, including tools and processes. She will continue to manage business development strategy in Europe, the Middle East and Quebec but will now add Asia to her portfolio. Guilbeault will work closely with the Vortex leadership team, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall strategy. Her other focus is maintaining and building a strong global customer base.
Guilbeault has a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University. She has worked for Vortex in various business development and marketing functions. She has played key roles in developing the international business for the company.
“For more than a decade, Virginie has successfully taken increasing responsibility in both marketing and sales,” says Stephen Hamelin, CEO and President of Vortex.
“She has been instrumental in positioning Vortex as a leader in Europe, the Middle East and Quebec by helping us grow our on-the-ground capabilities and resources to better meet clients’ needs.”
Before joining Vortex, Parent worked for Ficep Corp, Gexcelco, M. Grégore Inc., Supermetal Structures and JV Driver Fabricators. He earned a P.Eng from the École de Technologie Supérieure and also an MBA in International Business from the University of Alberta School of Business.
As VP of Operations, Parent’s role will involve overseeing manufacturing, supply chain, construction, technical services and customer services. He will have responsibility for developing and executing strategies to meet customer experience goals on all operational fronts. In addition he will supervise Vortex’s customer post-sales experience.
“Louis brings strong construction and operations experience that will help scale, and adapt easily to changes coming from both internal and external environments,” comments Hamelin.
“Together, Virginie and Louis position us to meet the opportunities and challenges that come with our continued growth.”
Vortex Aquatic Structures international, based in Montreal, Canada, was founded in 1995. Its first innovation was the Splashpad®. Vortex’s use of the highest quality materials coupled with inspiring design and state-of-the-art engineering, has led to the company’s position as the world leader in aquatic play solutions.
Vortex has over 6,500 installations worldwide. The company’s mission is to lead the aquatic play industry by continuing to develop the most fun, innovative and safe products for families with children of all ages and abilities.
In 2015, the company acquired AquaBlue, a designer and manufacturer of waterslides and water play equipment.
