Daniel Lamarre

Daniel Lamarre is a Canadian business executive recognized for his leadership in the global entertainment industry, particularly at the intersection of creativity and commerce. Prior to joining Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, Lamarre served as president and CEO of TVA Group, Inc., a major Canadian television network. He began his tenure at Cirque du Soleil as president of new ventures, later becoming chief executive officer. During his leadership, the company expanded from 2,000 employees and seven shows to 5,000 employees and 44 shows worldwide.

Lamarre played a key role in Cirque du Soleil's growth, overseeing productions such as "Love," based on The Beatles' music, and "One," a celebration of Michael Jackson's work. These productions highlighted his ability to negotiate complex entertainment deals and bridge the worlds of art and business. Under his direction, Cirque du Soleil achieved annual sales of $1 billion, profit margins of 20 percent (EBITDA), and attracted 15 million attendees per year.

Lamarre's leadership was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Cirque du Soleil faced significant operational challenges. As president and CEO, he guided the organization through a period of growth, managed the impact of the pandemic, and later led its recovery. After two decades of service, he transitioned to the role of executive vice-chairman of the board.

Lamarre has received recognition for his contributions to business and public life, including being appointed Officer of the Order of Canada. He holds honorary doctorates from McGill University, the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, and the University of Ottawa. He received the Distinguished Leadership Award for Corporate Citizenship from the Inter-American Dialogue for Cirque du Soleil's work with at-risk youth and support of the One Drop Foundation. Lamarre also co-founded the C2 Montreal conference, focused on creativity and business innovation.

He is the author of "Balancing Acts: Unleashing the Power of Creativity in Your Life and Work," which explores leadership, creativity, and business strategy in the entertainment sector. Lamarre is a frequent speaker at international business and leadership events, addressing topics such as strategy, transformation, and sustaining performance in complex global environments.