Global Investment Leader & CEO of Sagard; Executive Chairman of Portage Ventures; Co-Founder of Diagram

Montreal, Canada
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Paul Desmarais III Biography

Paul Desmarais III is the chairman and CEO of Sagard, an alternative asset management firm with a global presence across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Under Desmarais's leadership, Sagard has expanded its assets under management to more than $25 billion and developed a portfolio that includes technology and financial services companies such as Wealthsimple, Koho, nesto, and Dialogue. Desmarais also serves as executive chairman and co-founder of Portage Ventures and Diagram, with a focus on entrepreneurial transformation and innovation in the investment sector.

Desmarais began his career at Goldman Sachs, Imerys, and Great-West Lifeco before joining Power Corporation of Canada as senior vice president. In addition to his executive roles, Desmarais has founded and supported initiatives including the Black Wealth Club (now the Afrodescendant Leadership Alliance), Young Canadians in Finance, and the Indigenous Leadership Circle, all of which aim to empower emerging leaders and promote inclusive economic growth. Sagard’s commitment to responsible investing is demonstrated through its alignment with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and its pursuit of carbon neutrality.

Desmarais is a graduate of Harvard College and INSEAD. He has served as co-chair for philanthropic campaigns such as Centraide of Greater Montreal and sits on the boards of companies including Empower and Novisto. His honors include the Arnold Edinborough Award for impact on the arts and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. Through leadership, public speaking, and advocacy for sustainable finance, Desmarais contributes to the advancement of global investment and community development.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/17/2025.

Paul Desmarais III Videos

Canadian Club - Paul Desmarais III

Canadian Club - Paul Desmarais III

Join Canadian Club Toronto on April 30 to hear from Paul Desmarais III, Chairman & CEO of Sagard. Mr. Desmarais III brings with him a wealth of...

The Story of Next Gen & Entrepreneur Mr. Paul Desmarais III - DC Finance's Family Office Session

The Story of Next Gen & Entrepreneur Mr. Paul Desmarais III - DC Finance's Family Office Session

Next Generation, Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship with Mr. Paul Desmarais III, Next Generation, Chairman and CEO, Sagard Holdings;...

Sagard's Approach to Investing, Growing and Staying True to Core Values (With Paul Desmarais III)

Sagard's Approach to Investing, Growing and Staying True to Core Values (With Paul Desmarais III)

Today in this Money Maze Podcast Curated edition we travel to Canada, to understand Sagard, with its Chairman and CEO, Paul Desmarais III. Sagard is...

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Paul Desmarais III is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Paul Desmarais III for your event is available upon request. Paul Desmarais III generally travels from Montreal, Canada and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Hemant Taneja, Sallie Krawcheck, Mathieu Chabran, Robin Vince and Matt Brown. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Paul Desmarais III for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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