CGI names François Boulanger as new CEO

QUEBEC, CANADA — CGI, one of the largest independent IT and business consulting firms globally, announced that François Boulanger will become President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2024.
Boulanger will succeed George Schindler, who will retire as CEO on September 30, 2024, after nearly eight years in the role.
Serge Godin, Founder and Executive Chairman of CGI, praised the seamless transition, noting, “The Board and I have been planning for a seamless CEO succession for several years and, given the continued operational strength and resilience of our company, it is an opportune time for François to step in and lead our company into the future.”
Boulanger as a CGI veteran
Boulanger, a 25-year CGI veteran, currently oversees the company’s operations in Canada, U.S. commercial and state government, Asia Pacific delivery centers, and global IP solutions. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
“François has had a tremendous positive impact on profitably growing our company over the past 20 years as he led teams around the world to deliver on a wide range of business and operational strategies,” said Julie Godin, Co-Chair of the Board.
CGI to appoint François Boulanger as President & CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024. George Schindler, currently President & CEO, to retire and remain a member of the Board. https://t.co/ZOiFOCKkn7 pic.twitter.com/jWIQx4UNR5
— CGI Global (@CGI_Global) May 22, 2024
Meanwhile, Schindler described the new CEO as a “superb leader” who is “well-positioned” to lead CGI into the next wave of digital transformation.
“CGI occupies a distinctive position in the market given the depth of our client relationships and our ownership culture,” said Boulanger.
“I look forward to working closely with our talented team around the world as we harness the power of technology to deliver trusted insights and tangible business outcomes for our clients. Together, we will build the next successful chapter in our company’s nearly 48-year history.”
Schindler’s impactful tenure at CGI
Under Schindler’s leadership since 2016, CGI has grown annual revenue to CA$14.3 billion (US$10.4 billion). The company’s share price has more than doubled, increasing market capitalization by over 70%.
“George successfully led our team to deliver significant value for all of our stakeholders, demonstrating the depth of his strategic vision and mastery of our business and the market,” said Godin.
“While George will retire as CEO, we are pleased that CGI will continue to benefit from his experience as both a strategic advisor and member of our Board.”
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Montreal, CGI provides end-to-end IT services and business consulting solutions. With 90,000 consultants operating across the globe, CGI partners with commercial and government clients to deliver strategic insights and IP-based solutions.
CGI ranked #9 in the OA500 2024, an objective index of the world’s top 500 outsourcing companies.