Executive Vice-President
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As a co-owner, Gaëtan Thomas holds the position of Vice President, Strategies and Business at bluehome, an innovative company that produces artificial reefs to restore marine ecosystems, aiming to enhance biodiversity and protect numerous endangered species of fish and crustaceans. Located in the Acadian region of Canada, bluehome is a leader in the blue economy, promoting a viable and sustainable fishing industry to meet the food needs of coastal communities.
A seasoned leader, mobilizer, and unifier, Gaëtan Thomas also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Conseil économique du Nouveau Brunswick (CÉNB). His extensive managerial experience, combined with a strong desire to make a difference in his province during this crucial time, defines his leadership. Through an inclusive approach that fosters collaboration, his goal is to build a powerful coalition of people from all corners of the province of New Brunswick and showcase the province globally for its innovations and bilingualism (the only officially bilingual province in Canada). His personal vision for propelling the province's economy involves international collaboration through mutually beneficial agreements, utilizing concrete solutions and actions to access skilled labor and open new markets in Africa, a continent with incredible economic, social, and cultural potential. He also serves as a strategic advisor for McCarthy-Tétrault and Kotter International.
Gaëtan had a long 38-year career at NB Power, starting in 1982 after earning a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Over the years, he held various positions, including Vice President of the Nuclear and Distribution divisions as well as Customer Service. He later led the province's primary electricity utility as President and CEO from 2010 to 2020. His vision for NB Power included a smart grid manufactured in New Brunswick with renowned partner Siemens, supported by consumer-centric technologies and a workforce committed to creating a greener and more sustainable province. This plan successfully reduced dependence on fossil fuels, lowered costs, and kept rates for customers at a low and stable level.
Gaëtan has been honored five times by Atlantic Business Magazine as one of the "top 50 CEOs." A former chairman of the board of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (Atlanta region), he currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) and collaborates closely with several volunteer organizations for charitable causes aimed at improving the quality of life in his Acadian community. He is married and takes pride in being the father of four daughters, as well as the proud grandfather of two grandsons.
