TORONTO — Ahead of its 2020 opening and following the laying of its first stone last week, Club Med Québec Charlevoix has announced the appointment of Francis Lacoste as its new General Manager.

Presented as ‘Chief of Village’, Lacoste has been a member of the Club Med family for over a decade, starting as a Gracious Organiser (G.O.) at Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido in Japan where he also taught alpine skiing. As a Quebecois sports enthusiast, he then took on the role of Head of Land Sports before becoming Head of Sports and Events. Next, Lacoste became Chief of Village for over six seasons, first in Turkoise in Turks and Caicos and then in Val Thorens in the French Alps. He currently serves as Chief of Village at Club Med Djerba la Douce in Tunisia.

On what the appointment means to him, Lacoste said: “What an honour for me, as a Canadian, to return to my roots and inaugurate the opening of the first Club Med resort in Canada: Québec Charlevoix. I’ve often imagined how happy I would be the day the very first Club Med resort opens its doors in Canada. I am very proud to be part of this project and to have the privilege of being its first Chief of Village.”

Lacoste, born in Montreal and raised in Saint-Laurent, also commented on what the new resort will mean for all of Canada: “A new chapter is being written for all of us. Club Med Québec Charlevoix, you will be unique and will reflect the values, personality and warmth of the Canadian people.”

In his new role, Lacoste will be responsible for all aspects of resort operations when it opens its doors on Dec. 5, 2020.

Carolyne Doyon, Senior Vice President, Club Med Canada and Mexico, said that the company is pleased to welcome Lacoste to the team: “Appointing a first Chief of Village from Quebec will allow us to maintain Quebec’s involvement once the resort opens. His kindness, knowledge and professionalism will strengthen Quebec’s reputation for hospitality beyond its borders.”