Paul G. Desmarais
Born: January 4, 1927
Place of Birth: Sudbury, Ontario
Major Notes:
Paul Desmarais is one of Canada's most successful business leaders.
He is also considered one of the most powerful in that his decisions can affect thousands of Canadians.
As a university student, he convinced his parents to let him take over a bus company they owned and he was able to
turn it into a profitable business.
In 1968, through good business dealings, Desmarais took control of a firm called Power Corporation which bought and sold other companies.
He was able to take profit from one business and use it to buy and make other businesses profitable.
Canadian Prime Ministers are known to touch base with Desmarais as his opinions and knowledge are considered valuable.
Power Corporation now holds significant positions in major media, energy, water, waste services, and specialty minerals companies.
Although now officially retired, he remains a model for CEO's across the nation.
For detailed research and more information, check out any of the following:
Library Reference: "The Canadian 100" by H.G. Rawlinson & J.L. Granatstein; published by Little, Brown & Company
Companions of the Order of Canada
Edimage
Wikipedia
Power Corporation
Last Updated: June 13, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003
