GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group (GlassRatner) and Intel2Talent Canada (I2T), a leading executive search and leadership advisory firm in Quebec, have announced a strategic partnership. I2T will join forces with GlassRatner, establishing the firm's first presence in Montreal. Brigitte Simard, founder of I2T and a prominent Quebec business leader, will join GlassRatner as Managing Director to lead the new practice.
Expansion Details
The I2T team, including Jean-Philippe (JP) Daoust, who joins as Partner to lead the Canadian Private Equity & Industrials vertical, will relocate to GlassRatner. Daoust's role involves scaling GlassRatner's PE and Industrials offerings across Canada, complementing the firm's expanding Executive Search PE services across North America.
Strategic Significance
This move marks a significant expansion of GlassRatner's Canadian footprint. While initially anchored in executive search and interim management, the Montreal office will enable GlassRatner to offer its full suite of services in Quebec, including restructuring and turnaround management, forensic accounting, litigation support, and corporate finance advisory.
Leadership Background
Brigitte Simard founded I2T in 2018 after over 18 years in executive search, including roles as Managing Partner at global firms and executive positions at IBM, RBC-Dexia, and Bell Canada. Known for a relationship-forward approach, I2T combines deep market knowledge with international reach and augmented intelligence tools. Simard is also active in Canadian business circles, serving as outgoing Chair of the Mount-Royal Club Board and holding memberships in the Quebec Businesswomen Network, International Women Forum, and Institute of Corporate Directors. She is a former Chair of the Canadian Club and holds a psychology degree from McGill University.
JP Daoust brings over 25 years of experience in executive search, leadership advisory, and operations and technology transformation. He advises companies on identifying and developing executive leaders, focusing on PE-backed and fast-growth organizations in manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure, pharma, energy, and natural resources. Daoust holds a Bachelor of Laws from McGill University and a Master of Law & Economics from the Universiteit van Amsterdam.
Executive Comments
“Partnering with Brigitte, JP, and the I2T team is exciting for GlassRatner, both strategically and personally,” said Ian Ratner, CEO of GlassRatner. “Brigitte has built one of Quebec’s most respected executive search firms from the ground up, and the decision to bring her and her team on board reflects a genuine alignment of values and ambition. Growing up in Montreal and now seeing our firm plant its flag here is a full-circle moment. We are committed to building something meaningful in Quebec for the long term.”
“We were drawn to GlassRatner because of its entrepreneurial culture and the integrated platform it offers to serve clients across North America, without losing the personal, relationship-driven approach our work demands,” said Brigitte Simard. “The fact that GlassRatner is backed by TorQuest, a Canadian PE firm with deep roots and a long-term view, made the decision even easier. We are excited to begin this next chapter.”
