Biography

Mr. Jean Gattuso began his career at Lassonde as Director of Marketing for the A. Lassonde Inc. subsidiary in 1987 and quickly rose to the position of Executive Vice-President and General Manager in 1995, President and General Manager in 1998, then President and Chief Executive Officer of A. Lassonde Inc. in 2004. Mr. Gattuso was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Lassonde Industries Inc. in 2009, then president in 2012. Lassonde Industries brings together all Lassonde entities in Canada and the United States.

When Mr. Gattuso joined Lassonde, the company was a regional player in the fruit juices and drinks category, with $ 81 million in sales. Under his leadership, the company has grown into the largest manufacturer of fruit juices and beverages in Canada. Recently, the acquisition of Sun-Rype Products Ltd. in British Columbia was completed. He also led Lassonde's expansion in the United States through numerous acquisitions such as Clement Pappas & Co, Inc. in New Jersey in 2011, Apple & Eve, LLC in New York in 2014, Old Orchard Brands, LLC in Michigan in 2018. Nowadays, 58% of Lassonde's business is in the United States and the company is today positioned as a North American market leader with sales totaling nearly 1.7 billion $ in 2019.

In addition to his professional commitments, Mr. Gattuso offers his support to many causes, mainly related to health and well-being. Among other things, he was co-chair of the fundraising campaign for the Fondation Hôpital Charles-LeMoyne. He has also developed an extensive support program for Tel-Jeunes and has greatly contributed to its growth for more than 25 years. He was also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Palliative Home-Care Society of Greater Montreal for 10 years.

Mr. Gattuso has received many honors during his career including the highest honor in the food industry in Canada; the Golden Pencil Award in 2015, the "MBA of the Year" award in 2014, and Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 from Ernst & Young in Quebec.