The Montreal Port Authority is experiencing a notable turnover in its senior leadership, with its chief financial officer, Alban Fournier, set to depart in under two weeks. Fournier’s exit follows the recent and unexpected resignation of CEO Julie Gasccon, marking a period of rapid executive changes at Canada’s second-largest port.

Fournier, who has held the CFO position for 17 months, will be moving to a new role within the private sector, the port authority confirmed in an email. Renée Larouche, a spokesperson for the organization, stated that an interim finance head has been named and that the transition is proceeding smoothly.

This latest departure compounds concerns about the port’s governance and strategic direction. Gasccon’s exit earlier this month came abruptly and with little public explanation. The port authority’s announcement did not include the customary acknowledgments often extended to departing executives, fueling speculation. Her departure followed the resignation of the chief commercial officer just a month prior, indicating a significant reshuffling within the port’s upper management.

The timing of these leadership changes has drawn attention, particularly as they come just one week ahead of a high-profile event led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney was on site to mark the beginning of a long-anticipated expansion project at the port, underscoring the importance of stable leadership during this critical phase.

This wave of resignations has prompted Ottawa to seek further information about the circumstance and implications for the port, given its key role in national trade and logistics. The cause of the rapid executive departures remains unclear, as the Montreal Port Authority continues to maintain a low public profile on the matter.