Since 2025, Jean‑François Vigneault has been bringing his diverse experience and collaborative mindset to gbi.
A chemical engineer specializing in piping, graduated from the Université de Sherbrooke in 2004, he has built a career spanning more than 20 years in the mining and metallurgical sectors, while also contributing to several energy and infrastructure projects.
His experience includes major northern projects, a mandate related to the rehabilitation of the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Tunnel, as well as projects carried out internationally. Today, he plays an active role in the development of gbi’s Energy and Industrial department, a challenge that particularly motivates him. “Building a department almost from the ground up represents a unique opportunity to create something sustainable, both technically and humanly.”
A role focused on technical and human leadership
On a daily basis, Jean-François works as a lead piping engineer. His role combines project management, technical coordination, mentorship and team support. What does he enjoy most? The variety of challenges and the collaboration between disciplines.
“Every day is different. We move from technical discussions with teams to coordination with clients, always keeping the focus on the quality of the solutions and the progress of the projects.”
His career has led him to work in complex and remote environments, where adaptability and rigor are essential. Among the experiences that have marked him the most is his involvement at the Raglan Mine, one of the northernmost mining sites in Québec. During the pandemic, he spent nearly two months there to help ensure operational continuity, coordinate on-site work and commission a new water treatment module.
“In such an isolated environment, communication and trust become essential. It requires a great deal of coordination and a strong ability to adapt.”
Collaboration and mentorship
For Jean-François, collaboration is at the heart of successful engineering projects. He also places great importance on mentorship and supporting the next generation. His approach is to share theoretical foundations while allowing young professionals to learn independently, with appropriate guidance.
“In engineering, we learn a great deal through trial and error. It is important to have mentors, but also to allow autonomy so that people can build confidence and judgment.” Curious and open to new approaches, he also encourages the use of new simulation software and the evolution of technical practices. In his view, the balance between junior and senior talent is essential to building strong and sustainable teams.
Running marathons… and managing complex projects
Beyond his engineering career, Jean-François has another major passion: running. Recently, he completed the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, a remarkable achievement that took him to races around the world. His journey began simply, with the desire to participate in the Berlin Marathon, before gradually evolving into an ambitious goal.
In 2024, he also had the opportunity to participate in the Paris Olympic Games marathon as an amateur runner, thanks to a special draw requiring the completion of many sporting challenges over a period of more than three years.
To achieve these goals, he follows a demanding training schedule, six days a week, where discipline, consistency and resilience play a central role, qualities that are also reflected in his work at gbi.
“Like a marathon, a project never unfolds exactly as planned. You have to know how to adjust the plan along the way, keep a cool head, and keep moving forward despite unforeseen challenges.” Jean-François has also been involved in various diversity and inclusion committees throughout his career, issues that are particularly close to his heart. He currently sits on gbi’s ESG committee.
Looking ahead
Motivated by both professional and personal challenges, Jean-François aims to continue contributing to the growth of gbi’s Energy and Industrial department. To young engineers just starting out, he shares a simple but essential piece of advice: “Stay open to everything, ask questions, raise your hand, and don’t hesitate to seek out your colleagues’ expertise. Initiative and curiosity make all the difference.”
When asked to summarize gbi in three words, his answer comes naturally: collaboration, rigor and listening.
