Francis Repka named to Concordia’s Volt-Age advisory board

Francis Repka, former chief executive officer (CEO) of Société Générale Canada, has been appointed to the advisory board of Volt-Age, the university’s pan-Canadian research program focused on sustainable electrification.

A seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in global banking and financial markets, Repka previously served as Société Générale’s CEO in Brazil and Germany and led the bank’s fixed income, derivatives, and commodities activities in Asia.

A chevalier of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour, Repka was also a member of the board of governors of Finance Montréal.

“Francis brings a wealth of international business knowledge and financial expertise to Volt-Age,” says Karim Zaghib, CEO of Volt-Age. “His insights into market strategy, private capital and innovation ecosystems will help accelerate our mission to move cutting-edge research from lab to market.”

The Volt-Age advisory board is composed of leaders from academia, government, and industry who guide the initiative’s strategic direction and help shape its collaborations. Repka’s addition reinforces the program’s emphasis on fostering economic impact and industrial partnerships.

“The energy transition will only succeed if we build strong bridges between research, finance and business,” Repka says. “I look forward to supporting Volt-Age’s ambitious vision and helping Canadian innovation thrive on the global stage.”

Launched in 2023 and supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, Volt-Age joins top researchers and partners from across Quebec and Canada to develop practical solutions in decarbonization, energy systems, electrified transportation and smart infrastructure.

Learn more about Concordia’s Volt-Age initiative and its mission to electrify the future.