Our History

THE BEGINNINGS OF HEC MONTRÉAL AT SQUARE VIGER

1910

In 1907, HEC Montréal was founded with the passing of the Act to incorporate École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal. It became the first university-level business school in Canada and one of the first in North America. A major milestone was reached in 1910 when classes began in the school's first building, on the corner of Viger and Saint-Hubert streets. Today, the building houses the Centre d’archives de Montréal.

ALMA LEPAGE, FIRST WOMAN ENROLLED

1946

Alma Lepage becomes the first woman to enrol in the licence ès sciences commerciales program. With a Bachelor of Arts degree and an entrepreneurial background, she becomes the school's first woman graduate in 1946.

CREATION OF THE CENTRE DE PERFECTIONNEMENT EN ADMINISTRATION

1958

HEC Montréal created the Centre de perfectionnement en administration to provide executives with training to update their skills and develop their management expertise. This pioneering initiative sparked a legacy of innovation that continues today, laying the groundwork for what would become Executive Education HEC Montréal. As early as the 1960s, the Centre de perfectionnement was already offering advanced management programs, combining structured learning experiences and immersive two-week countryside retreats. The programs were designed to enhance the leadership capabilities and managerial effectiveness of business professionals. Case studies explored key issues in finance, marketing and human relations. The Centre de perfectionnement en administration also prepared candidates with the skills and confidence to assume broader responsibilities and advance into leadership roles.

CENTRE DES DIRIGEANTS D'ENTREPRISES

1967

The Centre de perfectionnement en administration became the Business Leaders Centre (Centre des dirigeants d’entreprises), marking a new stage in its development. This evolution reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to adapting its offering to the needs of managers and organizations in a changing environment. Its offering now covers a broader range of management disciplines, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in executive education.

CREATION OF EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL

2015

In 2015, HEC Montréal launched Executive Education HEC Montréal, a one-stop destination offering new continuing education programs to better meet the evolving needs of organizations. This new structure marked an important milestone in the evolution of executive education. To enrich its offering, the school partnered with recognized public and private organizations to design customized programs tailored to organizational realities. By combining HEC Montréal faculty expertise with that of its partners, the school offers innovative learning pathways that enable leaders to develop the skills needed to meet the challenges of a transforming world.

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION MOVES TO HÉLÈNE DESMARAIS BUILDING

2023

In September 2023, Executive Education moved to the Hélène Desmarais building in the heart of downtown Montréal’s business district. Located on the 7th floor, its new facilities were specifically designed to meet the learning and development needs of managers and executives. Designed to foster learning, collaboration and networking, the spaces are modern, flexible and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering a learning experience that meets the highest standards. This new environment reflects the school’s commitment to offering innovative, immersive learning experiences tailored to the realities of today’s and tomorrow’s organizations. Located in a vibrant area, the building is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafés and hotels, allowing participants to fully experience the energy of the city. As a metropolis renowned for its cultural diversity, bilingual environment and openness to the world, Montréal provides an inspiring setting for both professional and personal development.

AN IDENTITY THAT MATCHES OUR AMBITIONS

2024

Our visual identity reflects the ongoing evolution of Executive Education HEC Montréal. True to its spirit of innovation, in 2024, it embraces a distinctive graphic approach that highlights both its commitment to inclusion and its desire to advance practices. Reflecting the school’s vision, it embodies a forward-looking organization, attentive to the changing needs of leaders.