Michael Di Grappa, Vice-Principal (Administration and Finance), has announced the appointment of Robert Couvrette as McGill’s new Associate Vice-Principal (University Services). Couvrette succeeds professor Jim Nicell, who held the position from Jan. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2012.
Couvrette will be responsible for leading the team that provides infrastructure and facilities services in support of McGill’s academic and research mission. He holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from Université de Québec à Montreal, a Bachelor’s degrees from École Polytechnique and École des hautes études commerciales, and a Diploma in Architecture from CEGEP de Saint-Laurent.
Couvrette has more than 35 years of experience in leading and managing complex facilities and administrative operations, real estate management, as well as project development and general management. Most recently, he held the position of Director General of Facilities at Université de Montréal for almost 10 years. Couvrette’s considerable experience includes positions as Director of Facilities for North America and Director of Real Estate for North and South America at Bombardier Transportation; Director of Building and Site Management at Tremblant Intrawest; Director General, Montreal Biodôme; Assistant Director of Maintenance, Division Chief of Administration and Logistics for the City of Montreal; and Project Manager for the Government of Quebec.
The appointment takes effect on Monday, Feb. 11.