Management Team

Eric Alexandre, CMA, President and CEO, co-founded Orbit Garant Drilling in January 2007. Prior to Orbit Garant Drilling, from 2004 to 2007, he was a partner and General Manager of Orbit Drilling. Mr. Alexandre has more than ten years of experience in the financial industry, with a particular expertise in financial and administrative management. From 1998 to 2003, he was a Commercial Account Director for the National Bank of Canada. While a student, Eric spent the summers working as a diamond driller.

Eric holds the Certified Management Accountant designation (CMA) and an undergraduate degree from the Université du Québec. Eric is highly motivated and determined to ensure the evolution of our company. His customer-oriented approach already yield results.

Pierre Alexandre, Vice Chairman, co-founded Orbit Garant Drilling in January 2007. He was previously the founder, President and CEO of Orbit Drilling (1986) and under his leadership the company has grown to become one of the most prominent Canadian operators in diamond drilling. Mr. Alexandre has more than thirty-three years of experience in the diamond drilling industry, with a particular expertise in operational planning and business relationship development. Prior to Orbit Drilling, from 1984 to 1986, he was the co-owner and operator of a diamond drill with his brother Bernard. From 1979 to 1983, Pierre worked as a surface driller in various drilling environment for Benoit Drilling. He began his drilling career at the age of sixteen and worked for Modern Drilling from 1974 to 1978.

Pierre has been at the service of the diamond drilling industry since 1974. He is an experienced and focused leader who has spent the last twenty-one years building and leading our company toward success.

Michel Mathieu, Vice President, co-founded Orbit Garant Drilling in January 2007. Prior to Orbit Garant Drilling, from 1994 to 2007, he was President and General Manager of Garant Bros. Diamond Drilling. Under his leadership, the company has expanded to become one of the largest underground drillers in Canada. Mr. Mathieu has more than thirty-one years of experience in structuring and acquiring various enterprises and boasts a marked expertise in operational management and business relationship development. In 1990, he acquired Foleyet Timber Ltd., a forestry contractor for Domtar Inc. From 1976 to 1990, he acquired five construction supply companies in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, under the Home Hardware banner.

Mike’s negotiation and communication skills, as well as his wide contact network in the mining industry, are an excellent asset to our company.

Alain Laplante, FCGA, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, joined Orbit Garant Drilling in August 2007. Prior to Orbit Garant Drilling, from 1989 to 2007, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Air Creebec; an regional airline with a staff of 340 employees that operates mostly in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Mr. Laplante has more than twenty-six years of experience in financial management and planning, with a particular expertise in financial negotiation and the integration of processes after acquisitions. From 1985 to 1989 he was the Controller of Plastibec Ltee, a leading manufacturer and supplier of vertical louvers, horizontal slats and valances. From 1982 to 1985, he occupied a Cost Accountant Analyst position for American Canada Inc. From 1981 to 1982, he worked as an Accountant for Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.

Alain holds a Certified General Accountant designation (CGA) and an undergraduate degree from the Université du Québec. His ability in financial reporting and experience in the integration of business processes makes him a key person in the Orbit Garant team.

Sylvain Laroche, Director of Administration, joined Orbit Garant Drilling in February 2006. Prior to Orbit Garant Drilling, from 1998 to 2006, he held the positions of Director of Human Resources and Director of Transport Operations for Groupe Boivert, a forestry company specialized in transportation. Mr. Laroche has more than ten years of experience in administration and human resource management. He is also experienced in information systems implementation.

Sylvain holds a Bachelors Degree in Administration, majoring in human resources and management, from the Université du Québec. His methodical approach and ability to manage personnel is an outstanding advantage for our company.

Marc Rochefort, Director environment and special projects, joined Orbit Garant Drilling in 1996 as Supervisor and has been Director of Operations International and Surface since 2002. Mr. Rochefort has more than thirty-two years of experience in the diamond drilling industry with a specific expertise in operational planning and supervision. Prior to Orbit Garant Drilling, he occupied various key positions at Modern Drilling, where he started his drilling career in 1975 as a helper, including Surface and Underground Supervisor from 1989 to1996 and Surface Foreman from 1986 to 1989.

Marc is a skilled veteran and his effectiveness in the field has proven to be of great benefit for our company.

Richard Alexandre, Director of Operations Surface and International. In the drilling industry since 1980 and specifically for Orbit Garant Drilling since 1992, Richard Alexandre rose through the ranks from helper 1980 to 1984, driller from 1984 to 1993, foreman from 1993 to 2008 to finally take on the responsibilities of Operations manager surface and international.  His extensive experience in Canada as well as in Chile, Guyana, Suriname, Panama, Peru and Africa makes him a key man for the company.

Ronald Thibault, Director of Operations Underground, joined Orbit Garant Drilling in 1999 and has been in the drilling industry since 1984.  Starting as a helper, he then proved his skills as driller, foreman and superintendant. His six years in South America, including Peru and Venezuela complement his experience.  He has been holding with verve, the positions of superintendent and Operations manager underground since 2005.  No doubt that his experience and efficiency are blue chips for the company.