Alain Bergeron – The ingenious collaborator

Machines… and people

Technology has always been part of Alain Bergeron’s world. With a passion for engineering and electronics, he went on to specialize in computer programming. Over the years, management positions have enabled him to take on new challenges, notably at CGI, BDC and National Bank.

In 2020, at the invitation of Pierre Miron and motivated by the large-scale digital transformation we were embarking on, Alain brought his expertise to iA Financial Group’s IT department. Since December 2021, he has held the position of Senior Vice President, Information Technology (CIO).

Although he is a seasoned technology expert, Alain has always been keen to maintain an ongoing relationship with the business side, so that both sectors have a mutual understanding of the issues and work together to develop solutions that resonate with everyone.

“There have been periods in my career when work was done in silos, in ‘command and control’ mode. I believe that the collaborative spirit that prevails today is taking us much further.”

In the wake of the ambitious objectives of our 2030 plan, Alain is pleased to see the creation of multidisciplinary fusion teams to ensure our development. Of course, in his opinion, artificial intelligence will also be an important tool in achieving our goals.

Alain has been familiar with AI for over 35 years! Back in 1987, he pioneered a mortgage app where advisors could carry out transactions online with clients. Quite a feat at the time!

Other types of summits

Alain’s passion for innovation extends to his hobbies. He has been a volunteer timekeeper in alpine skiing and cycling competitions:

“I had a lot of fun getting involved on that side, with electronic devices, photocells, etc. It also allowed me to accompany my children in their competitions and combine business with pleasure.”

For Alain is also a family outdoorsman. For a long time now, he’s been out and about on skis and bikes with his wife, two children and other like-minded families. While skiing has enabled him to discover the slopes and peaks of the Eastern Townships, a region he’s called home for a long time, road cycling has enabled him to discover virtually all of Quebec.

A lifelong learner

For Alain, discovering new horizons is also measured in a professional sense.

“I really enjoy attending talks. First of all, because it’s a great way of summarizing a subject, and also because I often invite a colleague from the business side. Together, focused on the same perspective, we can compare certain ideas and see how we can pair them together to move projects forward!”

Alain also participates in several technology forums with other CIOs in the industry. “Having a good network opens up opportunities, as we often have to deal with similar issues with the same suppliers and so on. Then, everyone develops their business plan in their own way; but without this sharing of ideas, it would be much harder. Learning from our mistakes is all very well. But learning from other people’s mistakes is even better.”

Given his openness, it’s not surprising that Alain was appointed to a Quebec government committee of cybersecurity experts in 2022 to discuss the impacts of digital transformation.

Alain is also active in his community through his involvement with MIRA, Refuge des jeunes and the Canadian Cancer Society. “As a leader, I’m happy when people do things they didn’t think they could do, to see how they can evolve.” Alain finds it fascinating to see the motivation that drives people to excel at work and beyond.

In short, over the years and through his management experience, Alain has learned to recognize good leaders while becoming a very skilled one in his duties:

“Within our teams, people need to understand why we do things. It’s essential to have a goal and a purpose. Ultimately, when we deliver an app and it’s useful and appreciated, that’s the success we’re looking for.”

And success often breeds pride and momentum. Pride in the work accomplished, of course, but also momentum to carry out other promising projects.