OUR TEAM
Our team is made up of more than 12 employees working year-round at the head office and our workshop, as well as more than 250 employees working seasonally at all of our sites throughout summer and winter.
Here are the members of the head office and workshop team.
MANAGEMENT
Marc Cudia
Co-owner
After buying the quadricycle rental business in the Old Port of Montreal at the age of 23, Marc Cudia has been in the business world since 1998. He then founded Écorécréo to consolidate his various activities in the recreational tourism sector. Since 2009, he has chaired the board of directors of Service d'hébergement Saint-Denis, an Auberge du cœur that helps homeless youth aged 15 to 21. He himself was a former beneficiary of this organization. In 2014, Marc was nominated Person of the Year by Tourisme Montréal. Marc is the father of two children. Marc has easy happiness, it is not for nothing that he bears the title of Responsible for happiness.
Jean-Philippe Duchesneau
Co-owner
A lawyer by training, Jean-Philippe practiced law in a large company in Montreal, then served as a political advisor to the office of the Minister of Justice and the Deputy Premier of Quebec. He then worked as a federal Crown prosecutor before becoming a United Nations prosecutor in The Hague, Netherlands. In 2010, he founded an online agency specializing in Internet marketing. Jean-Philippe won the Young Bar Association's Lawyer of the Year Award in 2008 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In addition to being very involved with Leucan, he sits on the board of directors of the Fondation Procure, La Grande Journée des Petits Entrepreneurs and Service d'hébergement Saint Denis. He is also the father of two young daughters. JP knows how to seize every opportunity to play tricks, so that no one dares to leave his cell phone unattended.
MARKETING AND SALES
Vanessa Juliano
Marketing and sales director
A graduate of Concordia University with a major in marketing, Vanessa holds several positions in her field. She finally found her way when she accepted a position at the Carat media agency in 2005 as a digital media project manager. Over the next 12 years, Vanessa surrounded herself with experts in the field of digital marketing, allowing her to gain the required skills that elevated her to the rank of supervisor of the digital activation team. Brands that have benefited from its expertise include Desjardins, RONA/Réno-Dépôt, Disney Studios, Subway, Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec and Sobeys. After welcoming her third child, Vanessa wanted a position that would allow her to better balance work and family. In 2018, she made the leap and joined the Groupe Écorécréo team as Director of Marketing and Sales. Of a foolproof positivism, Vanessa always has the right word to put us back on the path of finding a solution.
Alexandra Poudrette-Joyal
Innovation responsible
After studying Tourism Management, Alexandra quickly discovered a passion for marketing and communications within the recreational tourism industry. At Groupe Écorécréo, she contributes to a wide variety of projects related to marketing, website management, content creation, and brand development across the company’s attractions. Whether designing visuals, managing website content, coordinating promotional campaigns, or finding solutions to day-to-day challenges, she enjoys wearing many hats and helping drive the organization’s success. Passionate about travel, the outdoors, and great food, Alexandra brings creativity, versatility, and enthusiasm to everything she does. In addition, Alexandra is well known for bringing homemade lunches worthy of the finest restaurants!
Déborah Joly
Group Sales and Booking Consultant
Passionate about horseback riding and travel, Déborah studied in the marketing of equine products in France before flying to Australia for a period of two years. She travelled extensively and was, among other things, a rider on a cattle farm. The passion for travel then led her to Quebec where she is now settled. After several years in the retail trade, his desire for new challenges led him to discover and work in local Montreal tourism. She joined the Écorécréo group as a group sales and reservations advisor in 2021. Her outstanding sense of customer service and attention to detail make Déborah a highly valued colleague. Moreover, its adorable accent charms employees and customers.
OPERATIONS
Marc-Antoine Bouthillier
Project Manager - Operations
Marc-Antoine's course of study is certainly not common. After studying at Cégep de Maisonneuve in Human Sciences, profil administration, then individual profile, he began a bachelor's degree in psychology and then a bachelor's degree in environmental geography, a human profile he completed in 2018. In 2019, he began a minor in law at the Université de Montréal, all while accumulating several summer jobs. He joined our organization in May 2016 as an attendant. He climbed several steps to obtain the position of Project Manager – Operations in 2022. Marc-Antoine also has a very interesting sporting background: baseball, soccer, bowling, football, then speed skating where he gets the 8th place at the Canadian junior championship and 17th place at the Canadian open championship in 2014! A real dynamo that is much needed in operations.
Julie-Pier Lord
Project Manager - Operations
Driven by a genuine passion for people, destinations, and experiences, Julie-Pier chose to pursue a career in tourism. In 2022, she earned her college diploma from the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, then completed a bachelor’s degree in the field at UQAM. During her studies, she worked in Banff, where she combined customer service, a love of nature, and a thirst for adventure. A natural-born leader, she stands out for her energy, organizational skills, and ability to bring people together. Always smiling—and often with an iced coffee in hand—she thrives on challenges and loves outdoor activities... as long as they’re not at height!
Thomas Sutton
Project Manager - Operations
Since the age of three, Thomas has played the violin. After pursuing university studies in musical performance, he eventually traded sheet music for urban planning. His journey with Écorécréo began in 2021 as an attendant at Voiles en Voiles, before moving through the technical team and later becoming Operations Coordinator. His attention to detail, analytical mindset, and love for Montréal constantly drive him to enhance the visitor experience. And he likes everything to be perfectly in tune, whether it’s a violin or a day at the park. When he’s not on site, he’s rarely standing still. You’ll likely find him paddling down a river, exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, or discovering new places by bike.
Yan Chouinard
Project Manager - Operations
Yan joined Groupe Écorécréo in June 2020 as a Project Manager within the technical team. From the moment he arrived, he successfully took on the challenge of helping launch several of our sites in a particularly demanding environment. Thanks to his education in Business Administration and Financial Management from HEC Montréal, combined with his experience in team leadership and customer service, he quickly developed strong expertise in project coordination and operations management. Today, as Project Manager for Îlots76, he contributes to the development and continuous improvement of this unique destination located in the heart of the Olympic Park. Known for his organizational skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to stay focused even during the busiest periods, Yan is also highly sought after at company parties, where his Latin dance moves never fail to impress.
TECHNICAL TEAM
Oualid Mellouk
IT Coordinator
After studying computer technician, Oualid acquired solid experience in large companies such as Pratt & Whitney Canada and WSP. It is his qualities as a trainer, problem solving specialist and tireless technological curiosity that allowed him to join the Groupe Écorécréo team. As coordinator, Oualid participates in the development and implementation of information technology strategies. He also oversees the installation of our networks and numerous electronic components on all of our seasonal sites. We also rely on him to solve our big and small computer problems. Oualid is passionate about football and Real Madrid. And he lets us know when his team wins!
David Herbert
Coordinator - Facilities and Equipment
Originally from France, David built his expertise through a variety of demanding experiences, ranging from structural steel construction and service in the French Army to high-altitude work and adventure parks. After joining Groupe Écorécréo as a technician, he quickly advanced thanks to his leadership, discipline, and adaptability. Today, as Coordinator of Facilities and Equipment, he oversees the safety, performance, and continuous improvement of our sites. Known for his calm demeanor, resourcefulness, and practical mindset, David always finds a solution to the challenges that arise. Passionate about learning and taking on new challenges, he also completed his helicopter pilot training, a milestone that perfectly reflects his drive to continually push his limits!
Renaud Poupard
Technician - Technical Team
A graduate of Centre NAD in 3D Animation, Renaud has built a career that is as diverse as it is unique. From creating visual effects for RDS and Bell Media to developing 3D models for video games and flight simulators, and later gaining extensive experience in construction and renovation, he has developed a rare combination of creativity and technical expertise. At Groupe Écorécréo, he brings his versatility, resourcefulness, and solution-oriented mindset to every project. Always ready to take on a challenge, Renaud is recognized for his positive energy, adaptability, and commitment to delivering quality work.