talent acquisition and advisory
The Humanis team are respected thought leaders in our industry who stand out from our peers by delivering with complete authenticity, the highest ethical standards, and the approachability of a front porch visit. The human capital industry has undergone massive transformation. The largest Rolodex no longer wins the day; rather, the ability to build strong, durable relationships and the art of storytelling forms the foundation of the firm’s success.

We excel at providing tailor-made solutions for unique challenges. We understand process yet we know just when to colour outside the lines. We know that even in an automated age, great service, hard work, and the human touch still matter.
CALGARY
EDMONTON
MONTREAL
TORONTO
Humanis Talent Acquisition & Advisory is an award- winning executive search and leadership advisory firm with local offices and deep-rooted connections in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Toronto. We serve exceptional clients across North America while sourcing candidates and leadership best practices from around the globe.

We know that people are at the heart of everything we do.

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WE’LL GET
THE JOB
DONE
...right

We don’t stop until the role is filled and the project is done. And we succeed often; virtually every executive search mandate we are engaged in results in a successful hire. In advisory matters, it’s a true partnership that lasts beyond the specific project. We cultivate lifelong trust that transcends the transactional.

Whether leading a search, coaching an executive, or facilitating a retreat, we understand that we are an extension of our client in the marketplace. Throughout the course of any mandate, a cast of hundreds is involved, either as potential candidates, helpful sources, decision-makers within the client company, co-creators and collaborators on a specific project, or even the local bakery that delivers ampersand-branded cupcakes at the conclusion of a project. 
You’ll notice we quickly start speaking in the first-person plural; it’s not your search or retreat, it’s our collective effort. It’s not your success; it’s ours together. We go to market as one and we celebrate successes collectively.
"They (Humanis) are boutique – not only in terms of how they cultivate relationships, but how they communicate with their clients – the personalization, the whimsy, the open-dialogue – like you’re conversing over coffee. It’s not buttoned up and corporate."

- Director Human Resources, Oil & Gas
"Humanis Talent Acquisition & Advisory are experts in the industry and market and have proven that they are knowledgeable not only about our company but just as importantly, about our company culture. The candidates they propose not only have the skills and background for the position but also fit seamlessly into our team. The personal attention and attention to ‘fit’ within an organization sets Humanis apart from the others."

- General Counsel, Oil & Gas
"As an executive who has interacted with dozens of national and global recruiting agents and firms over the years, Humanis is simply the most respectful, collaborative and ultimately effective recruiting firm you will find. From a candidate perspective, I felt that I was truly understood and respected and from a client perspective, we are totally satisfied with the proactive approach to finding long-term, culturally- aligned candidates. Humanis re-humanizes recruiters."

- Chief Marketing Officer, Law Firm

Our Services

We are in the people business. Whether they are coming or going, flourishing or floundering, leading or following, we help you to ensure the right people are in the right seats at the right time to drive your organization forward.
1.
EXECUTIVE &
BOARD SEARCH
You’re busy running a business. Trust your executive and board searches to those who have the time, the networks and the know-how.
2.
FRACTIONAL
PLACEMENTS
Often the need is immediate and unexpected. When you require a highly qualified consultant to start yesterday, we are here to help.
3.
LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT
We lead leaders amidst global shifts, emphasizing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Environmental, Social, Governance concerns.
4.
CONTINGENT
RECRUITMENT
When the situation doesn’t call for a full executive search, our Humanis Group partner companies in the contingent space can help.
5.
TRAINING &
FACILITATION
We deliver engaging keynotes on the human condition, offer training to in-house talent acquisition teams, facilitate corporate retreats & much more.

WE KNOW
PEOPLE.

Humanis specializes in personalized executive recruitment and leadership advisory services, catering to diverse clients across all industries.

From C-Suite executives to up-and-comers in firms and companies—large and small, public and private, ultra-local to multi-national—our tailored approach, including coaching and onboarding programs, addresses the unique challenges faced by every organization. From C-Suite executives to up-and-comers in firms and companies large and small, public and private, ultra-local and multi-national, our tailored approach, including coaching and onboarding programs, addresses the unique challenges faced by every organization.

Whether you’re a seasoned Board Chair, a start-up contemplating a greenfield build, or a private equity backed portfolio company looking to drive value, WE KNOW PEOPLE

OUR TEAM

is here to make your team great.
We understand the critical link between our credibility and that of our clients. We firmly believe in the significance of who takes your message to market mattering just as much as how it’s taken there.

Our team is highly educated, exceptionally well-trained, eminently likeable and has chosen search as their vocation, not simply as their job. This is the essence of our offering and differentiates us from our competition.

The world is changing and though our team believes the best candidate should always get the job, we believe that diversity of thought and background makes us better and, by extension, makes our clients better too.

At Humanis, we walk the walk. We lead by example. We look and act like the community we serve. And though we have worked for over a dozen different major industries, each has one thing in common: their people are the most important asset they have. Let our leaders help your leaders lead

The Acclaimed Ampersand

Bringing people together in a more personal, authentic way than an ‘and’ could ever do. Our monthly blog post, The Ampersand, and our Podcast, The Ampersand – Unplugged, provide insights into the workplace, the human condition, and the humanity around us.

READ the BLOG    LISTEN to the PODCAST
Let's Connect
CALGARY
EDMONTON
MONTREAL
TORONTO
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YANOUK POIRIER

ASSOCIÉ-DIRECTEUR
M. Yanouk Poirier cumule plus de 25 ans d'expérience professionnelle et il a dirigé avec succès de nombreuses missions de recrutement exécutif, de conseil en leadership et de recrutement de membres de conseils d'administration pour des PME, de grandes entreprises nationales et internationales.

Très impliqué, M. Poirier siège aux conseils d'administration de Penrhyn International, du Club St-James de Montréal et de la Fondation du cancer du sein du Québec. Il est également mentor et gouverneur pour l'Université de Sherbrooke. Yanouk se décrit comme un homme de famille, un père, un entrepreneur et un connecteur. Il croit profondément que nous pouvons changer le monde un leader à la fois et que nous avons la responsabilité de redonner à la société.

Titulaire d'un MBA de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Yanouk détient également un post-MBA axé sur les grands enjeux stratégiques mondiaux. Il est également certifié en coaching exécutif (ACC) par l'International Coaching Federation.
CO-MANAGING PARTNER
Mr. Yanouk Poirier has over 25 years of professional experience and has successfully led numerous missions in executive recruitment, leadership consulting, and board member recruitment for SMEs, large national and international companies. Highly involved, Mr. Poirier sits on the boards of Penrhyn International, Club St-James in Montreal, and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. He also serves as a mentor and Governor for the University of Sherbrooke. Yanouk describes himself as a family man, a father, an entrepreneur, and a connector. He deeply believes that we can change the world one leader at a time and that we have a responsibility to give back to society.

Holder of an MBA from the University of Sherbrooke, Yanouk also holds a post-MBA focusing on major global strategic issues. He is certified in executive coaching (ACC) by the International Coaching Federation.

CYNTHIA LABONTÉ, MBA

ASSOCIÉE-DIRECTRICE
Depuis plus de 20 ans, Cynthia Labonté assiste des conseils d'administration et des dirigeants d’entreprises dans la gestion complète des processus de recrutement de cadres exécutifs. Auparavant, elle a dirigé une équipe en recrutement de cadres au sein d’une importante firme de consultation stratégique au Canada.

Elle a réalisé à bien, plus de 350 mandats de recrutement de cadres exécutifs pour des entreprises et des firmes réputées dans les secteurs manufacturier et industriel, de la distribution, du commerce de détail, des services professionnels et des organisations à but non lucratif. Son esprit entrepreneurial et son sens des affaires, lui permettent de reconnaître la culture unique et d’analyser le leadership requis afin de répondre aux enjeux d’affaires de ses clients.

Mme Labonté est membre d’EntreChefs (réseau de plus de 2000 membres d’entrepreneurs au Québec). Cynthia est très impliquée dans la communauté philantropique de Montréal et participe activement à des conseils d’administration et de nombreuses causes locales.

Elle est titulaire d'une double diplomation MBA de l'Université Paris-Dauphine et de l'ESG-UQAM.
CO-MANAGING PARTNER
For over 20 years, Cynthia Labonté has been assisting boards of directors, corporate executives and public organizations in the complete management of executive search processes. Previously, she led a team of senior managers and consultants at a major Canadian strategic consulting and executive search firm.

She has successfully completed over 350 executive search mandates for leading companies and firms in the manufacturing, industrial, distribution, retail, professional services and not-for-profit sectors. Her entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, rigor and analytical skills are essential attributes that enable her to recognize the unique culture and needs of organizations, and to analyze the leadership required to meet her clients' business challenges.

Ms. Labonté is a member of EntreChefs (a network of over 2,000 entrepreneurs in Quebec). Cynthia is very involved in Montreal's philanthropic community, actively participating on boards and in many local causes.

She holds a double MBA from Université Paris-Dauphine and from ESG-UQAM in Montreal.

ROBIN FERRÉ

CONSULTANT
Robin Ferré est consultant en recherche de cadres exécutifs.

Avant de se joindre à Humanis, Robin a travaillé comme consultant, puis directeur chez un acteur important en recrutement exécutif ou il a œuvré dans des secteurs variés tels que les services professionnels, les technologies ou le secteur manufacturier.

Auparavant, il a travaillé dans diverses organisations en Europe et au Canada, dans des fonctions liées aux ressources humaines et au recrutement.

Durant son temps libre, Robin est très impliqué dans sa communauté. Il est membre du conseil d’administration de la Société Économique de l’Ontario et du conseil d’administration de l’Alliance Française de Toronto.

Il est également un grand amateur de sports de combats qu’il aime pratiquer ou simplement regarder, après un bon diner avec ses proches.

Robin Ferré est titulaire d'un baccalauréat en droit et d'une maîtrise en ressources humaines.
CONSULTANT
Robin Ferré is an executive search consultant.

Prior to joining Humanis, Robin worked as a consultant and then as a director for a major player in executive search in Canada, where he worked in a variety of sectors including professional services, technology and manufacturing.

Prior to this, he worked in various organizations in Europe and Canada, in human resources and recruitment functions.

In his spare time, Robin is very involved in his community. He is a board member of the Société Économique de l’Ontario and the Alliance Française de Toronto.

He's also a big fan of combat sports, which he likes to practice or simply watch after a good dinner with his loved ones.

Robin Ferré holds a bachelor's degree in Law and a master's degree in Human Resources.

MARIA ICAZA

CONSULTANTE
Maria Icaza vient de Mexico et possède plus de 13 ans d'expérience en recrutement de cadres. Elle collabore en continu avec les associés pour le recrutement de cadres supérieurs dans les secteurs manufacturier et distribution, de la vente au détail, des services professionnels et des OBNL. Elle a surtout travaillé sur des mandats au Canada et au Mexique, elle a aussi effectué quelques projets en Europe et aux États-Unis.

Elle a d’excellentes aptitudes relationnelles et sait naturellement attirer des talents de haut niveau. Outre sa passion pour les relations interpersonnelles, elle s’épanouit en apprenant sans cesse. Engagée auprès de la firme, elle comprend le marché des talents et carbure travail d’équipe.

Elle possède un baccalauréat en marketing de la Universidad del Valle de Mexico.

Maria est parle couramment l’espagnol et l’anglais et améliore son français de façon intensive!
CONSULTANT
Maria Icaza is from Mexico City; she has more than 13 years of experience in executive search. She has collaborated with partners on senior management roles up to C-Suite positions in the manufacturing, consumer, retail, pharmaceutical, industrial and professional services industry. She has been working in Mexico and Canada, nevertheless she did some assignments in Latin-America, Europe, and in the United States.

She has strong interpersonal skills and naturally attracts high-caliber talents. Besides her love for connecting with people, she aims to learn new things every day. Committed and devoted to the firm, she understands the talent market and thrives from being part of a team.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Universidad del Valle de Mexico.  

Fluent in Spanish and English, and in French (in development).

STÉPHANIE LAROSE

COORDONNATRICE DE PROJETS
Stéphanie œuvre en communications et en recherche depuis plus de 10 ans. Toujours à l’affût du mot juste, elle se spécialise en rédaction, en traduction et en révision. Elle a également à son actif plusieurs mandats de recherche de candidats. Son sujet de prédilection reste l’humain : l’exploration du potentiel de celui-ci la fascine.

Véritable caméléon, elle navigue au sein d’industries variées et côtoie tant des profils exécutifs qu’artistiques. Sa force réside dans sa curiosité ainsi que son sens de l’écoute de ses collaborateurs.

Titulaire d’un baccalauréat en Lettres modernes de l’Université de Lorraine (France), elle accorde une place importante à la bonification de ses connaissances linguistiques et littéraires. Sensible à l’art sous toutes ses formes et créative, elle tire son inspiration de ceux qui osent sortir du lot.

Mère de deux jeunes enfants, l’éducation et l’ouverture sur le monde restent au cœur de ses priorités. Dans ses temps libres, rien ne la ravit plus que de recevoir à sa table des personnes authentiques et ricaneuses.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Stéphanie has been working in communications and research for over 10 years. Always looking for the right word, she specialized in writing, translating, and proofreading. She has also worked on many search mandates. Her favourite topic remains human beings: exploring their potential fascinates her.

A true chameleon, she has worked within various industries and still deals equally with executive and artistic profiles. Her strength lies in her curiosity and her listening skills towards her collaborators.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Literature from Université de Lorraine (France) and attaches great importance to improving her linguistic and literary knowledge. Sensitive to art in all its forms and creative, she draws inspiration from those who dare to stand out.

A mother to two young children, education and openness to the world remain at the heart of her priorities. During her free time, nothing pleases her more than to welcome at her table people who are authentic and have a great sense of humour. 

RICHARD BÉLANGER

CONSULTANT SENIOR
Le parcours de Richard Bélanger en tant que gestionnaire de haut niveau lui a permis d'accompagner plusieurs types d'entreprises dans divers secteurs d'activité, principalement en recherche de cadres mais aussi dans leur processus de planification de la relève.

Son expérience de plus de 25 ans dans le domaine du recrutement exécutif a été acquise au sein de sa propre firme ainsi qu’auprès d’une importante firme canadienne de consultation stratégique et de recherche de cadres.

Richard a été président d’une filiale au sein d’un important détaillant et distributeur dans le domaine des produits de consommation et de vente par catalogue au Canada.

Il siège sur différents conseils d’administration et a développé un réseau enviable basé sur ses valeurs personnelles qui sont l’authenticité, la rigueur et le sens de l’éthique. Ses compétences relationnelles et sa capacité d’écoute active combinées à son courage managérial lui permettent de s’assurer de la compréhension des besoins de sa clientèle.
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Richard Bélanger is a senior consultant who has extensive experience in high-level management which has allowed him to support several types of businesses in different industries and sectors, mainly in executive search but also in their succession planning process.

His experience of more than 25 years in the field of executive recruitment was acquired within his own firm as well as with a major Canadian strategic consulting and executive search firm.

Richard was President of a subsidiary of a key retailer and distributor of consumer products and catalog sales in Canada.

He serves on different Boards of Administration and has developed an enviable network based on his personal values which are authenticity, rigor, and a sense of ethics. His people skills and his ability to actively listen combined with his managerial courage allow him to ensure that the needs of his customers are understood.
Richard Bélanger
514.808.6084