Press Release
Brenda Hemmelgarn to take reins as new dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
Boyden is proud to share University of Alberta appointment news
Olivier H. Rivas
Principal, Canada
Olivier has led a dual career as a lawyer and trusted business advisor, working closely with senior leaders, founders, and investors across sectors. His background spans economic development, international business, and legal practice, giving him a pragmatic understanding of how organizations grow, govern, and sustain momentum.
Professional Focus
- Licensed lawyer with 10 years’ experience in business and economic development
- Executive- and board-level recruitment for not-for-profits, SMEs and large corporations, as well as PE-backed and emerging ventures
- Proven business expertise including business development, foreign direct investment, partnerships, international expansion, legal compliance, program and project management
- Broad functional know-how including finance, legal, HR and communications
- Fluent in French and English
Business Expertise
- Director of Business Development at Montréal International, a leading economic development agency; prior roles included FDI Project Director and Project Manager
- Lawyer at Galileo Partners, a boutique firm focused on business immigration law
- Articling placement at Miller Thomson, a national full-service business law firm (part of legal licensing process)
- Earlier roles at a venture-backed startup, a tech transactional law firm, and an early-stage venture capital fund
Additional Expertise
- Social Impact
- Not-for-Profit
- Travel, Hospitality & Leisure
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- License to practice law, Québec Bar
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Université Laval
- Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) in finance from Concordia University
- Major in media and communications from Université de Montréal
Case Studies
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Strategic Turnaround: A CFO’s Role in Rebuilding Culture and Financial Leadership
Boyden supports a major charter school network with the recruitment of the right CFO to bridge strategy, execution, and collaboration.
Elevating IT Excellence: An Ivy League University’s Search for Top Talent
Strategic Leadership in Crisis: Elevating Communications and Protecting Reputation
Amid a politically sensitive crisis, our client, a major social impact organization, faced significant reputational risks. Lacking a Head of Public & Government Affairs for over three years, they turned to Boyden for urgent strategic communications leadership.
Thought Leadership
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Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?
Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
Boyden Executive Survey
Latin America Regional Analysis: Strengthening the human-centric core of Industry 5.0
How can organisations thrive in a complex world of risk?
Boyden Executive Survey
North America Regional Analysis: Strengthening the human-centric core of Industry 5.0
How can organisations thrive in a complex world of risk?
Boyden Executive Survey
Talent-led transformation in a post-pandemic world: Latin America
How can global business leaders deliver on ambitions of growth and reinvention?
News & Events
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Event
What Makes an Effective Charitable Board in 2024 and Beyond?
Press Release
Boyden Sees Strong Growth in East Africa, Focused on Social Impact, Healthcare, Education, Private Equity and High Growth Start-ups
Boyden hires new Partner Farah Esmail in East Africa, as client needs drive growth in leadership for multinationals, social impact, family and private equity-backed businesses
Contact Olivier H. Rivas today and let's get started