MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - March 24, 2014) - The Québec Chapter of FEI Canada, an all-industry professional association for senior financial executives, is pleased to announce the nine finalists in the 2014 "Aces of Finance" competition. Presided over this year by honorary chairman Mr. Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank, the competition was open to all chief financial officers, vice presidents of finance and senior financial executives across Québec, whether or not they are members of FEI Canada. Now in its fourth year, the event aims to recognize the professional achievements and community engagement of three outstanding financial executives.

The names of the winners will be revealed at a gala evening to be held on May 8 in Montréal, hosted by René Vézina, economic columnist and blogger for the Les Affaires newspaper.

The "Aces of Finance" competition not only honours the stellar careers of financial executives, it also underlines the crucial role they play within their organization as well as their strategic contribution to the organization's performance. This year, the competition's categories were changed and broken down by organization size instead of public or private.

The organizing committee reviewed all candidates before selecting the following nine finalists from various sectors:

"Financial executive of a large corporation" category

• Mr. Patrick Cyr, CPA, CA, ACS, Senior Vice President, Finance and Realty, SSQ Financial Group Inc.
• Mr. Pierre Despars, FCMA, FCPA, CA, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Gaz Métro
• Mr. Nelson Gentiletti, CPA, CA, Chief Financial & Corporate Development Officer, TC Transcontinental Inc.

"Financial executive of a small or medium-sized enterprise" category

• Mr. Pierre Blanchette, CPA, CA, Senior Vice President, Finance, Fiera Capital Corporation
• Ms. Samira Sakhia, CPA, CA, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Laboratoires Paladin Inc.
• Mr. Alain Tanguay, CPA, CA, Chief Financial Officer, Tarkett Sports

"Emerging financial executive" category

• Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, CPA, CMA, Vice President, Finance, Scandinavian Tobacco Group Canada
• Mr. Alexandre Patte, CFA, Vice President, Corporate Development and Treasurer, Kruger Inc.
• Mr. Jérôme Sinelnikoff, Director of Finance, Accedian Networks

In the final stage, the three winners will be selected by an independent jury, following an interview with each candidate.

The recipient of the 2014 Homage Award is Mr. François R. Roy, former Chief Financial Officer of Quebecor and Avenor, now a Corporate Director. Mr. Roy will be honoured during the gala evening of the "Aces of Finance" competition. This prestigious award recognizes a financial executive who has had an outstanding career, has brought distinction to the profession of finance and serves as a source of inspiration to his or her peers.

"Now in its fourth year, this competition is a true celebration of our profession and the ultimate recognition for Québec senior financial executives who have distinguished themselves in the last few years," said Louis Marcotte, President of the Québec Chapter of FEI Canada. "This competition is a true testament to the energy and vitality of the finance profession, which continues to evolve and remains very important within organizations."

The entire financial and business community is invited to come out to support the finalists and be present when the names of the winners of the "Aces of Finance" competition are announced on May 8th. Tables are still available for this major annual event. For more information regarding the gala evening or to reserve seats, visit the Québec Chapter's page of the FEI Canada website: http://www.feicanada.org/events.php?eid=1675.

About Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada)

Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada) or Dirigeants financiers internationaux Canada (DFI Canada) is the all-industry professional association for senior financial executives. With 11 chapters across Canada and 1,700 members, FEI Canada provides professional development, thought leadership and advocacy services to its members. The Quebec Chapter currently counts 185 members. The association's membership, which consists of chief financial officers, audit committee directors and senior executives in the finance, controller, treasury and taxation functions, represents a significant number of Canada's leading and most influential corporations. Further information can be found at www.feicanada.org/quebec.