Corporate Acumen Meets Cardiac Care: Goulet to Lead MHI Foundation

MONTREAL, QC – June 11, 2026 – The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), the philanthropic engine behind one of the world's foremost cardiology centers, has appointed a new leader to its board. Jacques Goulet, a senior executive at Sun Life, will take the helm as Chair, succeeding Daniel Lamarre in a move that signals both continuity and a strategic deepening of corporate-philanthropic synergy. This isn't just a routine leadership shuffle; it's the placement of a seasoned strategist, whose career has been defined by managing risk and driving transformation, into a role dedicated to mitigating the greatest health risk of all: cardiovascular disease.

Lamarre, whose tenure is praised as a period of “exemplary work,” will remain on the board, ensuring a seamless transition. The appointment places Goulet at the forefront of an organization that has raised over $450 million since its inception in 1977, fueling decades of life-saving research and innovation.

A Leader Forged in Strategy and Risk

Jacques Goulet’s professional trajectory is not that of a typical non-profit chair. With a 29-year career at global consulting firm Mercer that saw him leading its Health and Wealth businesses across more than 100 countries, followed by a pivotal role at Sun Life, Goulet brings a formidable toolkit of strategic and financial expertise. He joined Sun Life in 2018 as President of its Canadian division, spearheading major initiatives like Sun Life Health and the Client Experience Office, which were central to the company’s growth and modernization. His leadership earned him recognition as CEO of the Year by Les Affaires in 2021.

Now serving as Sun Life's Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, Goulet is responsible for the global oversight of risk management and actuarial functions. This background is uniquely suited to the challenges facing a major health foundation. Leading the MHIF requires more than just passion; it demands the strategic foresight to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars for maximum impact, the discipline to ensure the long-term sustainability of research programs, and the ability to rally diverse stakeholders—from corporate donors to individual philanthropists—around a unified mission. Goulet’s experience in navigating complex global systems and managing long-tail risk provides a powerful framework for guiding the Foundation’s next chapter of growth and impact.

From Board Member to Chairman: A Record of Tangible Impact

This appointment is the culmination of years of dedicated service. Since joining the MHIF board in 2019, Goulet has been an active and influential member. His most notable contribution has been championing the MHI’s Sun Life Diabetes Prevention and Remission Clinic, an initiative that directly reflects his professional and personal commitment to health and prevention. The connection between diabetes and heart disease is well-established, with cardiovascular complications being the leading cause of death for those with type 2 diabetes.

Under Goulet's leadership at Sun Life Canada, the company became a foundational partner for the clinic, which remains the only one of its kind in Canada. Sun Life’s total investment in the clinic now exceeds $1.5 million, including a recent $600,000 renewal in 2025. The results speak for themselves. The clinic has supported over 1,500 patients through nearly 19,000 personalized follow-ups, achieving remarkable outcomes: 40% of prediabetic patients have achieved full remission, and 20% of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients have returned to normal glucose levels without medication after just six months. This is the tangible, people-focused impact that cuts through the hype. It is this proven ability to connect corporate resources to real-world health outcomes that makes his elevation to Chair so significant.

Outgoing Chair Daniel Lamarre commented on this proven track record, stating, “Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Jacques’s unwavering dedication to our mission. His leadership, meticulousness, and ability to rally others around ambitious objectives make him the perfect person to chair the board of directors.”

Confronting a National Health Crisis

The work of the Montreal Heart Institute and its Foundation has never been more critical. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of mortality globally. In Canada, the associated risk factors, particularly diabetes, represent a growing public health crisis. Approximately one in three Canadians lives with diabetes or prediabetes, and the economic burden of chronic diseases is projected to climb into the tens of billions annually.

The MHI stands as a bulwark against this tide. It is home to the nation’s largest cardiovascular research center, prevention center (the renowned EPIC Center), and cardiovascular genetics center. The funds raised by the MHIF are the lifeblood of this work, enabling breakthroughs in research, supporting cutting-edge patient care for tens of thousands of Quebecers, and promoting the preventative strategies that can change the trajectory of public health. Goulet now inherits the responsibility of stewarding this powerful legacy and ensuring its continued momentum.

Building on a Legacy of Excellence

The transition in leadership is marked by a strong sense of unified purpose. The continued presence of Daniel Lamarre on the board underscores a commitment to stability and the preservation of institutional knowledge. There is palpable confidence among the Foundation’s leadership that Goulet is the right person to build upon the successes of his predecessor.

“Jacques is a mobilizing leader who is known for his vision, integrity, and commitment to the health of citizens,” said Karl Blackburn, President and CEO of the Montreal Heart Institute. “His familiarity with the Foundation, attachment to our mission, and commitment to addressing major challenges in cardiovascular health will be precious assets for the coming years.”

Goulet himself steps into the role with a clear sense of purpose. “I am honoured by the confidence shown in me and deeply motivated to build upon the work begun by Daniel Lamarre and the other members of the board,” he stated. “Heart disease remains one of the world's most pressing health issues and the Foundation plays a key role in accelerating the pace of research, supporting innovation, and promoting prevention. I am proud to contribute to this mission and to mobilize our community to bolster the Foundation’s impact to the benefit of present and future generations.”