Berger peat moss management team – Development of peat moss industry – Berger’s leader – Create mixes

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Our team is truly down to earth.

The Berger team is passionate, focused, and committed to harnessing the power
of growing mixes through the power of our expertise and research.

We hail from the widest range of backgrounds, from horticulture
to chemistry to microbiology to soil sciences.

Together, we are dedicated to pursuing world-class research in growing mixes to strategically influence the development of industry standards and leverage our intellectual property to improve crop yield and quality for growers everywhere.

And while we harness the power of science and the latest technologies within our research labs, our team nevertheless has its feet firmly planted in the field. Whether it is meeting with customers or getting our hands dirty in the 7000-year-old Bois-des-Bel peatland industry research hub, we believe in being hands-on: we observe, investigate, and ask the right questions, so that our research can be truly put to use in the field—and the field be applied to our research.

Berger’s leaders bring decades of diverse experience in horticulture
and agriculture as well as a history of success.

Combining business acumen with scientific expertise, our executives guide the Berger team to create mixes and develop growing strategies that break new ground. Learn more about our team and our solid background in helping growers grow smarter.

Claudin Berger

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Berger founded what is known as Berger today in 1980. He has over 40 years' experience in the horticulture industry, providing the company with strategic insight into the ever-evolving needs of growers worldwide. He has taken an active leadership role in a variety of non-profit organizations in Québec, such as: the Groupement des chefs d’entreprise du Québec and the Maison de la famille de Rivière-du-Loup.

Régis Berger

Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Berger has worked for the company since he started his career in horticulture over 49 years ago. Thanks to his wealth of management experience and results-driven outlook, Mr. Berger streamlines the company’s product development, implements continuous improvement strategies, and engages the Berger team towards operational excellence.

Valérie Berger

Corporate Director - Sales and Marketing

Valérie Berger holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Science from the HEC, with a major in psychology and a minor in human resources. She began her career in human resources with Berger in New Brunswick, where she spent two and a half years. Ms. Berger then volunteered at an orphanage and spent four months travelling in Bolivia and Peru. She then returned to university for an MBA in international management. She also completed a session at Denmark’s Copenhagen Business School. Ms. Berger then took a position at FritoLay Canada, where she worked as a sales manager for a team of 14 and then as director of human resources for Eastern Canada. She has been at Berger for four years; the first two years, as a special projects director. Since then she has worked as the company’s corporate director of sales and marketing.

Mélissa Berger

Corporate Director - Special Projects

Mélissa Berger holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the HEC in Business Administration, Operations and Production Management, with one session completed at EDHEC in Lille, France. She began her career at L’Oréal as a supply manager, where she spent two years. She then spent four months travelling in South America, visiting Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, before going back to school and completing a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Occupational Ergonomics at Polytechnique Montréal. She also completed a session at the University of Hertfordshire, U.K. After graduating, she took a position as supply chain manager at U Logistique, a subcontractor for Bombardier. Ms. Berger was then hired by L’Oréal USA in New York City as market supply manager, where she remained for two years. She then returned to L’Oréal Canada as a launch manager. She has been with Berger for two years as the company’s corporate director of special projects and operations. She is also in charge of integrating Sun Land Garden Products, a California company acquired in 2011.

Marc Bourgoin

Corporate Director – Communications

Mr. Bourgoin is responsible for Berger’s corporate communications in the industry, with the media, and internally. He also oversees the company’s strategic planning sessions, project portfolio management, and operational plans. Mr. Bourgoin represents Berger with its various governmental, business, and networking partners.

Yves Gauthier

Corporate Director – Development

Since starting with Berger over 25 years ago, Mr. Gauthier has actively participated in the design and development of innovative growing mixes. His strong business acumen has steered him towards business development and corporate expansion projects.

Denis Deschênes

Corporate Director – Finances

With over 40 years' experience in finance and accounting,
Mr. Deschênes took over the reins of Berger’s Finance Department in 1989. Berger’s rock-solid financial condition is a direct result of his expertise, guidance, and dedication to sound business practices.

Gaston Fortin

Director – Logistics and Purchasing

Mr. Fortin has nearly 30 years' experience in supply chain management with Berger. Mr. Fortin has extensive knowledge of the horticulture industry as well as purchasing and logistics—all of which enable him to drive the company’s competitive edge. Mr. Fortin’s team works to ensure optimum availability of Berger’s products and top-of-the-line product quality.

Stéphane Bourgault

Director – Québec Operations

Mr. Bourgault is in charge of production at all of Berger’s Québec sites, working closely to maintain Berger’s commitment to sustainable development. With a sharp attention to detail and relentless drive for perfection, Mr. Bourgault is also in charge of the continuous improvement of Berger’s production and quality control systems.

Denis Lebel

Director – New Brunswick, Texas & Manitoba Operations

Mr. Lebel began his career with Berger in Quebec in 1983. After several management positions, namely overseeing the company’s Bay du Vin site, he is now in charge of Berger’s production sites in New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Texas. Attuned to the importance of sustainability and preservation of wildlife habitats, Mr. Lebel also manages Berger’s peatland development programs.

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