Christian Eve-Levesque
Sainte-Rose,QC
Summary
An accomplished executive with over 18 years of leadership experience across the technology, media, robotics, medical devices, energy, and events industries. Demonstrated expertise in analyzing global market dynamics to develop and implement transformative, disruptive strategies that redefine industry standards. Passionate about driving innovation and creative solutions, specializing in transforming organizations to enhance competitiveness, accelerate growth, and deliver exceptional value to stakeholders.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Engineering
Zinnia
04.2022 - Current
- AI Group Lead & Head of Technology and Product (April 2023 - Present): Leading the development of a proprietary Generative AI platform utilizing cutting-edge technologies including LangChain, OpenAI, Azure AI, Presidio, LLaMA, and more
- This AI platform focuses on optimizing internal processes such as contact center operations and is being offered as a scalable SaaS solution
- I manage the strategic roadmap, ensuring alignment between AI-driven innovation and core business objectives, delivering impactful solutions
- Director of Engineering (February 2022 - April 2023): Directed engineering efforts for key platforms, including a modular engagement and loyalty solution built with TypeScript, Molecular, Kubernetes, and AWS
- These solutions enhanced customer retention and scaled across businesses
- I also led the development of a core configuration tool and managed the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) grant program, securing funding for pioneering R&D
- My leadership aligned technology strategy with business growth goals, driving operational efficiency and product innovation
Director Of Engineering
Breathe Life
02.2022 - 09.2022
Product Manager
Breathe Life
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Directed the creation of a hybrid distribution platform for life and annuity insurance carriers, supporting both direct-to-consumer and financial advisor channels
- This platform provided comprehensive functionality, from lead generation to electronic application submission, including underwriting, decision-making, and payment processing systems
- Drove product strategy and execution, ensuring alignment between technological innovations and business priorities
- The platform's success contributed significantly to market penetration and growth, enhancing operational efficiency and improving the customer journey
Head of Digital Products & Business Partnerships
Showcare Event Solutions
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Led the development of a virtual event management platform, offering features such as networking functionality, exhibitor halls, training sessions, and an LMS
- This platform provided a scalable and seamless experience, catering to professional events including conferences, symposiums, and tradeshows
- Oversaw internal development and external product partnerships to ensure successful implementation and adoption
- Played a critical role in positioning Showcare as a leader in digital event solutions, especially during a pivotal period for the industry
Co-Founder and CEO
SpherePlay
08.2014 - 09.2019
- As co-founder and CEO, I spearheaded the development of cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) media playback technology, delivering high-performance solutions for immersive media experiences
- Our platform supported both live and on-demand VR content
- Collaborated with top-tier organizations such as the NFL, NHL, UFC, and RedBull Crashed Ice to deliver innovative VR experiences for live sports broadcasting
- In collaboration with Intel and Nvidia, we advanced live streaming technology to set new industry benchmarks for real-time VR content delivery
- Developed VR-based Ad-tech solutions that enabled advertisers to create highly interactive, immersive advertising experiences
- Raised over $1.25M in venture capital and angel rounds, driving product innovation and company growth
- Led the company's strategy, business development, and fundraising, securing SpherePlay's leadership in the rapidly evolving VR and media landscape
Research Assistant - Contractual
Polytechnique Montréal
08.2014 - 01.2015
- Authored comprehensive case studies on technological innovation and commercialization, enriching the MBA curriculum with real-world industry insights.
- Delivered lectures on technological perspectives, innovation strategy, and market analysis, enhancing students' understanding of the evolving tech landscape.
- Conducted field research on the Canadian innovation ecosystem, identifying key trends and opportunities that informed program development.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop and launch a new MBA program specializing in Technological Innovation and Commercialization, ensuring academic rigor and industry relevance.
Project Manager - Continuous Improvement
Kinova
06.2013 - 11.2013
Engineer Production
Kinova
04.2012 - 06.2013
Lecturer
École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
09.2012 - 04.2013
- As part of the Masters in Innovation Management - Innovation Strategy and Market Analysis
Research Assistant
École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
01.2012 - 04.2012
- Coordinated the launch of a research project on deploying innovation best practices within a Montreal industrial cluster.
- Presented GIM research results to main partners, enhancing collaborative efforts.
- Facilitated introductions to new research partners through organized meetings.
- Guided master's students in their capstone projects, initiating industry contacts and refining research scopes.
- Promoted innovation management programs to attract students and partners.
- Managed admissions, analyzing applications and conducting preliminary interviews.
Projet d'intervention en entreprise - Activité synthèse de maîtrise
Hydro-québec Research Institute (ireq)
03.2011 - 12.2011
- Implemented an internal idea capture system to streamline open and collaborative innovation processes.
- Developed methods to stimulate team creativity.
- Aligned processes with decision-making in portfolio management.
Engineer
Johnson & Johnson
05.2007 - 04.2011
- Provided technical support to the prototyping plant, improving manufacturing processes to meet FDA standards.
- Implemented a quality assurance process, enhancing consistency and efficiency in prototyping.
- Led productivity initiatives in product manufacturing and packaging within commercial production.
- Optimized laboratory testing methods to improve production workflows.
- Spearheaded cost-reduction projects to boost operational efficiency.
- Contributed to new product line development, leveraging statistical analysis of lab test results.
- Developed and executed a quality plan ensuring new products met high standards of quality and compliance.
Education
Master's Degree Engineering - Innovation Management
École De Technologie Supérieure (ETS)
Montreal, QC01.2012
Baccalauréat - Mechanical Engineering
École De Technologie Supérieure
Montreal, QC01.2009
Visiting Student Semester - Génie Mécanique
UBC
Vancouver, BC01.2008
Skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Charismatic leader
- Verbal and written communication
- Team management
- Product development
- Budget planning
AI & Generative AI Platform Development
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Publications
L'innovation, moteur du développement durable pour l'industrie aérospatiale
University-SME Collaboration and Open Innovation: Intellectual-Property Management Tools and the Roles of Intermediaries
Timeline
Director of Engineering
Zinnia
04.2022 - Current
Director Of Engineering
Breathe Life
02.2022 - 09.2022
Product Manager
Breathe Life
09.2020 - 04.2022
Head of Digital Products & Business Partnerships
Showcare Event Solutions
10.2019 - 09.2020
Co-Founder and CEO
SpherePlay
08.2014 - 09.2019
Research Assistant - Contractual
Polytechnique Montréal
08.2014 - 01.2015
Project Manager - Continuous Improvement
Kinova
06.2013 - 11.2013
Lecturer
École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
09.2012 - 04.2013
Engineer Production
Kinova
04.2012 - 06.2013
Research Assistant
École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
01.2012 - 04.2012
Projet d'intervention en entreprise - Activité synthèse de maîtrise
Hydro-québec Research Institute (ireq)
03.2011 - 12.2011
Engineer
Johnson & Johnson
05.2007 - 04.2011
Master's Degree Engineering - Innovation Management
École De Technologie Supérieure (ETS)
Baccalauréat - Mechanical Engineering
École De Technologie Supérieure
Visiting Student Semester - Génie Mécanique
UBC
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