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About Us — GIR Groupe Investissement Responsable
Canada's leading proxy voting advisor

A team committed to
responsible investment

Since 2000, GIR has supported Canadian institutional investors in exercising their voting rights — with rigour, independence, and conviction.

The GIR team
GIR by the numbers

Our impact, in numbers

45
Clients
90+
Billion $
in client assets
3 000
Meetings voted
per year · in 50 countries
8
Voting policies
25+
Years of expertise
in responsible investment
Our presence

Tailored solutions from coast to coast

📍
British Columbia
Vancouver
📍
Ontario
Toronto
📍
Québec
Montréal
📍
Nova Scotia
Halifax
🗼
France
Paris
New
🌎
4 Canadian provinces
🏢
Full compliance with provincial regulations
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International presence Paris since 2025
Our history

The evolution of GIR

More than 20 years of responsible, ethical and sustainable investment.

2000
Founded
Creation of GIR

Founded as a subsidiary of Demers Conseil by Sherazad Adib, François Méloche and François Rebello, GIR carried out its first research and consulting mandates for Québec investors.

2003
Expansion
First votes at shareholder meetings

GIR begins voting at corporate annual general meetings on behalf of its clients.

2004
Structure
Incorporation of GIR

GIR is incorporated, laying the foundation for an independent structure dedicated to responsible investment.

2007
Digital transformation
Acquisition & modernisation

Olivier Gamache acquires the company and begins a digital transformation by standardising the voting process.

2009
Innovation
Launch of the Integralpha platform

Launch of the Integralpha platform, permettant aux investisseurs de consulter leurs rapports de vote en ligne.

2020
New leadership
Takeover by Étienne Lamy & Thomas Estinès

Two employees take over from Olivier Gamache. GIR acquires SHARE's voting contracts in exchange for an equity stake, becoming the leading 100% Canadian proxy voting agent, from Vancouver to Halifax.

2025
International expansion
Establishment in Paris

GIR marks a historic milestone with the opening of a Paris presence, entering the European responsible investment market.

2026
Technology development
Innovation & Mosaic Voting Guidelines

Launch of the Mosaic Voting Guidelines, the new collaborative proxy voting reference in Canada, alongside accelerating technology initiatives to modernise ESG analysis.

Join us in this vision

Responsible and sustainable investment, for a better tomorrow.

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Our team

People with purpose

A team transforming today's investments for a better tomorrow.

Leadership
Étienne Lamy
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Étienne Lamy
Étienne Lamy joined GIR in 2018 and assumed the role of Co-CEO in 2020. Responsible for proxy voting operations and IT systems, he has contributed to a significant growth in the number of meetings voted.
Étienne Lamy joined GIR in 2018 and assumed the role of Co-CEO in 2020. As head of the proxy voting activity, Étienne has made a valuable contribution by applying his exceptional organisational skills. Under his leadership, the team has significantly grown the number of meetings voted while maintaining report quality. Étienne also oversees all IT systems. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from Université Laval, as well as a certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from UQAM. He is particularly passionate about the social economy and its influence on society.
Thomas Estinès
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Estinès
Thomas Estinès joined GIR in 2013, successively holding the positions of analyst, chief analyst and director of operations. He is responsible for GIR's research and advisory activities.
Thomas Estinès joined the firm in 2013, successively holding the positions of analyst, chief analyst and director of operations. He is notably responsible for GIR's research and advisory activities. He holds an MBA from St. John's University (New York) and a Master's in Environmental Management from Groupe Excelia (formerly Sup de Co La Rochelle). For several years he has been involved in the sustainable finance community as a mentor and volunteer with organisations including CIRANO and the Finance Montréal Sustainable Finance Initiative.
Analyst team
Salomé Testot-Ferry
Chief Analyst
Salomé Testot-Ferry
Holding a Bachelor's in International Commerce and a Master's in Economics from Concordia University, Salomé joined GIR in 2023 where she analyses the environmental impact of companies.
With an international background and diverse experience, Salomé Testot-Ferry holds a Bachelor's in International Commerce and a Master's in Economics from Concordia University. Her commitment was forged through her involvement with organisations such as UNICEF Rwanda, Journey House Africa, and the Syrian Kids Foundation. Since February 2023, she has applied her expertise and passion for responsible investment at GIR, where she analyses the environmental impact of companies, contributes to improving financial and corporate practices, and participates in the development of the firm.
Antoine Salhab
Environmental Analyst
Antoine Salhab
Holding a Master's in Environment and Sustainable Development from Université de Montréal, Antoine conducts in-depth ESG analyses and provides voting recommendations.
Antoine Salhab, analyst at GIR, holds a Master's in Environment and Sustainable Development from Université de Montréal. He has developed solid expertise in sustainability, developing responsible strategies and assessing the environmental impact of Canadian and international companies. At GIR, he conducts in-depth ESG analyses and provides voting recommendations aligned with investor expectations. His methodological rigour and commitment to sustainability make him a key asset in supporting companies in their transition to responsible practices.
Johanne Therrien
Social Analyst
Johanne Therrien
Johanne Therrien joined GIR in 2001. She holds a Bachelor's in French Studies from Université de Sherbrooke and also studied sociology at Université de Montréal.
Johanne Therrien joined GIR in January 2001 as a proofreader, a role to which writer was quickly added, and some years later, analyst. She holds a Bachelor's in French Studies, including a major in literary studies and a minor in French language and literature from Université de Sherbrooke. She also studied sociology at Université de Montréal. She comes from the Québec student movement and participated in the inter-generational think tank Le Pont entre les générations.
Administration
Doris Patiño
Administrative Assistant
Doris Patiño
Doris Patiño joined GIR in September 2008. She holds a degree in personnel administration from Universidad de Ceipa (Colombia) and a certificate in office technology from Collège Info-technique.
Doris Patiño joined GIR in September 2008 as secretary-receptionist. She holds a degree in personnel administration from Universidad de Ceipa in Colombia, as well as a professional certificate in office technology from Collège Info-technique, completed in Longueuil in 2007.
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