Not only an inductee to Québec's Air and Space Hall of Fame, CAE president and chief executive officer Marc Parent has been named a Knight of the distinguished Ordre national du Québec, the highest honour bestowed by the Québec government, presented by Premier François Legault.

"It is truly an honour to be appointed to the Ordre national du Québec and join the ranks of pioneers who have been recognised for their significant contributions to Québec's economy and growth," he says.

Since joining CAE in 2005, Parent has led CAE's growth beyond creating simulation products to providing solutions, services and technologies that enhance human performance in high-stakes industries while always looking for innovative ways to give back to Québec.

Over the last two years, his advocacy and leadership helped CAE strengthen its business strategy and secure its future despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. With nine acquisitions since March 2020, CAE has also significantly increased its capabilities and expanded its offering, ushering in the next generation of technology.

Committed to building technology to accelerate the development and safe adoption of world-changing innovations, Parent contributed to making CAE the first Canadian aerospace company to become carbon-neutral in 2020.

Recognised for his commitment to the community and an unparalleled passion for making the world a safer place, he launched a movement in Québec to accelerate vaccinations against Covid-19, which led to nearly 400,000 doses being administered in 27 centres to companies across the region. Also under his leadership, CAE employees designed and created the CAE Air1 critical care respirator.

For his extraordinary vision, ambition and leadership, Parent has also been recently inducted into Québec's Air and Space Hall of Fame, a non-profit organisation that recognises the outstanding contributions and accomplishments in aviation from individuals from Québec. He has been honoured with the Order of Canada (2020) and was named Industry Leader of the Year by the Living Legends of Aviation (2022).