Ski-Doo maker BRP names ex-Renault executive Denis Le Vot as next CEO

Article contentMONTREAL — BRP Inc. has named Denis Le Vot, a former top executive at French carmaker Renault Group, as the company’s new leader who must now steer the Ski-Doo maker through a bumpy trade war.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentBRP said Tuesday that Le Vot will start in the role on Feb. 1, when 22-year CEO Jose Boisjoli is slated to step down from the top job and his role as board chair.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentLe Vot is an automotive industry veteran who helped turn budget subsidiary Dacia into one of Renault’s most successful brands.Article contentAn engineer by training with more than three decades in the business — mainly at Renault — he held leadership roles in Europe, Asia and the U.S. and took the helm at Dacia in 2021 before departing the auto giant in September after being passed over for the CEO position.Article contentArticle contentDespite his car credentials, Le Vot’s appointment at BRP came as a surprise to some, who noted his outsider status and lack of experience in powersports.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“Our initial reaction is neutral/mixed, as an outsider is a surprising selection to us,” said Desjardins analyst Benoit Poirier in a note to clients.Article content“We had believed the selection would go to a ‘BRP lifer’ or insider who would have a deep understanding of the history of the company, as well as a strong passion for powersports and the development of these products.”Article contentBut Poirier and other analysts noted market parallels, with BRP and carmakers both relying on a sales model where revenue comes primarily from wholesale purchases by a vast network of dealers.Article contentThe fact he was considered a leading candidate for the top job at Renault suggests that “he is of CEO calibre,” said Stifel Nicolaus analyst Martin Landry in a note.Article content“Although we generally favour internal promotions over external appointments, Mr. Le Vot’s credentials are impressive.”Article contentBRP also stressed the parallels between the turbocharged worlds of Ski-Doos and subcompacts.Article contentArticle content“The automotive industry shares multiple similar market dynamics with the powersports industry and we look forward to drawing on his wealth of experience in this sector,” said BRP lead director Barbara Samardzich in a release.Article contentThe person Le Vot replaces was a company man.Article contentJose Boisjoli joined Bombardier Inc. in 1989 and, in 2003, took over as boss of the newly spun-off BRP, which has known no other CEO.Article contentThe engineer, who grew up a half-hour’s drive from its headquarters in Valcourt, Que., and received his first snowmobile at age 10, piloted BRP from a struggling powersports outfit into a brand with worldwide reach that seized on growing demand for side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles and personal watercraft.Article contentHe passes the baton at a tough time for the sector. After an urge for outdoor activity sparked a sales boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers have more recently responded to inflation and interest rate hikes by pulling back from pricey recreational purchases.Article contentNow, tariffs have raised costs and fostered a wait-and-see approach to consumption, with the threat of American withdrawal from the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade pact dangling in the new year.Trending The Federal Reserve’s rate cut was a clear signal to investors Investor Garry Marr: How raiding your TFSA before the end of year could save you thousands Personal Finance Posthaste: A metric that tells how Canadians are really doing is improving for the first time in three years News CRA's 100-day plan results are not the presents Canadians want or need Taxes McKinsey plots thousands of layoffs in consulting slowdown Work Article content“Our chief remaining concern for the stock is the risk of substantive changes or threats around the USMCA agreement,” said National Bank analyst Cameron Doerksen in a note.Article contentLe Vot’s wide-ranging international experience could help BRP meet its goal of growing overseas revenues, he added.Article contentBRP said Le Vot will become a board member, while Pierre Beaudoin — Bombardier’s board chair and a scion of the company’s controlling family — will also chair BRP’s board.Article contentBarbara Samardzich will remain the company’s lead independent director.Article contentThis report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2025.Article contentCompanies in this story: (TSX:DOO, TSX:BBD.B)Article contentShare this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. 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