Building on Strengths and Excellence
NB: This series of encounters highlights the diversity of the members of the IRCM community, the variety of their expertise and the depth of their commitment to their respective roles
Hocine joined the IRCM almost by chance. There, he quickly found his place within a team he describes as “exceptional”. Recently appointed Director of Information Technology, he brings with him a rich and international background, marked by digital transformation and infrastructure modernization.
Trained in Algeria, and later in France at ESGI (École supérieure de génie informatique), Hocine spent more than twelve years working within a major industrial group, where he held significant responsibilities, particularly in Algeria. This experience allowed him to develop solid expertise in managing complex infrastructure and operating in demanding environments.
His arrival in Canada got off to a flying start: barely 48 hours after landing in Montreal, he had already begun a new professional chapter at Loto-Québec. For nearly two years, he served as a specialist advisor to the IT Vice Presidency, before continuing his career in the technology services sector, where he contributed to large-scale projects, including the migration of data centers to the cloud for public organizations.
He first discovered the IRCM opportunity on LinkedIn.
I didn’t expect it to lead anywhere, but I immediately recognized an environment that spoke to me.
The connection was immediate: from his very first meetings, he felt a strong bond with the team.
There is a truly remarkable human quality and level of collaboration here. You just feel good.
As he takes over IT leadership following the retirement of Yves Morin, Hocine now aims to continue implementing a clear vision: modernizing the infrastructure, structuring services, and supporting the Institute’s growth. Among his priorities, he highlights two main areas: creating a true service center with a clear and formalized offering for laboratories, and strengthening cyber security practises with a view to obtaining recognized certifications.
We already have very strong foundations. The goal is to structure, train, and go further together.
For him, the existing team is a major asset:
They are experienced, committed, and open-minded. That’s an incredible strength to carry out the necessary transformations.
Beyond technological projects, it is also the environment that deeply motivates him. After years spent in fast paced, performance-driven industrial settings, he has discovered a different world at the IRCM:
Here, there is a mission, a sense of purpose. Interactions with researchers are fascinating. What they do is impressive, and you feel that you’re contributing to something important.
Amid technical challenges, modernization, and collaboration, Hocine approaches his new role with enthusiasm and humility:
I feel truly fortunate to be here.
Thank you, Hocine, and best of success in your new role!
