Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) announced today that Lisa Lambert, the organization’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will conclude her tenure with QIC at the end of June to pursue a new career opportunity, and that Sean Lee of TRIUMF will step in as Acting CEO on an interim basis effective June 29, 2026.
Appointed by QIC’s Board of Directors, Sean is currently Chief of Staff and Division Director, Communications & Engagement at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre. He will serve in the role while continuing his leadership responsibilities at TRIUMF, helping steward QIC through its next phase of growth and development, until a permanent CEO is appointed.
Lisa will continue to support QIC as a Strategic Advisor, helping ensure continuity and a smooth transition as QIC enters its next chapter.
“The QIC board is extremely grateful to Lisa Lambert for what she accomplished during her tenure, as well as what she leaves behind,” said Alexandra Daoud, Chair of the Board of Directors of QIC. “She stewarded QIC’s growth into a trusted and respected organization with a clear mission, strong relationships, and growing influence. Lisa leaves behind a stronger organization, a more connected community, and a solid foundation that will support QIC’s continued growth and impact in the years ahead.”
Since joining QIC in 2023, Lisa led the organization through a period of significant growth and maturation. Under her leadership, QIC evolved from an early-stage organization into a nationally recognized industry consortium and internationally respected voice for Canada’s quantum sector. She helped establish the organization’s operational foundation, expand its programs and partnerships, grow its membership and influence, and strengthen engagement with governments, defence organizations, investors, researchers, and international allies.
The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, thanked Lisa for her leadership while highlighting QIC’s continued importance to Canada’s quantum future.
“Quantum Industry Canada has become a key national platform for advancing Canada’s quantum ambitions. At a time when quantum technologies are becoming increasingly important to economic growth, security, and technological leadership, QIC plays an increasingly important role in helping Canada seize the opportunities ahead. I want to thank Lisa Lambert for her incredible leadership and look forward to continuing our partnership with QIC as Canada works to strengthen its position in the global quantum economy.”
A member of TRIUMF’s senior leadership team, Sean brings more than 15 years of experience spanning science and innovation policy, stakeholder engagement, organizational strategy, and executive leadership. He has built partnerships across government, industry, academia, and international organizations and brings extensive experience helping organizations navigate periods of growth and change.
“Sean Lee brings a rare combination of executive leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and public policy experience,” said Alexandra. “Sean has spent his career helping organizations navigate complexity, build partnerships, and deliver results. The Board is confident he will help sustain QIC’s momentum, deepen its impact, and support the organization’s continued evolution.”
“QIC has become the trusted platform for bringing together the people and organizations needed to advance Canada’s quantum ambitions,” said Sean. “The organization has built significant momentum and earned the confidence of stakeholders across Canada and internationally. I look forward to working with the Board, team, Lisa, and the broader community to build on that foundation and support the continued growth and success of Canada’s quantum sector.”
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to help build QIC alongside such an extraordinary community,” said Lisa. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to the organization’s growth and success. Canada’s quantum future will be shaped by the ingenuity, ambition, and perseverance of this community, and I look forward to seeing QIC continue helping translate those strengths into economic opportunity, national prosperity, and long-term resilience.”
As Canada’s quantum sector enters a pivotal period of growth, commercialization, and international competition, QIC remains committed to advancing Canadian interests at home and abroad. The Board of Directors has initiated a leadership succession process and will share additional updates in the months ahead as the organization continues supporting its members, affiliates, and partners and strengthening Canada’s position as a global quantum leader.
