“The backbone of a company is its employees, not the money they have in the bank.”
For more than three decades, Andre Rivard has stood as a model of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and international business development. With over 38 years of professional experience—20 of which have been dedicated to the transportation industry—Andre’s career reflects a consistent commitment to growth, innovation, and integrity. His professional journey is distinguished by a rare combination of entrepreneurial acumen, cross-industry expertise, and a people-first philosophy that has guided his leadership from the early stages of his career through his current role as President of South River Distribution Inc.
Andre’s story begins in Levis, Quebec, where his passion for logistics and commerce took root early on. After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from Université de Moncton, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him redefine operational strategies and commercial networks across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. His formative years with Midland Transport Ltd. and its subsidiary, Midland Courrier, allowed him to master the art of sales, customer relations, and regional management in highly competitive markets. From Bathurst, New Brunswick, to Montreal, Quebec, Andre established a reputation for exceeding sales targets, improving operational systems, and fostering environments where both employees and clients thrived.
As Regional Manager for Quebec and Eastern Ontario, Andre’s strategic insight and focus on customer service transformed Midland Courrier’s performance. He spearheaded service expansions, built high-performing teams, and introduced internal controls that optimized costs while maximizing profits. His emphasis on building trust-based relationships became a hallmark of his leadership—a foundation that would define his approach in every role that followed.
In 1995, Andre transitioned to the Quebec Railway Corporation, stepping into a pivotal role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Here, he brought together his expertise in logistics, negotiation, and business development to create one of Eastern Canada’s most comprehensive logistics services. His leadership in forming strategic alliances with the Canadian National Railway (CN), sawmills, and trucking firms elevated the company’s stature in the transportation sector. Beyond operations, Andre was instrumental in conceptualizing corporate marketing materials, establishing transloading facilities, and setting a new standard for collaboration between industry and government. His capacity to align marketing vision with tangible operational outcomes underscored his talent as both a strategist and an implementer.
Andre’s next major chapter unfolded at Johnson Enterprises Inc. Manufacturing, where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing. His creative approach to brand development and market redefinition revitalized the company’s image, culminating in increased visibility and sustained sales growth. He orchestrated cross-departmental cooperation, blending innovation with disciplined management. Through his leadership, Johnson Enterprises expanded its influence within the forest products sector, leveraging Andre’s robust network and deep understanding of industrial logistics to secure new partnerships across Canada and beyond.
In 2006, Andre accepted the role of Director of Sales and Marketing at TGB Wood Shavings, where he once again demonstrated his talent for market expansion and strategic planning. He led the company’s international growth efforts, securing new business in the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, and earning the C-TPAT certification for trade partnership against terrorism—a significant achievement in international trade compliance. Andre’s ability to build trust across borders and cultures positioned the company as a credible and reliable global supplier. His hands-on experience with logistics, pricing systems, and multi-modal transportation strengthened TGB’s competitive edge and laid the groundwork for long-term success.
Since 2013, Andre has served as President of South River Distribution Inc., where he oversees import and export operations within the equine industry, dealing in high-quality Western Canadian Timothy hay and horse bedding products. His leadership has transformed the company into an international player, operating across Canada, the United States, Europe, the UK, Ireland, Bermuda, and Dubai. With a steadfast commitment to service excellence and competitive pricing, Andre continues to build enduring relationships grounded in trust, respect, and shared success. His approach is both entrepreneurial and deeply human—he believes in empowering teams and building partnerships that reflect integrity and mutual growth.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Andre has long been active in community leadership. As a Past President and active member of the Rotary Club in Levis, he has championed initiatives that bring people together to serve the greater good. His tenure on the Port Authority Board and involvement with charitable organizations underscore his dedication to civic engagement and social responsibility. For Andre, leadership extends beyond profit margins—it’s about impact, purpose, and giving back to the communities that shape our world.
Fluent in French and English, Andre brings a multicultural perspective to every professional and philanthropic endeavor. His international exposure—spanning North America, Europe, and the Middle East—has endowed him with an understanding of global business dynamics and the nuances of cross-cultural communication. Whether negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts, building transcontinental logistics systems, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Andre embodies professionalism, empathy, and excellence in all he does.
When he isn’t leading business initiatives, Andre’s personal passions reflect his dynamic and balanced approach to life. He enjoys cooking, traveling, camping, and meeting new people, finding joy in experiences that connect him to others. His authenticity and curiosity are as integral to his success as his strategic mind and operational rigor. These traits, combined with his decades of experience, make Andre Rivard not just a seasoned executive, but an invaluable partner for organizations seeking leadership that blends wisdom with action.
Andre’s mission is clear: to help businesses grow through integrity, innovation, and human connection. Having navigated the challenges of startups, expansions, and international trade, he brings to every boardroom a lifetime of insight into what truly drives success—not just numbers, but people. His career stands as a testament to the belief that when leaders prioritize trust and purpose, prosperity naturally follows.
Character:
Andre’s integrity, honesty, and consistency have earned him respect across industries and continents. He believes that leadership is defined not by authority but by accountability, empathy, and the ability to inspire others. His actions continually reflect a deep sense of responsibility toward his colleagues, partners, and community.
Knowledge:
Decades of experience in transportation, manufacturing, and distribution have equipped Andre with unmatched industry insight. His ability to understand complex market dynamics, logistics systems, and operational models allows him to make informed, strategic decisions that deliver results. His knowledge extends beyond technical expertise—he possesses an instinctive grasp of human behavior and organizational growth.
Strategic:
Andre is a visionary leader with a talent for turning ideas into actionable plans. His success in establishing international partnerships and optimizing business operations demonstrates his aptitude for long-term, sustainable growth. Whether navigating market expansion or restructuring internal systems, his strategies are always grounded in analysis, innovation, and foresight.
Communication:
As a bilingual communicator, Andre excels in articulating vision and fostering understanding across cultural and professional divides. His leadership style emphasizes open dialogue, transparency, and collaboration. Through his words and actions, he builds bridges between teams, clients, and communities, ensuring every voice is valued and heard.
