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Major recruit: Calian hires ex-army officer to grow defence business

January 27, 2025

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Calian Group has hired a former high-ranking military officer to spearhead efforts to grow its defence business. The Kanata-based firm has appointed retired major-general Roch Pelletier to the newly created role of regional vice-president of global defence and security, the company announced last week. The graduate of Royal Military College, who retired last year after 36 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, will be responsible for finding new customers and strengthening Calian’s existing business relationships in the defence sector. Increased global military spending, geopolitical instability and the rising demand for advanced technologies have triggered significant growth in its defence-related business lines, the company said, adding Pelletier’s “extensive expertise in national defence strategy, operational planning and international collaboration” will serve him well in his new role. “Major-General Pelletier’s role underscores our commitment to growing our European and U.K. footprint and strengthening our support for NATO customers with mission-critical solutions,” Calian CEO Kevin Ford said in a statement. “His record of leadership, deep understanding of defence and global security challenges will be instrumental in advancing our mission and delivering future-proof solutions as we expand our services throughout Europe and the U.K.” Pelletier held a number of senior leadership roles in the Canadian Armed Forces, including a two-year stint as commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Kingston from 2022-24. He also served as director general of intelligence, operations and plans for the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Calian, a diversified company that builds products ranging from satellite components to cybersecurity software, earned revenue of $747 million for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, up 13 per cent from the previous year. The firm has set a goal of reaching $1 billion in annual revenues by 2026. Late last year, Calian said it plans to create an independent U.S.-based subsidiary to generate more government and defence business south of the border as it continues to expand its geographic footprint through ongoing acquisitions in the United States and Europe.