The appointment adds significant energy infrastructure, regulatory and hydrogen development expertise as QIMC develops its clean natural hydrogen portfolio
Quebec Innovative Materials Company(Private search engine: QIMC) (Otkbk: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) (“QIMC” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-Benoit Trahan, President of Enbridge Gaz Québec, to its Board of Directors, effective June 11, 2026.
This appointment comes at a pivotal stage in QIMC’s development as the company progresses from exploring clean, natural hydrogen towards project development, infrastructure planning and potential market integration opportunities across its portfolio in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and the United States.
Assignment highlights
- Senior Utility Leadership: Mr. Trahan is President of Enbridge Gaz Québec, one of Quebec’s natural gas distributors, where he has worked for approximately twelve years.
- Deep regulatory experience: Previous roles with the Régie de l’énergie and Gaz Métro, specializing in energy regulation, tariff design and utility economics – directly relevant to QIMC’s handling of regulatory and permitting frameworks for natural hydrogen.
- Hydrogen and Decarbonization Track Record: Over the past seven years, Mr. Trahan has helped lead the decarbonization of Quebec’s gas distribution network, including the deployment of renewable natural gas, a major residual hydrogen project, and the development of a large-scale power grid serving large parts of Gatineau.
- Marketing perspective: Experience bringing innovative energy solutions to regulated markets, supporting QIMC’s planning of potential infrastructure, market integration and development paths.
Add a strategy at a key inflection point
An economist and MBA, Mr. Trahan has board-level experience in energy infrastructure, gas distribution networks, hydrogen integration, utility regulation, and energy markets. Throughout his career, he has also worked as an energy consultant on projects across Quebec, Canada and Africa, contributing to the establishment of regulatory authorities and providing expertise in economic regulation, energy policy and utility pricing.
With the completion of multiple exploration programs and continued drilling and appraisal activities, QIMC is increasingly focused on the technical, regulatory, infrastructure and marketing considerations required to support the development of potential clean natural hydrogen resources. Mr. Trahan’s appointment strengthens the Company’s governance and strategic expertise in each of these areas while complementing the Board’s existing technical and geological strengths.
This appointment reflects QIMC’s continued commitment to strengthening its governance and strategic leadership as the company advances natural hydrogen initiatives across North America. As the natural hydrogen sector continues to evolve, the company believes that expertise spanning energy infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and hydrogen integration will be increasingly important for evaluating future development opportunities.
Management comment
John Karagiannidis, CEO and Chairman of QIMC, commented:
“We are pleased to welcome Jean Benoit to the Board of Directors of QIMIC at this important stage in the company’s growth. As QIMIC advances beyond exploration, Jean Benoit brings a rare combination of experience in energy infrastructure, utility operations, regulatory affairs, hydrogen integration and energy markets.
“His leadership at the forefront of Quebec’s evolving energy landscape – including initiatives spanning renewable gases, hydrogen distribution and large-scale energy infrastructure – will provide valuable strategic insight as we continue to develop our natural hydrogen portfolio. With natural hydrogen emerging as a potentially important component of North America’s energy mix, we believe Jean Benoit’s experience in regulated energy systems and decarbonisation initiatives will further strengthen our Board of Directors and support the company’s long-term growth goals.”
“His appointment reflects our commitment to building a Board of Directors with the experience necessary to guide QIC through its next phase of growth.”
Jean Benoit Trahan said:
“QIMC has proven itself as an innovator in the emerging clean natural hydrogen sector through its scientific approach, technical capabilities and growing portfolio of advanced projects. Clean natural hydrogen has the potential to become an important component of North America’s energy transition, and I look forward to working with the Board and management team as the company advances its projects and development opportunities.”
About Quebec Innovative Materials
Québec Innovative Materials Corp. is a North American exploration and development company developing a portfolio of natural hydrogen and significant minerals projects. The company is advancing its model for regional hydrogen exploration across Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Minnesota by applying its R2G2™ framework.
QIMC focuses on responsible exploration, technical innovation and development of natural hydrogen opportunities that may contribute to future clean energy development initiatives.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
John Karagiannidis
CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Quebec Innovative Materials Company
Forward-looking statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” and similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits of Mr. Trahan’s appointment to the Board of Directors, the Company’s transition from exploration to development activities, the development and development of natural hydrogen projects, future development opportunities, regulatory developments, infrastructure planning, resource development potential, and the Company’s strategic objectives and growth plans.
Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections as of the date of this press release. These statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, geological uncertainties, regulatory and permitting risks, market conditions, availability of financing, changes in commodity and energy markets, environmental risks, operational risks, and general economic, business and political conditions.
There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
