Early Life
Richard Fortin was born in 1949 or 1950 and earned a bachelor's degree in management with a major in finance from Université Laval in Quebec City. Before his entrepreneurial ventures, he spent 13 years in finance, eventually becoming a vice-president of the Canadian subsidiary of Société Générale.
Rise to Success
In 1984, Fortin co-founded Couche-Tard, a convenience store chain that has since become a global powerhouse. He served as the Chief Financial Officer from 1984 to 2008, playing a key role in the company's financial strategy and expansion through acquisitions. He later became Chairman of the Board from 2008 to 2011. The company's growth led to Fortin becoming a billionaire in March 2019.
Key Business Strategies
Fortin's success is closely tied to the strategic growth of Alimentation Couche-Tard. His expertise in financial management was crucial in the company's numerous acquisitions, including the expansion into the U.S. and Europe. Couche-Tard's business strategy has been centered around aggressive mergers and acquisitions, enabling the company to grow its global presence. Couche-Tard has over 17,000 stores worldwide as of 2026.
Philanthropy
Richard Fortin, along with his wife Lise, established the Fondation Lise et Richard Fortin. This foundation supports causes like assistance for the elderly and services for children who are survivors of sexual assault.