Our team

JEAN-BENOIT PINEAULT, Chief Executive Officer and Sales Director

Since 1997, Jean-Benoît Pineault has climbed the company ladder one rung at a time. While still at university, he started out as a laborer specializing in furnace repairs. He learned the stages of production of the company’s various products. In 2003, he became a project manager while pursuing graduate studies in metallurgical engineering, specializing in ceramics and refractories. In 2005, he was appointed Director of Product Development with R&D responsibilities. Two years later, plant contracts were added to his responsibilities. His expertise led him to the position of Director of Sales and Operations in 2009. In 2012, Jean-Benoît became Vice-President and CEO. Jean-Benoît has an excellent knowledge of the manufacturing processes for refractory products, as well as the different metallurgical processes on the market. His theoretical training combined with his practical experience in the field have led him to take on increasing responsibility within the company. In 2003, he patented three refractory processes. In 2004, he jointly published two scientific papers: one in JOM, the journal of The Minerals, Metals, & Materials Society, and the other in the journal of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Jean-Benoît obtained a B.Sc. in Computer Science – Mathematics in 2004 from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) and holds an Executive MBA from UQAC.

XAVIER BOULIANNE, Director of Maintenance Operations & HSE 

Xavier Boulianne began his career with a background in psychology, which naturally led him into management. He joined Réfraco’s project management team in January 2014 and has since built extensive experience in the refractory industry, including work on anode baking furnaces, casting furnaces, induction furnaces, trough line maintenance and refurbishment, and boiler overhauls.

Xavier is known for his strong ability to manage schedules, costs, and workforce efficiently. He has also completed HSE leadership training and business growth programs (Scaling Up) to further expand his expertise. His leadership, broad knowledge, professionalism, and effectiveness make him a key contributor to the organization’s operations and future development.

JULIE POTVIN, Director of Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources

Julie Potvin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is a member of the CPA Order of Quebec. She has nearly 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, including 10 years serving on executive committees as Director of Finance, Information Technology, and Procurement. She has diverse experience across multiple sectors: healthcare and social services, municipal, manufacturing, and construction. Julie joined the group in 2015, where she completed her first three-year mandate.

In 2023, Julie returned to Groupe Refraco and began her fourth year within the organization. Her years of experience in management, corporate finance, cost accounting, ERP system optimization, and process improvement will undoubtedly help the company reach new performance standards.

FLORENT GOUGEROT, Director of Robexco

Florent Gougerot brings over 20 years of strategic expertise in engineering and business development to his role as Director of Robexco. He began his career in electronic design R&D at Gecko, then moved into project management for new product development, combining creativity with practical solutions.

Florent spent 17 years at a leading aluminum equipment manufacturer, progressing from Project Manager—including a three-year assignment in the Middle East—to Marketing Manager and ultimately Director of Sales and Marketing. He built a reputation as a dynamic leader with deep knowledge of international markets and business growth strategies.

Joining Refraco in 2023 as Director of Sales and Marketing, Florent applied his strategic vision and passion for innovation to drive business development and strengthen the company’s position in the industry. Since 2025, he has taken on his new mandate as Director of Robexco.

OLIVIER SIMARD, Director of Major Project Operations

Olivier Simard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, which has guided his career in management over several years. In May 2017, he joined the finance team at Réfraco. He gained experience working across various departments before joining the project team in February 2020 as Controller for the Alma anode baking furnace refurbishment project. Since then, he has steadily advanced within the organization’s Major Projects division. His success in the field is driven by his open-mindedness, leadership, and vision.

Olivier Simard has also completed training in HSE leadership, personal development, and business strategy to further broaden his expertise. His leadership, values, and continuous desire for improvement enable him to meet the organization’s needs and contribute to its growth.