Vision
Distech Controls connects people with intelligent building solutions through our forward-thinking technologies and services. We partner with customers to deliver innovative solutions that can provide better health, better spaces, and better efficiencies. Our passion for innovation, quality and sustainability guides our business, which serves multiple market segments through worldwide business divisions, service offices and a superior network of Authorized System Integrators and Distributors.
Mission
Connecting people with intelligent building solutions for better health, better spaces, better efficiencies.
Values
Distech Controls’ core values truly define the character of our company, and play an important role in guiding our decisions and strategies:
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Global Leadership
Distech Controls' innovative product development and unique commercial strategies have attracted a highly talented team of professionals who have been instrumental in the company's continued growth.
Martin Villeneuve
SVP Distributed Building Technology, Acuity Brands
President, Distech-Controls
Constant renewal of the company in relation to technology and the market, evolution of people both internally and externally, the fire that has driven Distech Controls since its creation!
Over the last 19 years, Martin has played an integral role within Distech Controls. Prior to joining the company, Martin served a Controls Project Manager within the building automation industry.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
1999
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is responding to the customer’s needs in the most efficient way possible, using cost effective technology. Constant innovation is the only way to succeed in today’s marketplace.
Where were you born?
Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The Mediterranean coast, the Alps, Florida
Membership:
SVP Distributed Building Technology,
Acuity Brands
President, Distech-Controls
Scott Hamilton
Vice President, Sales DCI & DCES
Innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for our customers enables Distech Controls to be the industry leader for smart and connected buildings. Through our technology partner approach, we deliver solutions that enable our client’s buildings to work for them today and well into the future.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2018
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Creatively solving challenges and realizing new opportunities through the combination of people, technology and partnership.
Where were you born?
Massachusetts, USA
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Western Europe and Caribbean
Membership:
Vice President, Sales DCI & DCES
Olivier Fillot
Vice President, Sales, France and UK
Distech Controls is committed to Customer Satisfaction, with clients at the very core of our daily decision making process. The company offers a large selection of products with a true competitive advantage, and I am proud to be part of Distech Controls subsequent growth.
Responsible for the growth of Distech Controls’ sales throughout France and the United Kingdom via the company’s network of system integrators and OEMs.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2012
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is to not only successfully manage change, but to lead this change by designing and manufacturing products that reflect emerging market needs.
Where were you born?
Right next to Distech Controls’ European office: Lyon, France
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The islands of the Mediterranean Sea in the summer, and skiing in the Alps during the winter
Vice President, Sales, France and UK
Mathieu Houle
Vice President, Customer Experience
What inspires me at Distech Controls is to participate in the company’s constant growth while being able to develop myself personally within it.
Mathieu has more than 20 years of experience in the field of building management. He worked as a systems integrator for about ten years and also held the positions of Project Manager, Product Manager, as well as EMEA Product Support Director, Global Product Manager before being named VP Customer Experience in April 2018. Now based again in Montreal, he also worked on the Distech Controls SAS team in Lyon, France from 2012 to 2017.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
1999
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is thinking differently in everything we do!
Where were you born?
In Montreal, Quebec (Canada).
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Corsica and French ski resorts
Vice President, Customer Experience
Marie Lambert
Vice President, Global Finance & Deputy Managing Director, Europe
What inspires me at Distech Controls is its dynamism, its modern outlook, the willingness to take on challenges that are found throughout the business and its environmental values.
In more than 12 years work as an auditor, Mme Lambert developed her expertise in analyzing financial data of large and small companies with a wide range of activities for IPOs, takeovers, annual account audits, etc.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2012
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation means anticipating or even creating demand - once users believe that they need a product, it becomes indispensable
Where were you born?
Nîmes in the south of France
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Islands in general, Corsica and the Greek islands in particular
Vice President, Global Finance &
Deputy Managing Director, Europe
Steve Lupien
Vice President, Building Automation Technology
It is incredibly inspiring that, even as we continue to grow, Distech Controls remains agile. This is due in large part to the quality of our team across all departments. I am also extremely inspired by the opportunity to work on the latest and greatest technology that will be used to save energy, to deploy the Internet of Things for smart buildings, to optimize the comfort of occupants and, ultimately, protect the environment.
For more than 20 years, Steve has been involved in various facets of product design and process improvement in the industrial, telecommunications, and building automation industries.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2007
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation means responding to the needs of the market with cutting-edge technologies. Without evolving needs, there would be no innovation. It therefore ultimately stems from the experience of the end user, and responding to their needs.
Where were you born?
Amos, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Western Australia and Asia
Membership:
Vice President, Building
Automation Technology
Elisabeth Gagnon
Vice President, Operations, DCI
Pride, passion, openness, perseverance and responsiveness are at the heart of our being and condition all that we do. These values are the foundation for our strategy, the solutions developed for our customers and our working environment.
Over the past 10 years, Elisabeth Gagnon has carried out a variety of job functions with Distech Controls. After starting work as an independent consultant, she joined the company as a department head in 2009. She then managed the deployment of the Distech information systems before being appointed Information Technology Manager in 2014. In 2016, she was appointed Operations Manager, becoming responsible for procurement, manufacturing and logistics. In 2018 she was promoted to Vice President, Operations.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2008
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is the ability to efficiently deliver on a vision and to inspire change. It requires audacity, passion and conviction.
Where were you born?
Quebec, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I’m torn between the ski slopes of Norway and the relaxing atmosphere of Key West.
Vice President, Operations, DCI
Charles Pelletier
Vice President, Product management
The opportunities to transform the experience that people have with their everyday environment through innovative technologies for connected buildings.
Charles Pelletier joined Distech Controls in 2002 as a Building Automation System Engineer. Charles later moved into the position of Product Manager, where he was responsible for the introduction of several key Distech Controls products before being appointed director of the department.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2002
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
My definition of innovation is simple. What’s difficult is introducing innovation in various spheres of activity. Innovation is about identifying a problem and solving it creatively.
Where were you born?
Granby, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The Caribbean
Membership:
Vice President, Product management
Lauren Scott
Director, Marketing
It is truly remarkable for a company to successfully focus on the triple bottom line. Distech Controls’ products and solutions allow for businesses, individuals and the environment to not only co-exist, but to thrive as part of a shared ecosystem.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2013
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
The development and implementation of strategies that allow individuals and businesses to do things better, faster, and smarter.
Where were you born?
Montreal, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Southern Italy, visiting family in England
Membership:
Director, Marketing
Americas and International Management
Jim French
Vice President Sales Support
Working for a quality minded, nimble, and customer focused organization with a proven track record for excellence. The people I have the privilege to engage and work alongside continually inspire me with their passion and dedication for providing outstanding service. Distech Controls’ vision for open systems is unparalleled in the marketplace and provides a fantastic foundation for delivering differentiated value to our customers.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2011
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is finding new and better ways or means to meet the solution need. Thinking outside of the traditional boundaries and looking for ways to incorporate new and emerging technologies into our solution sets.
Where were you born?
Odessa, TX, USA
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Montreal, of course!
Membership
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Weston Lodge #22 AF & AM
Vice President, Sales Support
Sam Sharma
Director, Technical Support & Training
The combination of Distech Controls’ innovation, drive, talent, openness, and the desire for change is what inspires me.
Internally we are connected to every department providing feedback and ensuring that our customers are heard. I believe we have the best in class technical support and training team, always pushing the limits.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2008
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
An environment that promotes creativity and continuous improvement.
Where were you born?
Montreal, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Somewhere I haven’t been before
Director, Technical Support & Training
Ryan Sen, Eng.
Vice President, International Sales
Essentially, I am inspired by the ability to empower end users with innovative solutions in order to increase efficiency, health and sustainability of their buildings or properties. Being able to help end users differentiate their buildings with our unique technologies allows for them to increase worker productivity, all while focusing on delivering an exceptional user experience and optimum occupant comfort levels.
Ryan Sen joined Distech Controls in 2006 as the Quality Assurance Team Leader, gaining the necessary skills and experience to lead the customer facing departments. Ryan has estimating and design knowledge, as well as technical deployment experience of the EC-Net Building Management Solution, LONWORKS, BACnet, and Modbus protocols for building automation and control.
Ryan’s experience in developing an industry leading sales support organization in recent years has facilitated his growth into his current role and his ability to manage the territory of Canada nationally.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2006
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
To perpetually push the envelope of both our technology solutions, and the way in which we do business with our partners, in order to deliver 100% customer satisfaction.
Where were you born?
Montreal, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Oceania
Membership:
Vice President, International Sales
Scott Shaffer
Regional Sales Director, USA Zone West
I am inspired every day by the ability to demonstrate to end users with innovative solutions in order to increase efficiency and sustainability for their buildings. Helping end users differentiate their buildings with our unique Innovative technologies allows for them to increase productivity and efficiencies in their Bldg.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
I joined Distech Controls in 2015 just as the Acuity Acquisition was happening. My first assignment at Distech Controls was the West Coast RSM. Within the first year at Distech Controls I was prompted to Sales Director for the We2006
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Constantly pushing the envelope of the Distech Controls technology solutions. We are the company that releases new technology every six months and releases that to our System Integrators in the market place every six months.
Where were you born?
Riverside, California
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Mexico and Hawaii
Membership:
Regional Sales Director, USA Zone West
Tony Icenhour
Regional Sales Director, USA Zone East
I am privileged to be a part of such a dynamic company that has grown into one of the industry leaders in innovation, including open systems, interoperability, and IoT connected systems. Distech Controls continues to drive the industry and it makes me proud to be a part of an organization that is not only optimizing energy efficiency but optimizing the way we operate and work in our buildings.
Tony brings more than 30 years of BAS industry experience to Distech Controls, with extensive know-how in the areas of sales, marketing, and business development. Having joined the team in 2014 as a Regional Sales Manager, Tony has been instrumental in producing significant growth for Distech Controls.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2014
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
I grew up in this industry as pneumatics was starting to be replaced by DDC systems, DOS was being replaced with multi-tasking operating systems, and proprietary systems were being traded for open systems. I was able to work on some of the most intelligent buildings in the USA and integrate multiple systems together before standards were available. I was privileged to be a voting member of the ASHRAE BACnet committee for 4 years as the standard was being developed for the market. I am now working for the company leading the industry in IP based BAS systems and setting the example that others are following as we leverage technology to connect buildings and people together for optimized efficiency.
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is the ability to learn from the past, enhance for the future, and quickly deliver in the present.
Where were you born?
Bristol, Virginia, USA
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Caribbean beaches
Regional Sales Director, USA Zone East
Chris Blatney
General Manager - Distech Controls Energy Services, Inc.
The people and spirit of innovation at Distech inspires me. The people in any organization are what make the difference, and the people on the DCES team and throughout the organization are smart, motivated, and customer-focused. It is exciting to work for such an energetic company that is focused on being a global technology leader.
General Manager of the Distech Controls Energy Services (DCES) business. DCES provides turnkey solutions for regional, national, and global customers that desire a single point of responsibility for executing their building control technologies.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
2016
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is continually finding new ways to utilize and improve current systems, while also creating new technologies to enhance business performance.
Where were you born?
New Orleans, Louisiana
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The Florida Keys with my family. The beautiful beaches and clear blue water are very relaxing, and make it feel like you are worlds away from the day to day hustle.
General Manager
Patrice Soucy
Building Automation Software Director
The fact that we continue to invest considerably in research and development. The fact that, after so many years, Distech Controls is still perceived as a leader in innovation. The fact that I have the chance to work with a great team where professionalism, ardor and rigor play nicely with the fun to work. That’s what motivates and inspires me at Distech Controls.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
In 2005
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is the way to identify or imagine improvements that will have a direct positive impact on the daily work of our clients. Continuous innovation is one of the key values of the company and I’m a strong supporter of it. Status quo is simply not an option!
Where were you born?
Québec, QC, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I’m attracted by destinations where I can observe the magnificence of mountains and forests. As of now, my favorite places were the French Alps and the Yosemite National Park in California.
Membership:
Building Automation Software Director
Pascal Gratton
Building Automation Hardware, tests and validation Director
The dynamism of the people who work there
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
1998
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
Development and marketing of unique products on the market.
Where were you born?
Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard, Quebec, Canada
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Cancún, Mexico
Membership:
The Order of Engineers of Quebec (OIQ)
Building and Automation Hardware,
tests and validation Director
Eric Swiney
Director, Applications
Distech Controls has a passion for working with our customers to define their needs and to help optimize the way we all do business. I am truly inspired the way our team works: from the rapid engineering pace of developing products, to the exceptional customer service, to the responsiveness of our sales organization. I am happy to be a part of this company and try to offer innovative solutions to help change our industry.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
July, 2016
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
I started in the industry as an industrial refrigeration service technician, and have worked my way up through the industry trying to impact positive change as I went. This has involved highlights like successfully Launching ECLYPSE in small connecting buildings, as well as securing the UUKL 10th edition.
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation to me is hanging out at a white board with Patrice, Charles and Mathieu looking for dry erase markers with enough ink to turn imagination into reality.
Where were you born?
Wilmington, Delaware
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I love to travel to a lot of places but I enjoy my time in Montreal with my friends and colleagues the most.
Membership:
ASHRAE
Director, Applications
Pierre Lecavalier
Production engineering director
Innovation at Distech Controls can be seen not only through the production of high-performance and quality products, but also through our constant desire to improve our processes and working methods.
What year did you start at Distech Controls?
In June 2019.
What and where did you study?
What are a few highlights from your career thus far?
What does innovation mean to you?
For me, innovation is never being fully satisfied with our success because you can always push the limits of what is possible. So innovation is not a destination, but rather a way of thinking and acting.
Where were you born?
At Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, in Quebec (Canada).
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The Acadian Peninsula and the Breton coast
Membership:
Quebec's Order of Engineers (OIQ)
Montréal Planetarium Astronomical Society
Production engineering director
Our Awards
Distech Controls’ products and solutions, have received numerous international awards.
Our Locations and Business Units
Distech Controls has established an international presence, successfully delivering building automation and energy management solutions to the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.
Montreal, Quebec
Distech Controls Inc. Global Head Office
Serves the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania
Irving Texas
Distech Controls Energy Services Inc. Serves large scale projects, global and corporate accounts in the United States
Montreal, Quebec
Distech Controls Energy Services Canada Inc. Serves large scale projects, global and corporate accounts in Canada
Our Head Offices
Associations
Distech Controls is an active member of the following standards-setting associations and alliances: