DFC CEO exits after seven transformative years—industry veteran steps in as interim leader during critical period for Canadian dairy.
In a surprising move that’s sending ripples through Canada’s dairy industry, Jacques Lefebvre has stepped down as CEO of Dairy Farmers of Canada after seven years. Lucie Bérubé, a 15-year industry veteran, immediately reins as Interim CEO.
The End of an Era: Lefebvre’s Sudden Departure Marks Major Transition
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) announced today that Jacques Lefebvre has left his position as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The April 24th announcement from Ottawa comes after Lefebvre spent seven years steering the organization through some of the most challenging periods in Canadian dairy history.
Lefebvre’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for DFC. Having joined the organization in January 2018, he brought extensive leadership experience and deep industry knowledge from his previous role as President and CEO of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC). This unique background positioned him as a bridge-builder between producers and processors – segments that don’t always see eye-to-eye but must work together for the industry’s survival.
“Jacques has played a significant role in dairy, having held leadership roles within both the processor and producer organizations,” the DFC board noted in their statement. “For over a decade, his knowledge and passion for this industry has been evident and highly regarded. His presence will be missed.”
Navigating Turbulent Waters: Lefebvre’s Legacy at DFC
During his tenure, Lefebvre guided DFC through several critical challenges, including implementing the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), significantly impacting Canadian dairy market access. The trade deal was particularly contentious, with dairy organizations claiming the government misled them regarding implementation timing.
Under Lefebvre’s leadership, DFC maintained strong advocacy efforts against these market access concessions. In 2020, he noted, “Our government was first out of the gate to notify the other parties that it was ready to implement CUSMA. The dairy sector was informed at the last minute.” This tough stance on protecting Canadian dairy interests became a hallmark of his time at DFC.
Beyond policy battles, Lefebvre also revolutionized DFC’s internal operations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He implemented a people-first approach that became foundational to the organization’s operational philosophy.
“During the pandemic, we had regular touchpoints with employees. I recorded video messages and sent them out every few weeks to update staff and see how they were doing,” Lefebvre said in a recent interview. “It was part of a deliberate strategy to put the well-being of our employees at the center of our priorities.”
Building a Culture of Development and Growth
What truly set Lefebvre apart was his understanding that DFC’s greatest assets were its people. Unlike organizations that produce physical products, DFC’s value comes through advocacy, policy work, and marketing services, all driven by human talent.
“We don’t produce products like cars at DFC. We offer advocacy, policy, and marketing services to our members. That value is not derived by machinery, but by people, so we need to support our team,” Lefebvre explained in a March 2025 interview.
This people-focused approach led to enhanced professional development initiatives, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive wellness programs. These practices helped DFC maintain productivity and staff loyalty through challenging times, setting a benchmark for organizational management in the agricultural sector.
Bérubé Steps In: Experienced Hand Takes the Wheel
As DFC navigates this transition, the Board has appointed Lucie Bérubé as Interim Chief Executive Officer. With an MBA and 15 years of experience across the dairy sector’s production and processing sides, Bérubé brings substantial industry knowledge.
Her eight-year history with DFC includes positions ranging from Assistant Director for Nutrition Quebec and Interim Director of Marketing to her most recent role as Chief Operation Officer leading Business Development. This progression through the organization gives her unique insight into DFC’s operations, strategies, and challenges.
“The Board of Directors has full confidence in Ms. Bérubé to lead us through this period of change,” according to the official statement. Her appointment represents continuity during a critical transition period for the organization.
What This Means for Canadian Dairy Farmers
Leadership transitions often signal shifts in organizational direction and priorities. For Canada’s 9,000+ dairy farmers, this change comes at a time when the industry faces multiple challenges:
- Ongoing implementation of trade agreements that have opened the Canadian market to more foreign dairy products
- Growing pressure for environmental sustainability, with DFC working toward net-zero emissions from farm-level dairy production by 2050
- Evolving consumer preferences and increasing competition from plant-based alternatives
- The need to continue modernizing practices while maintaining Canada’s high production standards
Under Lefebvre’s leadership, DFC strengthened its Blue Cow logo program, which now serves as a recognized symbol of 100% Canadian milk, identified by nine out of ten Canadians. The organization also advanced its proAction sustainability initiative and maintained strong government relations – all critical foundations that Bérubé will now build upon.
The Bottom Line
Jacques Lefebvre’s departure marks a significant transition for Dairy Farmers in Canada and potentially signals a new chapter in Canadian dairy industry representation. His unique experience spanning the producer and processor worlds made him a valuable industry voice during challenging times.
As Lucie Bérubé steps into the role, she must maintain DFC’s strong advocacy position while navigating an increasingly complex market landscape. For Canadian dairy farmers, this leadership change comes at a pivotal moment when unified, strategic industry representation has never been more crucial.
Industry stakeholders across Canada will closely watch the search for a permanent CEO. Whoever ultimately takes the helm permanently will inherit both significant challenges and opportunities as they work to secure the future of Canada’s vital dairy sector.
Executive Summary
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) faces a pivotal leadership transition as CEO Jacques Lefebvre departs abruptly after seven years of trade battles, pandemic resilience, and a people-first culture. Interim CEO Lucie Bérubé, a 15-year dairy sector veteran with deep DFC experience, takes charge amid ongoing challenges like trade agreement pressures, sustainability targets, and shifting consumer demands. Lefebvre’s legacy includes defending producers during contentious USMCA negotiations and modernizing DFC’s operations, while Bérubé’s appointment signals continuity with her proven track record in business development and marketing. The transition underscores the critical role of leadership in navigating an industry at a crossroads.
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