Artifact Group has announced two executive appointments as it prepares to expand operations across Canada and the United States. Effective April 2025, Bernard Chênevert has joined the company as vice-president of operations, while Louis Barruel has been appointed vice-president of asset management and investments.
Bernard Chênevert, Louis Barruel. Courtesy of Artifact Group.
The appointments are part of Artifact Group’s broader strategy to double its room count and assets under management within three years.
Chênevert, an established figure in Canada’s hospitality sector, brings decades of senior operational experience to the role. His previous leadership roles include general manager positions at InterContinental Montreal, W Montréal, Le Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant and Hôtel du Lac Carling. During his tenure at InterContinental Montreal, he oversaw a major repositioning of the hotel in 2008 and was named General Manager of the Year in 2011 by the InterContinental Hotel Chain’s Americas division.
Chênevert has also held governance roles, including chair of the Hotel Association of Greater Montreal (2013–2018) and vice-president of Tourisme Montréal. Most recently, he served as general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal.
In his new role, Chênevert will lead Artifact Group’s operational strategy focusing on growth, innovation and guest experience. “I am thrilled to join Artifact Group and lead our operations during this transformative period,” says Chênevert. “Together with Louis and the talented team, I am eager to build on our momentum and redefine hospitality excellence.”
Barruel, who previously held a leadership role within the company, will oversee Artifact Group’s asset portfolio and investment strategy in his new position. He will be responsible for identifying and executing deals across North America, with a focus on long-term value creation.
“This new role is an exciting opportunity to drive Artifact Group’s growth through strategic acquisitions and asset optimization,” says Barruel. “I look forward to collaborating with Bernard and the entire team to achieve our vision and deliver value.”
Artifact Group president Gaurav Gupta explains that the new appointments reflect the company’s ambition. “Bernard and Louis represent the calibre of leadership that will propel Artifact Group forward. Bernard’s operational expertise and Louis’s strategic acumen are a powerful combination as we pursue our goal of doubling our portfolio in the next three years,” he says.
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