Ovivo Announces Leadership Transition

Ovivo Announces Leadership Transition: Marc Barbeau to Step Down as President & CEO

Montréal, Québec. Ovivo is entering a new chapter in its history. After 25 years of dedicated leadership, Marc Barbeau has decided to step down as President & CEO on March 31, 2026. We are pleased to announce that Reinhard Hübner will succeed Marc as CEO and will also continue to lead SKion Water, fostering collaboration and synergies across the portfolio. Marc will remain on Ovivo’s Board of Directors to support the company’s long-term vision and development.

A leader shaped by Ovivo and GLV’s entrepreneurial heritage

For more than two decades, Marc Barbeau has guided Ovivo through sustained growth and transformation. He joined the company in 2000 after a decade with a major accounting firm, bringing strong financial and operational expertise to the organization. A CPA, with a Master in Taxation, Marc quickly became a driving force behind Ovivo’s global expansion and strategic evolution.

During the mid-2000s, Marc played a key role in supporting GLV’s international growth through a series of acquisitions that strengthened the company’s capabilities in water treatment and industrial processes. His leadership was pivotal in 2014 when GLV completed a major transition: the sale of its Pulp & Paper division and the rebranding of the company as Ovivo Inc., marking a decisive shift to focus exclusively on water technologies. In the years that followed, Marc championed Ovivo’s expansion across Asia, Europe, and North America, combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions to build a truly global footprint. In 2016 he managed the privatization of Ovivo with SKion Water and La Caisse.

Marc’s tenure was also defined by a commitment to sustainability and innovation. In 2021, he advanced initiatives that reinforced Ovivo’s position as a leader in municipal and industrial water treatment solutions. Most recently, in 2025, Marc oversaw the successful sale of Ovivo’s Electronics division to Ecolab,a strategic move that sharpened the company’s focus on its core markets and technologies. These milestones reflect Marc’s vision, resilience, and dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence, laying the foundation for Ovivo’s continued success.

Entering a new chapter: strategic focus and continuity

In December 2025, Ovivo completed the sale of its Electronics division to Ecolab, a global sustainability leader. This milestone enables Ovivo to sharpen its focus on its core markets, Municipal/Industrial/PFAS, Energy, and Cembrane divisions, while accelerating growth in North America through organic development and strategic acquisitions.

This leadership transition follows that strategic turning point. With Reinhard Hübner taking on the role of CEO, and continuing to lead SKion Water, Ovivo will benefit from cross-portfolio collaboration and shared learnings, strengthening innovation and customer value worldwide.

Message of Gratitude

Ovivo extends its deepest appreciation to Marc for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication over the past 25 years. Marc has been instrumental in shaping Ovivo’s growth and transformation from our roots as GLV to becoming a global leader in water treatment solutions.

Under his guidance, Ovivo navigated significant milestones, including strategic acquisitions, the transition to a water-focused company, the privatization of the company and the successful sale of our Electronics division. Marc’s vision, integrity, and commitment to our values have left a lasting impact on our organization, our people, and the communities we serve.