José Boisjoli to Step Down After 22 Years as BRP CEO – End of an Era in Powersports

End of an Era at BRP

One of the powersports industry’s most familiar leaders is getting ready to step off the throttle. BRP Inc. (the company behind Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and more) has announced that José Boisjoli will be retiring as President and CEO by the end of this fiscal year. After an incredible 22-year run at the helm, Boisjoli informed BRP’s board that he plans to step down, marking the end of an era for the Valcourt, Quebec-based maker of off-road and recreational vehicles. Boisjoli isn’t leaving abruptly – he’ll stay on until a successor is found and the transition is complete, ensuring a smooth hand-off. (He’s even giving up his role as Board Chairman when he retires, so the new CEO gets a truly fresh start.)

For powersports enthusiasts, this news is a big deal. Boisjoli took the driver’s seat at BRP back in 2003 when the company spun off from Bombardier, and he’s been the face of BRP ever since. It’s not every day that a CEO sticks around for over two decades, especially in an industry that’s revved up with innovation and competition. His departure will be a major leadership change not just for BRP, but for the entire powersports community that has watched the company thrive under his guidance.

A 22-Year Ride of Growth and Innovation

During his tenure, Boisjoli transformed BRP from a little Bombardier spin-off into a global powersports powerhouse. Think about it: in 2003 BRP was mainly known for Ski-Doo snowmobiles and Sea-Doo jet skis. Now, BRP’s lineup covers every season and terrain. Under Boisjoli’s leadership, the company launched seven distinct product lines that let you ride year-round – from snow trails on a Ski-Doo in winter, to waves on a Sea-Doo in summer, to tearing up the dirt in a Can-Am side-by-side or cruising the roads on a Spyder three-wheeler. He even steered BRP into new waters (literally) with boats and propelled the brand into the age of electrification with upcoming electric models.

The numbers tell the story of his legacy: BRP’s revenue has more than tripled since 2003, and its share of the global powersports market has also about tripled. In fact, BRP now accounts for roughly one out of every three powersports machines sold worldwide, which is a testament to how much the company grew under Boisjoli’s leadership. Few companies in the industry can boast that kind of influence. By focusing on innovation and an expanded product portfolio, Boisjoli made sure that BRP became a household name among riders across the globe.

Boisjoli himself is quick to credit the team and the passion behind BRP’s success. “Leading BRP has never been a job: it’s been a work of passion and a true honor,” Boisjoli said in the retirement announcement, reflecting on the 36 years he has spent with the company (22 of those as CEO). He noted that over the years, BRP “proved ourselves capable of changing the name of the game within the powersports industry” and built a strong foundation for the future. It’s clear that for Boisjoli, this gig was more than just crunching numbers – it was about pushing the limits of fun and innovation in the powersports world.

Passing the Torch and What’s Next

With Boisjoli gearing up to hang up his helmet, BRP’s Board of Directors is already actively searching for the next CEO to take the reins. The goal is to find a leader who can continue the momentum and keep BRP on its upward trajectory. Boisjoli has built a strong executive team around him, and he’s staying on until the new leader is in place, so fans and customers can expect business-as-usual in the meantime. (No sudden swerves in the trail ahead, in other words.)

BRP’s Board members have been vocal in their appreciation of Boisjoli’s contributions. Barbara Samardzich, the Lead Director of BRP’s Board, thanked him for “guiding BRP on a tremendous path of growth and diversification over the past 22 years”. She praised his purposeful and visionary leadership, noting that he implemented strategies which yielded strong results and “significant returns for shareholders.” Samardzich also emphasized that Boisjoli has surrounded himself with a seasoned team and that together they will keep driving the business plan forward and ensure a smooth transition when the new CEO comes onboard. In short, BRP is treating this change as a carefully managed pit stop, not a sudden breakdown.

For the powersports community, Boisjoli’s retirement is a watershed moment. Enthusiasts have seen BRP introduce game-changing machines and tech under his leadership – from the Can-Am Maverick tearing up dunes, to Ski-Doos dominating snowy trails, to Sea-Doos making a splash on lakes. His departure marks the end of a chapter in which BRP became an industry leader and innovator. Riders and industry watchers will be keen to see who steps up as the new CEO and how they plan to fill some very big shoes.

One thing is for sure: Boisjoli is leaving BRP in high gear. The company is at the top of its game, with a stable of popular products and plans for the future (including those electric models we keep hearing about). Whoever takes over next will inherit a company that’s not only thriving but also deeply loved by a global community of riders. And while José Boisjoli will soon ride off into a well-earned retirement, his 22-year legacy will continue to echo across every trail, track, and waterway that BRP’s products touch.

Sources

• BRP Press Release (May 29, 2025) – “BRP’s President and CEO, José Boisjoli, to retire by the end of the fiscal year after 22 years at the helm of the corporation.” (Includes official announcement and quotes from José Boisjoli and Barbara Samardzich)
• Investors Hangout – José Boisjoli to Retire: A New Chapter for BRP Inc. – (Article summarizing Boisjoli’s retirement announcement and legacy, with details on BRP’s growth and product expansion under his leadership.)
• StockTitan News – BRP CEO José Boisjoli to Retire After 22-Year Growth Legacy – (News blurb highlighting Boisjoli’s transformation of BRP, triple revenue growth, and the one-third global market share statistic.)