Press release

10 Oct. 2024 Montréal, CA

CEO and founder of Plusgrade named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Québec

Ken Harris recognized for pioneering customer-centric innovation in the travel industry

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Nicolette Addesa
Nicolette Addesa

EY Canada Public Relations Specialist

Leader in the business of storytelling and corporate positioning. Lover of written and spoken word. Can be found snapping pictures around Toronto.

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Ken Harris recognized for pioneering customer-centric innovation in the travel industry

MONTRÉAL | Traditional territories of the Kanien’kehà:ka, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron-Wendat, Abenaki and Anishinaabeg — Ken Harris, CEO and founder of Plusgrade  — developers of leading ancillary revenue solutions for the global travel industry — is this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Québec Overall Award winner. Harris was recognized alongside eight other entrepreneurs at last night’s celebration, hosted in Montréal.

“Ken’s visionary leadership and commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences have positioned Plusgrade as an industry trailblazer,” says Luc Charbonneau, CPA, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Québec Program Co-Director. “He has been instrumental in driving Plusgrade’s success, focusing on their unique ability to create new revenue streams while elevating customer experiences.”

Luc Charbonneau, Linda Williams, Ken Harris and Daniel Baer

Luc Charbonneau, Linda Williams, Ken Harris and Daniel Baer

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Montréal, Plusgrade now partners with more than 200 companies across the airline, hospitality, cruise, passenger rail and financial services sectors. Since its inception, the company has transitioned from a single-product focus to becoming a dominant player across multiple travel sectors. Through significant investments in innovative ancillary revenue solutions, Plusgrade introduced game-changing products, such as Bidding for Upgrades and Loyalty Currency Retailing, revolutionizing the travel industry.

Guided by the mission "Millions of Smiles and Billions of Dollars," Harris has steered the company to prioritize exceptional customer experiences while generating substantial revenue for its partners. Beyond financial achievements, Plusgrade’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging has earned it recognition as one of Canada's Best Workplaces for Women. Harris’s dedication to social responsibility is also reflected in his involvement with causes such as serving on the board of directors of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation and the Fondation Marie-Vincent.

“Ken has a remarkable ability to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving travel industry. His foresight and agility in adapting to new trends sets him apart as a true leader,” shares Daniel Baer, FCPA, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Québec Program Co-Director. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Plusgrade and Québec’s exceptional entrepreneurs from various industries, all of whom are excelling in implementing sustainable business models and delivering lasting value to their stakeholders.” 

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Québec Award winners:

Serge Picard and Rémi Tremblay | Café William

Louis Tremblay | FLO

Dr. Robert Bissonnette | Innovaderm Research

François Roberge | La Vie en Rose

Chiko Nanji | Metro Supply Chain       

Alex Brisson | Norda Stelo

Dr. Mark Cohen | Vision Group

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Québec Emerging Entrepreneur Special Citation recipient:

Katherine Homuth | Sheertex

What’s next? 

As the Québec region’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024, Harris will compete with winners from the Pacific, Prairies, Ontario and Atlantic regions for the national honour of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024, which will be presented at a celebration on November 26, 2024 in Toronto. In June 2025, Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 will then move to the world stage to compete with more than 50 other country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The YearTM hosted in Monaco.  

More information

Follow #EOYCanada and #EOYQuebec on social for the latest event updates. Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of finalists and celebration dates in other regions.

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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®  

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across Canada who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the program, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of program participants that help to build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth. 

The 2024 Québec independent judging panel comprises Pelra Azondekon, Managing Director, asterX | Quebecor; Isabelle Côté, CEO, Coffrages Synergy Formwork; Jean-François Côté, President and CEO, Sharethrough; Christian Fabi, Partner, Novacap; Serge Harnois, CEO, Harnois Énergies; Orlane Panet, Co-founder and CEO, MicroHabitat Urban Farming; Madeleine Paquin, former CEO, Logistec Corporation; and Martin Thériault, founder, CEO and Chairman, Previan.

This year's program national sponsors are TSX Inc., Air Canada, The Printing House, The Globe and Mail and Hillberg & Berk.