He began his career in 1985 at General Motors of Canada in Montréal. His marked interest for marketing and retailing took him to Publicité Martin, where he worked as an advertising administrator. In March 1987, he joined Groupe Val Royal, the predecessor of Réno-Dépôt inc.

His first position at Val Royal was marketing coordinator of the Brico Centre Division. Then he successively held the positions of outlet manager, director of advertising and director of marketing for Groupe Val Royal.
In 1992 and 1993, Mr. Toutant took part in the setting-up of Réno-Dépôt, whose Vice-President, Marketing, he became in 1994. As such, he was one of the main artisans of Réno-Dépôt’s growth and helped to make the company one of the most admired in Québec.

In 1997, in addition to his responsibilities in Québec, Mr. Toutant was directed by the French group Castorama, then-owner of Réno-Dépôt inc., to carry out a complete review of Castorama’s marketing position in Brazil.

Beginning in 1998, as Vice-President, Marketing and Real Estate, he was actively involved in implementing the Réno-Dépôt concept in Ontario under The Building Box banner.

In 2000, Mr. Toutant was appointed Vice-President, Merchandising and Marketing, of Réno-Dépôt inc. He was promoted to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer in 2001.

In late 2003, following the acquisition of Réno-Dépôt by RONA, Sylvain Toutant served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Boutiques San Francisco incorporées, where he helped the company to develop a business recovery plan.

Sylvain Toutant was chosen one of the 2001 winners of the annual Top 40 Under 40 competition. Created by Caldwell International, the competition spotlights the achievements of Canadians who have become leaders in their fields before turning 40.

In 2003, Mr. Toutant was named a New Performer in the Executive category, an honour awarded by the Perform firm to business leaders who have made an exceptional contribution to Québec’s economic growth. In the same year, he also received an Award of Distinction from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Management.

Mr. Toutant sits on the boards of directors of the Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundation, the PH Desrosiers Foundation and Ski Québec Alpin. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Mr. Toutant is married and is the father of three boys.