Jacques Nantel is a member of the Order of Canada. He worked primarily at HEC Montréal from 1981 to 2018, an institution that awarded him the title of professor emeritus.

Holder of the Omer DeSerres Chair in Retail Trade and the RBC Financial Group Chair in E-Commerce, Jacques Nantel was also Director of Programs and Secretary General of HEC Montréal.

He is known for his numerous publications in scientific journals and for his contributions to several media outlets, including Le Monde diplomatique, the NYT, the Globe and Mail, Le JdeM, La Presse, and Radio Canada.

He is or has been a member of several boards of directors of companies and organizations, including Leger, Groupe Germain, OACIQ, Groupe Vidéotron, Groupe Renaud-Bray, Centraide of Greater Montreal, La Vie en Rose, Souris-Mini, Les Aliments Cordon Bleue, ITHQ, MedicArt, and Collège Jean de Brébeuf.