The Canadian country is one that boasts of most influential and innovative CFOs who are not only leading their companies to new heights but also shaping the future of the finance industry. As strategic visionaries and financial stewards, CFOs drive the economic engine of their companies, ensuring sustainability and growth. The InstinctBusiness CFO in this feature, spotlights in no particular order top 10 CFOs in Canada, showcasing their remarkable achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to their respective organizations.
Chadwick Westlake, Chief Financial Officer of Equitable Bank
One of such leaders driving financial stability and growth is Chadwick Westlake, Chief Financial Officer of Equitable Bank. As a key figure, Chadwick oversees all core finance functions, the Bank’s Treasury and securitization activities, Corporate Development, Legal, and Productivity and Delivery. Since joining Equitable in 2020, Chadwick has brought with him over 18 years of experience from Scotiabank, where he held progressively senior roles. His positions included Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Canadian Banking and, most recently, Executive Vice-President of Enterprise Productivity and Canadian Banking Finance, where he spearheaded the strategy and implementation of enterprise-wide productivity improvements.
An alumnus of the University of Waterloo, Chadwick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics & Management and is a CFA charter holder. His strategic vision and operational excellence position the bank for a robust future.
Kelvin Vi Luan Tran, Group Head and Chief Financial Officer, TD Bank Group
Kelvin Vi Luan Tran, an esteemed financial executive, is the Group Head and Chief Financial Officer at TD Bank Group. Kelvin has over two decades of dedicated service to TD Bank Group, where he has ascended through progressively senior roles. His journey includes positions such as Head of Enterprise Finance, Chief Financial Officer of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® (AMCB), Chief Accountant, Senior Vice President for Treasury and Balance Sheet Management, Chief Financial Officer for TD Securities, and Chief Auditor.
Throughout his career, he has established himself as an exemplary leader, known for his dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion initiatives at TD Bank Group and within the broader community. Kelvin holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University as well as a number of professional designations including Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant, Fellow Chartered Accountant, and Chartered Financial Analyst.
Robert Sedran, Chief Financial Officer, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
As the Chief Financial Officer of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Robert Sedran oversees financial planning and analysis, financial management, regulatory reporting, accounting records maintenance, tax planning and compliance, treasury and balance sheet management, and investor relations. He joined CIBC in 2010 and has held leadership roles in Enterprise Strategy, Planning and Corporate Development, and was Director of Research in CIBC Capital Markets. Robert began his career at CIBC, holding roles in finance and on CIBC’s trading floor, before moving into Equity Research in CIBC Capital Markets and at National Bank Financial.
Robert is a distinguished academic achiever, holding an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from McMaster University. He is also a CFA® charter holder, underscoring his expertise and commitment to the financial industry.
Katherine Gibson, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Katherine Gibson, an exceptional woman who has established herself in the finance industry, is the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Katherine has been with RBC for over 20 years, advancing through increasingly senior roles and serving as a strategic partner to business and functional executives. Her career highlights include leadership as Vice President of Enterprise Optimization and board positions on several of RBC’s domestic and global subsidiaries.
Recently, Katherine was Senior Vice President, Finance & Controller where she was responsible for Head Office Finance including all external, board and management reporting, accounting policy and financial management systems. She served as Chair of the ESG Disclosure Committee, and also sat on the Enterprise Diversity Leadership Council, which drives RBC’s diversity and inclusion strategic priorities. As a champion of diversity and inclusion, Katherine was the executive sponsor of the CFO Group’s global Diversity Leadership Council. Katherine is a CPA, CA and holds an honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.
Trevor Oseen, Chief Financial Officer, Planswell
Known as a dynamic executive, Trevor Oseen, Chief Financial Officer at Planswell, leads his team and organization through transformation and achieving sustainable growth. He excels as a strategic problem solver, devising innovative solutions that drive success throughout the organization. With a robust finance background and versatile skills in business development, sales management, operations, technology, and leadership, Trevor is a hands-on leader dedicated to achieving excellence in every aspect of business operations.
Tayfun Tuzun, Chief Financial Officer at BMO Financial Group
Tayfun Tuzun, Chief Financial Officer at BMO Financial Group, is renowned for his extensive experience in financial leadership.
Before joining BMO, he served as Executive Vice President and CFO at Fifth Third Bancorp, with roles including Senior Vice President and Treasurer.
Earlier in his career, Tayfun held executive positions at FSI Group, LLC, a hedge fund focused on financial services, and at Provident Bank. He also served as a faculty member at the University of New South Wales, School of Banking & Finance.
Tayfun holds a master’s and a Doctorate in Economics from The Ohio State University, and a BA in Economics from Bosphorus University, Istanbul.
Colin Simpson, Chief Financial Officer, Manulife
Colin Simpson, a distinguished finance leader is the Chief Financial Officer of Manulife and a member of Manulife’s Executive Leadership Team. He is responsible for managing Manulife’s global financial affairs, including finance, accounting, capital, treasury, taxation, investor relations and financial regulation.
Before assuming his current role, Colin Simpson served as Chief Financial Officer at John Hancock in 2022. Colin has 20 years of experience, having held various executive positions at Aviva from 2013 to 2022, including Interim Group CFO, CFO of Aviva’s Canadian division, and Director of Investor Relations.
He once served senior roles at Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns Investment Bank, specializing as an equity analyst covering the European insurance sector. He also gained experience in actuarial roles at the Reinsurance Group of America and Gen Re.
Colin Simpson holds a BSc in Statistics from the University of Cape Town and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (FIA).
Mario Falvo, Chief Financial & Risk Officer at Interac Corp.
Mario Falvo, the Chief Financial & Risk Officer at Interac Corp., provides strategic direction and oversight for finance and risk management functions. With over 25 years of experience, Mario brings extensive knowledge in finance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and internal audit functions. Mario holds an honors degree in Finance and Accounting and is a CPA, CA designation holder. His career at Interac spans a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s governance and business landscape.
Phil McDowell, Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity Investments
Phil McDowell, an expert in corporate finance serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Fidelity Investments has previously held senior leadership roles at Pyramis Global Advisors, where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and at various capacities within Fidelity, CIBC, AXA, Travelers Canada, and PwC.
Phil McDowell earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, providing him with a solid foundation in business and finance.
Steve Rai, Chief Financial Officer, BlackBerry
Steve Rai, a finance professional and Chief Financial Officer at BlackBerry, oversees global financial reporting, compliance, strategy, and management.
Steve manages BlackBerry’s Intellectual Property and Licensing operations and leads the Company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) corporate reporting. With over 25 years of experience in financial management and assurance services, Steve has held senior roles at PMC-Sierra, TSX Venture Exchange, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois, USA, and a member of Chartered Professional Accountants in British Columbia, Canada.
Undeniably, these financial leaders continue to navigate the complexities of the global economy, their contributions shaping the future of the finance industry in Canada and beyond.
By: Esther Adwoa Gyanwah Karikari/InstinctBusiness CFO
