CEO Today Global Awards

CEO Today Global Awards 2020 CANADA 27 www.ceotodaymagazine.com Victor Dodig was named President and CEO of the CIBC group of companies, one of North America’s leading financial services institutions, in September 2014. During his tenure, Victor has helped usher in a new era for the bank, positioning CIBC as a relationship-oriented bank for a modern world. In 2016, he led the acquisition of The PrivateBank, establishing a strong North American platform for CIBC to serve clients and deliver future growth. Victor brings more than 25 years of extensive business and banking experience, having led CIBC’s Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Retail Banking businesses. He also led several businesses with UBS and Merrill Lynch in Canada and internationally, and was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. A member of CIBC’s Board of Directors, Victor also serves on the board of the C.D. Howe Institute and the Business Council of Canada. A recipient of the 2017 Catalyst Canada Honours (Company Leader) Champion award, Victor is a vocal advocate for inclusion in the workplace. He serves as Chair of the Catalyst Canada Advisory Board, a member of the global Catalyst Board of Directors, and Past Chair of the 30% Club Canada. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA and was recognized as a Baker Scholar. Victor holds a diploma from the Institut d’études politiques in Paris and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto (St. Michael’s College) in Commerce. He has received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Ryerson University. Victor resides in Toronto with his wife Maureen. They are the proud parents of 4 children. Firm Profile The largest merger of two chartered banks in Canadian history happened on June 1, 1961 — The Canadian Bank of Commerce (established 1867) and the Imperial Bank of Canada (established 1875) merged to form the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Our bank has a rich history of helping people, businesses, and communities in Canada and around the world grow and prosper. The Canadian Bank of Commerce (The Commerce) opened for business on May 15, 1867 in Toronto just six weeks prior to the Confederation of Canada. The Honorable William McMaster, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, was the principal founder of the bank and its first president. From that first day, it was all about building relationships with clients, understanding their needs and helping them achieve their goals. An aggressive businessman, he rapidly expanded the bank and its network of branches. By 1874, The Commerce had 24 branches making it the largest bank headquartered in Ontario. Now we have two major chartered banks. But it was nearly 100 years before the two banks joined forces and agreed to merge in 1961. In the meantime, they would play leapfrog across the country building their foundation of networks and seeking to help new clients grow and prosper. Our vision is to be the leader in client relationships. We will build the most trusting and enduring client relationships by putting our clients at the centre of all that we do. We will listen intently to our clients, offering them what they need, and striving to exceed their expectations. Our vision comes to life through our values and our ability to demonstrate them in our everyday decisions, actions and interactions with our clients, team members, communities, and shareholders. We believe in the instincts and talents of our people. We support and recognize those who do what’s right for our clients. Our clients benefit from the power of a team that enjoys working together on their behalf. We do what we say, because this is what our clients expect and deserve. If we make a mistake, we admit it and fix it.