MONTRÉAL, Dec. 10, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Isabelle Courville, Chair of Laurentian Bank's Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Wolburgh Jenah to the Board.
An attorney by training, Susan Wolburgh Jenah is well known within the Canadian securities industry, having occupied the position of President and CEO of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) from 2008 to 2014. Prior to that, she served as President and CEO of the Investment Dealers' Association of Canada (IDA) from 2007 to 2008, after holding senior positions at the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) between 1983 and 2007. Her extensive knowledge of the pertinent issues affecting the securities sector — both regulatory and development-related — constitutes a major strength and asset being brought to Laurentian Bank's Board of Directors.
The Bank's Board is composed of 13 members. Laurentian Bank has always been a leader in corporate governance. With the exception of Réjean Robitaille, President and Chief Executive Officer, all Board members are independent. The Bank also applies best practices in corporate governance. For example, since 2009, the organization has been holding a consultative vote among shareholders on the compensation of executive officers, and the nomination of its directors is subject to a majority vote policy under the terms of which each candidate must obtain a minimum number of votes.
Moreover, the appointment of Susan Wolburgh Jenah confirms Laurentian Bank's leadership role among Canadian banks with respect to female representation on its Board, with 38% of directors being women. In fact, the Bank became the first Canadian financial institution to appoint a female Chair when it named Jeannine Guillevin-Wood to that position in 1997. "I am very proud to be leading a Board of Directors as strong and diversified as ours in terms of competencies, pertinence of professional experience and geographic representation," underlines Ms. Courville.
About Laurentian Bank
Laurentian Bank of Canada is a banking institution whose activities extend across Canada. Recognized for its excellent service, proximity and simplicity, the Bank serves one and a half million clients throughout the country. Founded in 1846, the Bank is among the 2014 edition of the Montréal's Top Employers competition, which showcases the city's top 25 companies offering enviable places to work. It currently employs more than 3,600 people whose talent and dedication has made it a major player in numerous market segments.
Laurentian Bank distinguishes itself through the excellence of its execution and its agility. Catering to the needs of retail clients via its extensive branch network and constantly evolving virtual offerings, the Bank has also earned a solid reputation among small and medium-sized enterprises, larger businesses and real estate developers thanks to its growing presence across Canada and its specialized teams in Ontario, Québec, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. For their part, B2B Bank is a Canadian leader in providing banking and investment products and services to financial advisors and brokers, while Laurentian Bank Securities is an integrated broker widely known for its expert and effective services nationwide. The Bank has more than $34 billion in balance sheet assets and more than $41 billion in assets under administration.
SOURCE Laurentian Bank of Canada
Hélène Soulard, Assistant Vice President, Communications, 514 284-4500, ext. 8232, helene.soulard@banquelaurentienne.caCopyright CNW Group 2014