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The Conference Board Appoints Gillian Riley as New President in Canada

The Conference Board has officially announced the appointment of Gillian Riley as its new President in Canada, effective April 6, 2026. This significant leadership change marks a new chapter for the organization, which has been a prominent non-profit think tank and business membership entity in Canada since its inception in 1954.

Gillian comes to The Conference Board with a wealth of experience in the financial sector, having spent three decades at Scotiabank. Her tenure there is particularly noted for her role in pioneering innovation and promoting growth. As the former President and CEO of Tangerine Bank, Canada’s leading digital bank, she successfully expanded the bank's product offerings and garnered high customer satisfaction ratings.

One of her noteworthy contributions at Scotiabank was the launch of the Scotiabank Women Initiative in 2018. This innovative program was created to address systemic barriers facing women in business, providing access to capital, mentorship, and educational resources. With over 40,000 women engaged in the initiative, it has grown to include international markets, underscoring Gillian's commitment to economic inclusivity.

In addition to her extensive experience, Gillian is an established board director, serving on various boards in both Canada and the UK. Her affiliations include significant positions with organizations such as Nationwide Building Society—one of the UK's major financial services entities—and Roynat Capital, where she holds the role of Chair. Moreover, she is involved with the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation and Huron University, demonstrating her commitment to community service.

Gillian's expertise extends beyond her corporate roles; she serves as a Senior Advisor at Bain & Company in the U.S., guiding clients in private equity and financial services. Her leadership skills have earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Women on two separate occasions.

Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, expressed confidence in Gillian's capabilities, stating, "Gillian's leadership and deep understanding of Canada's corporate landscape uniquely position us to deliver trusted insights for what's ahead to the region's business community." This sentiment reflects the rising complexities that Canadian businesses face today, and how The Conference Board aims to provide them with the tools they need to navigate these challenges.

Gillian Riley expressed her excitement about joining The Conference Board. She stated, "I’m excited to join this exceptional team and be part of this impactful work." Her vision for the organization aligns well with its mission to provide insights that empower leaders and strengthen communities.

Educationally, Gillian holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Hartford, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. Her strong academic background complements her extensive professional experience.

As The Conference Board resumes operations in Canada, all eyes will be on Gillian Riley to steer the organization toward a future of impactful decisions and insights. With her at the helm, the expectation is for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions to foster economic growth for all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, Gillian Riley's appointment as President is not just a change in leadership; it signifies a commitment to leveraging insights for a thriving business landscape in Canada. The Conference Board looks forward to a transformative period under her guidance.