EQB Inc. Appoints Mike Pedersen to Board, Nominates as Chair for 2026

EQB Inc. Welcomes Mike Pedersen to Board of Directors

EQB Inc. and its subsidiary, Equitable Bank, are poised for a transformative shift in leadership with the recent announcement regarding the appointment of Mike Pedersen to their Board of Directors. This strategic move, a part of EQB's renewal and succession plan, is effective immediately, marking a significant step in the company's leadership evolution.

The Board made it clear that Pedersen is not only being appointed but is also slated to be nominated as Chair in April 2026, following the forthcoming retirement of Vincenza Sera, who has served as Chair since September 2024. Sera’s departure from the Board after 13 years of dedicated service is a noteworthy moment, and she will not seek re-election at the upcoming Annual General Shareholder Meeting scheduled for April 2026.

Mike Pedersen brings to the table over 30 years of extensive experience in global finance, demonstrated by his impressive track record in governance and strategic oversight during periods of significant growth and transformation within organizations. Having previously served as the Chair of the Board at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) from 2018 to 2023 and held senior positions at TD Bank Group—including President and CEO of TD's U.S. banking division—Pedersen's background positions him uniquely to contribute to EQB's strategic direction.

A resident of Toronto, Pedersen’s influence extends beyond EQB. Currently, he serves on the boards of multiple organizations including CGI, AtkinsRéalis, and Clean Prosperity. Furthermore, his commitment to sustainability is evident as he chairs the Advisory Committee for the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo and participates in the Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee at the Global Risk Institute. With an academic foundation that includes a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto, Pedersen's qualifications are robust.

In expressing her views, Sera remarked, "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for both EQB and Equitable Bank. We have rapidly grown to emerge as Canada's seventh-largest bank, and this is just the beginning. I'm excited to announce Mike's appointment to the Board and his nomination as Chair for 2026—his impressive career in global financial markets will provide invaluable insight to our Board."

Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO of EQB, complemented Sera’s sentiments and highlighted the essential role she played in EQB's growth and milestones, including the launch of EQ Bank in 2016 and onboarding the current President and CEO. He expressed confidence that with Pedersen's extensive banking knowledge and leadership experience, EQB is well-equipped to execute a progressive growth strategy aimed at redefining the bank's offerings to Canadians.

Future Prospects for EQB Inc.

As EQB continues to make waves in the Canadian banking sector, the imminent leadership transition signals a commitment to ongoing innovation and customer-centric services. Pedersen's arrival represents a renewed focus on evolving the bank's strategy further and expanding its reach amongst its growing customer base. Perhaps most notably, under his leadership in 2026, EQB aims to strengthen its mission as a Challenger Bank, promoting banking practices that prioritize enriching the lives of Canadians.

In essence, the Board of Directors’ decision to appoint Mike Pedersen heralds a new chapter for EQB Inc., one marked by strategic growth, improved governance, and a steadfast commitment to community engagement. As the banking landscape evolves, EQB is poised to lead with a vision focused on the future of financial services for Canadians, ensuring that they deliver exceptional banking experiences for all individuals and businesses through technological advancements.

For more details about EQB Inc., their management strategies, and future initiatives, or to stay updated with all their latest developments, stakeholders are encouraged to explore EQB's corporate communications.

About EQB Inc.

EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is a premier digital financial services company managing $138 billion in total assets (as of October 31, 2025). With a focus on delivering transformative banking experiences through Equitable Bank, and wealth management through ACM Advisors, EQB stands as a leading innovator in Canada's banking sector, dedicated to driving meaningful change to enhance people's lives. For more information and to follow their advancements, visit their official website or connect on LinkedIn.