Catalyst Canada names Victor Dodig as chairman
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Catalyst Canada, a non-profit organization advocating for women in the workplace, has announced that Victor Dodig, president and CEO of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), will be the new chairman of the Catalyst Canada Advisory Board.

Dodig, who has been a member of the advisory board for three years, succeeds Bill Downe, CEO of Bank of Montreal, who will be retiring next month.

“[Dodig] is an outstanding leader whose energy, passion and commitment to advancing women and inclusive workplaces have already been felt deeply within Catalyst and the Canadian business community,” says Tanya van Biesen, executive director of Catalyst Canada, in a statement. “He brings a wealth of talent and experience to the table.”

Dodig has been president and CEO of CIBC since 2014 and serves on the board of directors for the bank, the C.D. Howe Institute and the Royal Ontario Museum. He’s also chairman of the 30% Club Canada, an organization that campaigns for better representation of women on boards of directors.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work across Catalyst Canada supporters and other engaged organizations to accelerate progress for women, improve gender balance in leadership roles and create more inclusive workplaces,” says Dodig, in a statement. “It’s by building truly inclusive organizations and harnessing everyone’s talent that we will strengthen the Canadian economy and enable our country to compete on the global stage.”

In June, Dodig was recognized as the 2017 Catalyst Canada Honours Champion for his commitment to inclusion in the workplace. He will receive the award at the upcoming Catalyst Canada Honours Dinner on Nov. 6.

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