EQ Bank Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

EQ Bank has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, human resources, risk, and revenue.

Driven by innovation, EQ Bank is committed to bringing smarter banking solutions to Canadians, leveraging its position as Canada's Challenger Bank to offer diversified personal and commercial banking services.

Leadership Roles at EQ Bank

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Chadwick Westlake
  • Chief Financial Officer - Anilisa Sainani
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Janet Lin
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Gavin Stanley
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Lifetime Fan Shareholder - Jody Sperling
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Marlene Lenarduzzi
  • Eq Bank Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Geoffrey Vona
  • Chadwick Westlake - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Chadwick Westlake, the President & Chief Executive Officer at EQ Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for Canada's Challenger Bank. Overseeing all facets of the organization, Westlake ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide smarter banking solutions. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives and maintaining the bank's competitive edge in the digital finance landscape. By fostering a culture of innovation, Chadwick Westlake guides the institution's expansion and commitment to serving over a quarter million Canadians. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all departments, ensuring robust performance and adherence to regulatory standards, thereby solidifying EQ Bank's position as a leading independent Schedule I bank.
    Chadwick Westlake

    Anilisa Sainani - Chief Financial Officer

    Anilisa Sainani, the Chief Financial Officer at EQ Bank, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the digital bank. Overseeing all financial operations, Sainani ensures robust capital management and drives profitability in line with Equitable Bank's extensive asset base. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance, managing risk exposure, and supporting the bank's growth objectives. By directing treasury functions and financial reporting, Anilisa Sainani provides essential insights for executive decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to capital allocation and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, thereby safeguarding the institution's stability and supporting its commitment to innovative banking solutions for Canadians.
    Anilisa Sainani

    Janet Lin - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Janet Lin, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at EQ Bank, architects and oversees the bank's entire technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Driving the technological innovation that underpins EQ Bank's operations, Lin ensures the delivery of secure, scalable, and user-friendly banking solutions. This leadership position involves managing all aspects of information technology, from cybersecurity to platform development, directly supporting the bank's commitment to smarter banking. By guiding the technology roadmap, Janet Lin ensures the bank remains at the forefront of digital finance, enhancing the customer experience and operational efficiency. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer's strategic direction is crucial for maintaining EQ Bank's competitive advantage and its status as a leading digital bank.

    Gavin Stanley - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Gavin Stanley, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at EQ Bank, shapes the organizational culture and talent strategy to support the bank's ambitious growth objectives. Overseeing all human capital initiatives, Stanley ensures the attraction, development, and retention of a high-performing workforce essential for delivering innovative banking services. This role is pivotal in fostering an environment that aligns with EQ Bank's mission as Canada's Challenger Bank. By directing employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Gavin Stanley cultivates a motivated team dedicated to customer success. The Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer's leadership ensures that the bank's human resources are strategically aligned with its business goals, driving operational excellence and employee engagement.

    Jody Sperling - Chief Human Resources Officer & Lifetime Fan Shareholder

    Jody Sperling, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Lifetime Fan Shareholder at EQ Bank, spearheads the human capital strategy, focusing on cultivating a vibrant and engaged organizational culture. Overseeing talent acquisition, development, and employee experience, Sperling ensures that EQ Bank's workforce is equipped to drive innovation and deliver exceptional service. This unique role combines strategic HR leadership with a deep commitment to the company's ethos, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking digital bank. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Jody Sperling contributes significantly to the bank's operational success and its mission to provide smarter banking solutions. The Chief Human Resources Officer's influence is critical in maintaining a motivated and aligned team.

    Marlene Lenarduzzi - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Marlene Lenarduzzi, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at EQ Bank, holds dual responsibility for safeguarding the bank's financial integrity and driving revenue growth. Overseeing comprehensive risk management frameworks, Lenarduzzi ensures robust compliance and mitigates potential threats across all operations. Concurrently, this executive directs revenue-generating strategies, identifying opportunities to expand market share and enhance profitability. By integrating risk mitigation with strategic revenue generation, Marlene Lenarduzzi provides a balanced approach to business development, crucial for a growing digital bank. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer's leadership ensures sustainable growth while maintaining the highest standards of financial prudence and operational security.

    Geoffrey Vona - Eq Bank Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Geoffrey Vona, the Eq Bank Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at EQ Bank, leads the technological vision and execution that powers the bank's digital-first approach. Overseeing the development and maintenance of all technology platforms, Vona ensures the delivery of secure, efficient, and innovative banking services. This role is fundamental to EQ Bank's commitment to providing smarter banking solutions and maintaining its competitive edge as Canada's Challenger Bank. By driving technological advancements and infrastructure upgrades, Geoffrey Vona enhances the customer experience and operational scalability. The Eq Bank Vice President & Chief Technology Officer's expertise is critical in navigating the evolving landscape of financial technology and supporting the bank's strategic growth objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EQ Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EQ Bank?
    EQ Bank is led by Chadwick Westlake (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Anilisa Sainani (Chief Financial Officer) and Janet Lin (Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of EQ Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of EQ Bank includes leaders such as Chadwick Westlake (President & Chief Executive Officer), Anilisa Sainani (Chief Financial Officer), Janet Lin (Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EQ Bank have?
    EQ Bank has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in EQ Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of EQ Bank includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer & Lifetime Fan Shareholder.