Royal Bank of Canada Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

RBC has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, technology, operations, finance, and sustainability.

Focused on delivering comprehensive financial solutions to a global client base, [[RBC]] maintains a commitment to excellence across personal banking, wealth management, and capital markets while driving long-term value for institutional and retail stakeholders.

Leadership Roles at Royal Bank of Canada

  • Director, U. S. Chief Financial Officer Operations Office, Data Strategy and Analytics - Elizabeth Braun
  • Delivery HUB Director, Finance & Group Chief Financial Officer - Owen Harb
  • Planning Management Manager, Project Portfolio & Chief Operating Officer, Gft - Shanine Despacio
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Banking - Niranjan Vivekanandan
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise - Bernice Dunsby
  • Director, Strategic Enablement, Enterprise Chief Operating Officer - Sarah Copeland
  • Senior Client Product Support Representative & Chief Marketing Officer, Cash Management Operations - Joemon Yesudas
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Commercial Banking & Insurance - Alan Depencier
  • Head Global Chief Technology Officer, Rbc & of City National Bank Technology - Jikin Shah
  • Chief of Staff, Sustainability and Impact - Janelle Skeete
  • Elizabeth Braun - Director, U. S. Chief Financial Officer Operations Office, Data Strategy and Analytics

    Elizabeth Braun, the Director, U. S. Chief Financial Officer Operations Office, Data Strategy and Analytics at RBC, directs data-driven decision-making processes within the financial operations office. Overseeing analytics strategy, the Director ensures that financial data informs the bank's broader strategic objectives. This role involves developing advanced modeling techniques to assess market risks and opportunities in the U.S. region. By leveraging data insights, Elizabeth Braun optimizes financial reporting and operational efficiency. The Director also collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to provide actionable intelligence for executive planning. Through the implementation of robust data governance, Braun enhances the accuracy and utility of financial information across the organization. Ultimately, the Director supports the bank's financial health by providing the analytical foundation necessary for informed leadership and strategic growth.

    Owen Harb - Delivery HUB Director, Finance & Group Chief Financial Officer

    Owen Harb, the Delivery HUB Director, Finance & Group Chief Financial Officer at RBC, directs the delivery of financial services through specialized hubs. Overseeing finance operations, the Delivery HUB Director ensures that the bank's financial reporting and treasury services are executed with high precision. This role involves managing the infrastructure that supports the Group Chief Financial Officer in maintaining the bank's fiscal health. By optimizing the delivery of financial data and services, Owen Harb enhances the efficiency of the finance department. The Delivery HUB Director also collaborates with other operational leaders to ensure that financial processes are integrated across all business segments. Through rigorous oversight, Harb supports the bank's commitment to financial transparency and stability. Ultimately, the Delivery HUB Director ensures that the finance function provides the necessary support for the bank's continued growth and market leadership.

    Shanine Despacio - Planning Management Manager, Project Portfolio & Chief Operating Officer, Gft

    Shanine Despacio, the Planning Management Manager, Project Portfolio & Chief Operating Officer, Gft at RBC, executes operational strategies for project portfolios. Overseeing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that internal initiatives align with the broader goals of the bank. This role involves streamlining workflows to improve productivity within the Gft division. By managing complex project lifecycles, Shanine Despacio supports the delivery of high-impact financial services. The Chief Operating Officer also coordinates with cross-functional teams to mitigate risks and optimize performance metrics. Through rigorous planning and oversight, Despacio drives operational excellence across the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates the successful execution of strategic projects that bolster the bank's market position and operational efficiency in a competitive global landscape.
    Shanine Despacio

    Niranjan Vivekanandan - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Banking

    Niranjan Vivekanandan, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Banking at RBC, directs the operational framework for commercial lending and services. Overseeing regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that commercial enterprises receive efficient and reliable financial support. This role involves optimizing credit processes and service delivery models to meet the demands of a diverse business client base. By implementing scalable operational strategies, Niranjan Vivekanandan enhances the bank's capacity to serve commercial entities across various sectors. The Chief Operating Officer also collaborates with the broader leadership team to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency. Through continuous process improvement, Vivekanandan strengthens the bank's commercial banking segment. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service delivery, ensuring that the bank remains a preferred partner for businesses seeking robust financial solutions.

    Bernice Dunsby - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise

    Bernice Dunsby, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise at RBC, directs the overarching operational strategy for the entire organization. Overseeing enterprise-wide functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all business segments operate with maximum efficiency and alignment. This role involves managing large-scale operational transformations to support the bank's global presence. By streamlining internal processes, Bernice Dunsby enhances the bank's ability to deliver consistent financial services across all platforms. The Chief Operating Officer also works closely with other C-suite leaders to drive organizational performance and long-term stability. Through strategic oversight, Dunsby ensures that the bank remains agile in a rapidly changing financial environment. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational integrity of the institution, supporting its status as one of the largest banks in the world.

    Sarah Copeland - Director, Strategic Enablement, Enterprise Chief Operating Officer

    Sarah Copeland, the Director, Strategic Enablement, Enterprise Chief Operating Officer at RBC, directs the implementation of strategic initiatives across the enterprise. Overseeing enablement programs, the Director ensures that operational teams have the resources and guidance necessary to execute corporate goals. This role involves facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to improve organizational agility. By identifying bottlenecks in operational workflows, Sarah Copeland drives improvements that enhance overall productivity. The Director also supports the Chief Operating Officer in monitoring the progress of key strategic projects. Through effective communication and process design, Copeland ensures that the bank's operational strategy is executed with precision. Ultimately, the Director plays a vital role in aligning the efforts of various business units, ensuring that the bank remains focused on its mission of delivering superior financial services to its global client base.

    Joemon Yesudas - Senior Client Product Support Representative & Chief Marketing Officer, Cash Management Operations

    Joemon Yesudas, the Senior Client Product Support Representative & Chief Marketing Officer, Cash Management Operations at RBC, directs the strategic positioning of cash management products. Overseeing client support frameworks, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures seamless integration of financial tools for commercial enterprises. This role involves analyzing market trends to refine product delivery across North American operations. By aligning marketing initiatives with operational capabilities, Joemon Yesudas optimizes the user experience for institutional clients. The Chief Marketing Officer also collaborates with product development teams to enhance service efficiency. Through rigorous data analysis, the support representative identifies opportunities for growth within the treasury services segment. Ultimately, Yesudas strengthens the competitive standing of the bank by delivering tailored financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of a diverse corporate client base.

    Alan Depencier - Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Commercial Banking & Insurance

    Alan Depencier, the Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Commercial Banking & Insurance at RBC, architects brand strategy across the retail and insurance sectors. Managing large-scale campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer drives customer acquisition and retention within the Canadian market. This leadership role involves coordinating with product teams to ensure consistent messaging across digital and physical channels. By leveraging consumer insights, Alan Depencier optimizes the delivery of banking and insurance products to high-net-worth individuals and retail customers. The Chief Marketing Officer also monitors market performance to adjust promotional tactics in real-time. Through strategic partnerships and innovative outreach, Depencier expands the reach of the bank's financial services. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures market share by fostering deep trust and engagement with the diverse client base served by the institution.
    Alan Depencier

    Jikin Shah - Head Global Chief Technology Officer, Rbc & of City National Bank Technology

    Jikin Shah, the Head Global Chief Technology Officer, Rbc & of City National Bank Technology at RBC, directs the digital infrastructure and technological evolution of the enterprise. Overseeing global technology teams, the Head Global Chief Technology Officer ensures the stability and scalability of banking platforms. This role involves implementing advanced cybersecurity measures and cloud-based solutions to support international subsidiaries. By modernizing legacy systems, Jikin Shah enhances the efficiency of financial transactions for institutional investors. The Head Global Chief Technology Officer also collaborates with executive leadership to align technical roadmaps with long-term business goals. Through the deployment of cutting-edge analytics, Shah drives innovation across the bank's digital ecosystem. Ultimately, the Head Global Chief Technology Officer maintains the technological edge required to support the complex needs of a multinational financial services company.

    Janelle Skeete - Chief of Staff, Sustainability and Impact

    Janelle Skeete, the Chief of Staff, Sustainability and Impact at RBC, directs the integration of environmental and social governance into core business practices. Overseeing sustainability initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that the bank meets its commitments to responsible finance and community impact. This role involves coordinating with internal stakeholders to develop strategies that promote long-term value creation. By monitoring global sustainability trends, Janelle Skeete guides the organization toward ethical investment and operational practices. The Chief of Staff also facilitates communication between the executive team and external partners regarding the bank's impact goals. Through strategic oversight, Skeete drives the implementation of programs that support social and environmental progress. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff ensures that sustainability remains a central pillar of the bank's identity and operational strategy.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Royal Bank of Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Royal Bank of Canada?
    Royal Bank of Canada is led by Elizabeth Braun (Director, U. S. Chief Financial Officer Operations Office, Data Strategy and Analytics), along with executives such as Owen Harb (Delivery HUB Director, Finance & Group Chief Financial Officer) and Shanine Despacio (Planning Management Manager, Project Portfolio & Chief Operating Officer, Gft).
    Who is part of Royal Bank of Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Royal Bank of Canada includes leaders such as Elizabeth Braun (Director, U. S. Chief Financial Officer Operations Office, Data Strategy and Analytics), Owen Harb (Delivery HUB Director, Finance & Group Chief Financial Officer), Shanine Despacio (Planning Management Manager, Project Portfolio & Chief Operating Officer, Gft) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Royal Bank of Canada have?
    Royal Bank of Canada has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Royal Bank of Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Royal Bank of Canada includes roles such as Director, U. S. Chief Financial Officer Operations Office, Data Strategy and Analytics, Delivery HUB Director, Finance & Group Chief Financial Officer, Planning Management Manager, Project Portfolio & Chief Operating Officer, Gft, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Banking, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise.