Operating Committee

As Global Head, Client Operations, Joanna is responsible for managing the day-to-day global operations of RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS), ensuring its integrated global operating model is developed, managed and implemented in a manner that is consistent, efficient, high quality and cost-effective. Joanna is also Head of RBC I&TS in UK, with overall responsibility for all RBC I&TS activities in the region.

Prior to this appointment, Joanna was Managing Director for the UK, Ireland and Middle East for RBC I&TS. Her background before joining RBC Investor Services was within Investment Banking Operations and IT and included senior roles at Deutsche Bank and Salomon Brothers (now Citigroup). She also headed operations at Credit Suisse Asset Management across Europe for four years. Joanna has worked in London, Tokyo, New York and Tampa.

She holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Economics.

James Rausch is Head of Canadian Client Coverage and Global Head of Banks, Brokers & Exchanges. Based in Toronto, he is also a member of the RBC Investor and Treasury Services Operating Committee.

As Head of Canadian Client Coverage, James is responsible for leading the sales and relationship management team in our largest market and executing on RBC Investor & Treasury Services’ strategy of maintaining our leadership position in Canada.

As Global Head of Banks, Brokers and Exchanges, James has end-to-end responsibility for the sales, service and product delivery of Canadian dollar services to our financial institution partners globally. In this capacity, he also chairs the Network Management Steering Committee.

James joined RBC in 2014 and previously resided in Vancouver. He is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in financial markets, including 12 years at Powerex and prior to that Infowave Software, the Toronto Stock Exchange and Toronto Dominion Bank. His broad business experience includes transaction banking, client coverage, risk management, commodities trading and corporate finance.

James became a CFA charterholder in 1999. He also holds an MBA from Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science from the same institution. James is divisional co-chair of the RBC United Way Employee Giving Campaign, and participates as a board member on the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) and the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT). He also serves as co-chair of the BAFT North American Council.

As CEO of RBC Investor Services Bank S.A. (pending board approval), Sergio chairs the Lux Executive Committee and the Continental Europe & Offshore Operating Committee. Based in Luxembourg, he is also a member of the Board of Directors of RBC Investor Services Bank S.A. and a member of the Operating Committee of RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS).

Sergio works with the Country Heads and the local management teams across Europe to advance the local business and build a sustainable growth strategy in the region through RBC I&TS’ onshore/offshore approach. As part of his executive mandate, Sergio oversees regulatory relationships, ensures employee engagement in the region and manages the Luxembourg entity as an essential part of the organization. Previously, Sergio was Chief Operating Officer of RBC Investor Services Bank S.A.

He is a seasoned professional with over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Sergio spent 17 years at Citibank in Iberia where he held various senior positions, including General Counsel in Spain, General Counsel in Continental Europe, and Country Manager, Chairman/CEO for Spain and Portugal. He also held senior positions at HSBC and Barclays.

Sergio holds a Law Degree and a Masters in Commercial and Banking Law from the University “Complutense” in Madrid. He is a long-time supporter of the Junior Achievement Foundation in Spain where he was founding Chairman and is currently a Board member.

As Global Head of Governance & Regulatory Solutions, Andrea leads a team of professionals responsible for directing and implementing RBC Investor & Treasury Services’ regulatory and governance strategies. She has held a number of increasingly senior roles since joining RBC’s General Counsel Group in 2001, most recently as Global Head of Securities Dispute Resolution. Prior to joining RBC, Andrea practiced corporate-commercial litigation at a leading firm in Toronto, specializing in class actions and securities litigation.

Andrea holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University and a law degree from the University of Toronto. She is a Director on the Board of RBC Investor Services Trust. Andrea has also served on a number of charities and non-profit organizations, and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Public Library Foundation.

David Cyr is Senior Vice-President, I&TS Technology Processing Service Program.

David provides leadership and a focused drive towards 100% availability across the RBC I&TS IT environment and is responsible for the support and stabilization across RBC I&TS Technology.

David joined RBC in 2007 and has held technology executive positions, including: Senior Vice-President, Technology & Operations; Senior Vice-President, Enterprise Operations, Wealth Management, Payments Technology; and Vice-President, International Wealth Management Technology. During his time with RBC, he has led teams in Canada, the US and the UK, accountable for application development and maintenance, as well as providing the execution and governance leadership to drive enterprise wide initiatives in support of the businesses’ strategies.

Before joining RBC, David worked in IBM’s Business Consulting Services where he managed multiple relationships with Canadian financial institutions and a multi-year enterprise wide program for RBC. Prior to IBM, David held Senior Management roles in Retail Banking, Operations and Applications with a Canadian financial institution.

Al Tinney, Senior Vice President, Enterprise & International Applications at RBC is responsible for establishing the strategic direction and leadership for the development and support of application solutions for insurance, international and enterprise technology. As a member of RBC's Technology & Operations (T&O) Operating Committee, he contributes to the development of the overall strategy and direction of T&O.

Al joined RBC in 1995 and has held various systems and technology executive positions, including leading the creation of the initial technology Channel Delivery group, as well as heading Retail Banking systems. In 2002, he joined Moneris as CIO and SVP Product Development, responsible for Technology and Product Development. Returning to RBC in May 2005, Al became SVP, Head RBC Insurance Technology, where he led the technology transformation of the Life & Health Insurance business.

Before joining RBC in 1995, Al worked as an Independent Management Consultant where he led the technology integration and conversion of RBC's acquisition of Royal Trust. Earlier he held other positions within the IT department of organizations including Central Guaranty Trust (CGT), CIBC, Xerox Canada and the Government of Alberta.

Originally from Toronto, Al has a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, from Ryerson University.

As the Chief Information Officer for RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS), Jennifer provides leadership and strategic direction for the global IT team, with responsibility for a comprehensive range of technology services and a portfolio of applications & projects supporting our business. Jennifer is the co-chair of the Women in Technology & Operations employee resource group and a member of the Technology & Operations Diversity Leadership Council.

Since joining RBC in 1988, Jennifer has held a variety of technology roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, Jennifer was the VP, Payments & Trade Technology where she led technology transformation initiatives for wholesale payments across a number of lines of business and represented RBC on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Payments Association.

Originally from Ottawa, Jennifer has an Honours Bachelor of Math degree from the University of Waterloo and has completed an Executive Development Program at the Queen's School of Business. Jennifer is a regular participant in the University of Waterloo "Think About Math" events to encourage girls in grade 9 to continue to participate in math through high school and to think about post-secondary education in the maths/sciences.

As Vice President, Human Resources for RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS), Lisa Melo leads the global RBC I&TS HR team and all related activities, including talent and performance management, leadership development and diversity. She is a member of the RBC I&TS Operating Committee.

Lisa has been with RBC since 1987, most recently in the role of Head, Human Resources for RBC Insurance. Lisa brings a unique perspective to her HR role having held both business and functional roles, beginning her career in retail banking before assuming more senior roles, including Regional Operating Officer for Ontario North & East, and Head, HR Canadian Banking – Sales.

An advocate for continuing education, Lisa earned her Masters of Business Administration from Dalhousie University in 2001. She has attended the Emerging Leaders Program for Women in Business at the Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto), and has also completed a number of programs through the Institute of Canadian Bankers.

As Chief Executive Officer and Director of RBC Investor Services Trust, David directs and oversees the effective management of RBCIS Trust in supporting RBC Investor & Treasury Services’ (RBC I&TS') strategic objective of maintaining our leading position in the Canadian market, and further supporting our reputation for delivering award-winning client service. In addition, David also has oversight for the Global Pricing & Strategic Advisory Group, and he is the global RBC I&TS representative for RBC’s Enterprise Strategy Office.

David has been with RBC for 19 years. He joined RBC I&TS in 2012 and has provided significant global front office business support across the Treasury & Market Services and Sales & Distribution businesses. His role in the Chief Operating Officer office includes oversight of RBC I&TS’ business integration and strategy development and execution, and he is the global RBC I&TS representative for RBC’s Enterprise Strategy Office.

David began his career with Royal Bank of Canada in RBC Capital Markets, working in Global Fixed Income, Global Debt Markets and Global Markets. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and received his Chartered Accountant designation from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1993. David is an avid supporter of the RBC Race for the Kids, benefitting the Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.

Francis Jackson is Global Head of Client Coverage which comprises the Client Experience, Sales, Marketing and Product Development teams.

He is responsible for leading these teams globally to grow business with our Investor Services and Transaction Banking client base. The teams ensure we deliver an excellent client experience, create new and enhanced product capabilities and deliver tailored intelligence and solutions. Francis and his team are also responsible for global business development in line with our strategic objectives. Francis is a member of the RBC I&TS Operating Committee and is a Board Director of RBC Bank Luxembourg.

Francis has approaching 30 years' experience in banking and finance and significant business development, product management, operational and technical experience.

Francis joined RBC in May 2015 from JP Morgan where he held several leadership roles over the last nine years, including most recently as Head of Investor Services Sales & Relationship Management. He was also a member of their Investor Services Global Executive Management team.

Prior to this, Francis held a number of senior roles at SEI, Citigroup, Bankers Trust and Chase Manhattan Bank.

Francis has a Bsc (Hons) degree in Economics & Politics from the University of Salford, Manchester.

Petra is Vice President of Performance Management for the Investor & Treasury Services business within RBC Capital Markets Finance. With accountability for senior advisory and finance support to the I&TS executive team. Petra partners with the business to optimize business performance, ensure sound financial governance and create deep business insights.

Petra joined RBC over 20 years ago and has held progressively more senior roles in Canadian Banking, Group Risk Management and Finance, most recently as Senior Director, Automotive Finance Products.

Petra has served on the board of the Burlington Masters Swim Club and has twice supported members in their successful bids to swim across Lake Ontario.

Petra holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and is also a CFA charterholder.

Renée DeGagné is a Managing Director, Head of Institutional Client Management, RBC Capital Markets, with a focus on meeting the needs of institutional clients – banks, asset managers, hedge funds, corporates, and specialized non-bank financial entities. In addition, Renée is a member of the RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS) Operating Committee with responsibility for collectively formulating, setting and implementing RBC I&TS’ strategy with her fellow RBC I&TS Operating Committee members.

Renée has held a wide array of management positions with RBC for the past 25 years. Prior to her current role, Renée worked in RBC’s Financial Management group, in the Head Office in Toronto, covering a variety of businesses including Financial Institutions, Corporate Banking, and Global Custody. She spent several years working in the marketing and strategy group within Corporate Banking prior to moving to the New York office in 1999 where she held various roles in Asset Securitization, Global Credit and Loan Portfolio Management, leading up to her current role.

Renée received an MBA from Dalhousie University with a concentration in Finance in 1988. She received a BA from the University of Western Ontario with a major in economics in 1985.

Bruce is the Chief Risk Officer, Europe, with responsibility for providing independent oversight of risk for all RBC businesses across the region. He sets the strategic direction of risk management and provides leadership in the implementation and execution of leading practices in risk oversight and governance for Europe and its key legal and regulatory entities. Bruce also has global accountability for risk oversight in RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS), as well as the majority of RBC's Asian operations.

Based in London, Bruce is a member of the global RBC I&TS Operating Committee and the Capital Markets Europe Operating Committee. He is also a member of the Board of RBC Europe Limited.

Bruce is a graduate of the University of Toronto and York University. He joined the Royal Bank in 1987 and held various positions in client-facing roles in corporate banking, corporate finance, loan syndications and market management in both Toronto and London, England. He was appointed Vice President, Risk Management in 1997 responsible for financial institutions and became Senior Vice President, Group Risk Management – Credit, in 2003. He assumed his current responsibilities in September 2015.

Nadine Ahn is Senior Vice-President and CFO of Wholesale Finance, RBC.

Nadine has global accountability for financial governance, control, valuations and performance management for I&TS and Capital Markets, and is a member of Operating Committees for both businesses. Nadine is also a member of the CAO & CFO Operating Committee.

Nadine joined RBC 17 years ago and has held various senior roles in Corporate Treasury and Finance, including VP & Controller, Global Head of Financial Control, Capital Markets Finance.

She is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto.

Rob is Global Head of Treasury & Market Services (TMS) within RBC Investor & Treasury Services (RBC I&TS), and a member of the RBC I&TS Operating Committee. In this role, Rob is responsible for liquidity management and short-term funding requirements as well as deposit-taking, foreign exchange and securities lending services within RBC I&TS.

Rob is also Head of Financial Resource Management for Global Markets (part of RBC Capital Markets) and TMS. He is responsible for business reporting and optimisation of balance sheet, capital and funding across both businesses as well as managing a range of RWA reduction and trade compression initiatives.

Prior to this he was Head of Principal Finance at RBC Capital Markets, where he was responsible for managing elements of RBC’s structured credit exposure and working on the integration of RBC Investor Services – the custody and fund administration business that was formerly a joint venture between RBC and Dexia S.A. He joined RBC in 2004.

From 1999 to 2004, he was Head of Credit Structuring for WestLB AG in Europe and Asia - responsible for Cashflow & Synthetic CDO structuring and repackaging activities. Prior to that, he has held various positions in London, New York and Hong Kong performing credit trading and structured finance roles.

Rob holds a BSc in Physics and has over 25 years of industry experience.

Malena Ljungkvist is a VP, Managing Director, Group Risk Management – Investor & Treasury Services, responsible for global risk oversight across all aspects of the business, including risk culture, appetite and conduct.

Malena leads a centralized risk team who focus on implementing an efficient second line of defense model that achieves all regulatory requirements consistently across I&TS globally. The team consists of IS Trust and IS Bank Risk teams, as well as an enterprise Risk team based in the UK. Prior to Malena’s current role, Malena oversaw market risk for I&TS globally and was also responsible for managing risk for RBC Capital Markets’ Fixed Income & Currencies business and the Central Funding Group in Europe. Malena has been with RBC for over 13 years and possesses significant knowledge of counterparty credit, trading, liquidity and market risk.

Prior to RBC Malena held a Market risk Manager role at Commerzbank. Malena holds a degree in Accounting and Management and a Master (Msc) in Money, Banking and Finance from Middlesex University.

Teri Dennis-Davies is Vice President and Head of HR Investor & Treasury Services. She is responsible for providing leadership, advice and global solutions in all areas of HR including talent management, leadership development, performance enablement, change management, employee engagement and diversity and inclusion. Teri and her team leverage the HR Centres of Expertise to enable the execution of I&TS business objectives through people and culture.

Teri has extensive global and multi-industry experience in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe. She joined RBC in 2006 from KPMG and was responsible for RBC's HR operations in the Caribbean. In 2011, she relocated to Canada and has held multiple roles including Senior Manager Executive Talent Management and Senior Director Planning & Integration.

Teri is a licensed attorney in New York and Connecticut and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

*Interim position covering family leave

Ross Gardner leads the Investor & Treasury Services Change Agenda and Advanced Client Experience Program, which is a global multi-year technology strategy focused on building and extending an agile ecosystem, client centricity, product evolution and delivery and operating model simplification. He is also the Head of Technology in the UK for RBC, including regional management of the cross-business IT teams.

Ross has worked at RBC for over seven years, and has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services, previously working for JPMorgan Chase in a number of roles delivering change and effective leadership of technology functions, focusing on stakeholder partnership, technology efficiency, cost transparency and strategic architecture delivery.