Sonia Baxendale
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sonia Baxendale is a highly respected executive who has more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in the financial services industry. Ms. Baxendale serves on the Board of Directors for a number of Canadian and international corporate and not-for-profit organizations. As the President and CEO of GRI, Ms. Baxendale leads the premier risk management organization for the financial services industry globally.
Sonia Baxendale is a highly respected executive who has more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in the financial services industry. Ms. Baxendale serves on the Board of Directors for a number of Canadian and international corporate and not-for-profit organizations. As the President and CEO of GRI, Ms. Baxendale leads the premier risk management organization for the financial services industry globally.
In this role, Ms. Baxendale brings together leaders from industry, academia and government to focus on emerging risk management issues. The global pandemic has brought to the forefront a confluence of domestic and global concerns - geopolitical tensions, climate change, systemic racism, social and economic disparities. Under Ms. Baxendale’s leadership, GRI has stepped up to develop strategic research and education. She has brought together experts from across the country and the globe to focus on long-term, sustainable solutions for Canada’s economic recovery.
In addition to her role with GRI, Ms. Baxendale is a Director on the Board of Laurentian Bank, Foresters Financial, RSA Group PLC, and The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited. She is Chair of the Board of SickKids Foundation and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Hospital for Sick Children.
Prior to joining GRI, Ms. Baxendale was President of CIBC Retail Markets where she led Retail and Wealth Management businesses. Ms. Baxendale played a key role in developing strategy and direction for CIBC and held various leadership roles including Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC Wealth Management, Executive Vice-President, Asset Management, Card Products and Collections, and Executive Vice-President of Global Private Banking and Investment Management Services. Prior to CIBC, Ms. Baxendale held various positions with American Express Canada and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Ms. Baxendale is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she was named University of Toronto, Victoria College Alumni of Distinction in 2017. She was named one of the “Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada” for three years in a row and then joined the ranks of the Top 100 Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2000, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
Vanda Vicars
Chief Operating Officer
Vanda Vicars is Chief Operating Officer at the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services since 2019 where she leads strategy development and execution for member services, events and education, marketing, communications, and corporate services.
Vanda Vicars is Chief Operating Officer at the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services since 2019 where she leads strategy development and execution for member services, events and education, marketing, communications, and corporate services.
A respected C-Suite executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sector, Ms. Vicars has held senior roles at leading organizations including CEO, Canada Infrastructure Services, Capgemini; President Capgemini Canada; Senior Vice President of ICT Solutions, Bell Canada; and IBM where she held various mandates in the Global Services organization leading operational teams servicing Canada’s largest institutions in the areas of Technical Support and IT and Network Outsourcing.
Ms. Vicars oversees the cyber risk file at GRI working with researchers and delivering Board level education on the topic of cyber security oversight. Over the course of her career, she has led teams delivering project and cyber services to the financial sector and various government entities.
Ms. Vicars is currently on the Quantum-Safe Canada Governing Board and is the Corporate Secretary for the Global Risk Institute. She has served as a corporate director on the boards of Bell Capital Markets Solutions, Createch, and Capgemini Canada.
An advocate for women in the ICT sector, Ms. Vicars has served as an executive coach, mentor, and public speaker on the topic. She was instrumental in launching networking and development programs for women at Bell Canada and IBM. She also served on the board of Canadian Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) for 9 years.
Ms. Vicars holds a BBA, Management Science from Bishop’s University. In 2009, she participated in the Fellows program of the International Women’s Foundation (IWF) at Harvard’s Business School (US) and the Changes in Global Leadership Program at Cambridge’s Judge Business School (UK). She completed the Director’s Education Program at University of Toronto (2018) and holds the ICD.D designation.
Bruce Choy
Managing Director, Research
Bruce Choy joined the Global Risk Institute in January 2021 as a member of the senior executive team and to develop their research mandate on future and emerging risks. Dr Choy brings a track-record in university research, executive financial institution leadership and management consulting, with extensive global financial services experience in North America, Asia and Australasia.
Bruce Choy joined the Global Risk Institute in January 2021 as a member of the senior executive team and to develop their research mandate on future and emerging risks. Dr Choy brings a track-record in university research, executive financial institution leadership and management consulting, with extensive global financial services experience in North America, Asia and Australasia.
Prior to joining GRI, Dr Choy was a management consultant with PwC from 2014 to 2020. He advised C-suite, Boards and senior leadership of financial institutions on financial and non-financial risk management, corporate governance and strategy. He held various roles in PwC’s New York and Toronto offices, including Risk Consulting practice leader for PwC Canada. From 2003 to 2013, Dr Choy was a senior executive with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He was a General Manager that led the Balance Sheet Management and Group Market Risk departments. Prior to the Commonwealth Bank, he worked in the front-office with ANZ’s Global Capital Markets team after leaving a tenure-track academic career with the University of Sydney’s engineering faculty.
Dr Choy is a Governor on the Board of George Brown College and a member of their Audit, Finance and Property Committee. He is also Vice President and Board member of the Toronto Chapter of the Risk Management Association.
Dr Choy was awarded a doctorate from the University of Sydney, Australia, for his research on the mathematics for risk management. He is a University and R.A. Priddle Medalist from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering and a Sloan Fellow from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Alyson Slater
Senior Director, Sustainable Finance
Alyson leads the Global Risk Institute's Sustainable Finance initiatives with the aim of supporting Canada’s financial sector in the transition to a climate-smart economy and sustainable future. She brings 20 years of international experience to this role, with expertise in climate change, inclusive finance, and sustainable development gained through her work as a senior executive at the Global Reporting Initiative and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion.
Alyson leads Global Risk Institute's Sustainable Finance initiatives with the aim of supporting Canada’s financial sector in the transition to a climate-smart economy and sustainable future. She brings 20 years of international experience to this role, with expertise in climate change, inclusive finance, and sustainable development gained through her work as a senior executive at the Global Reporting Initiative and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion.
She worked to enhance corporate transparency on environmental and social issues with the world’s leading sustainability reporting standard setting organization, the Global Reporting Initiative. She held various leadership roles including strategy, services, and emerging markets over the course of 12 years. Alyson also spent five years in Asia with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion working with central banks from emerging markets on building more inclusive financial systems, and in support of H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in her role as UN Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. She has also been a management consultant supporting businesses on sustainability strategy and stakeholder engagement. Alyson brings the ESG perspective to her role as a member of the Continuous Disclosure Advisory Committee of the Ontario Securities Commission and represents the financial sector perspective on the Sustainable Development Advisory Committee of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Alyson started her sustainability career at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in Geneva in 2000. She received her Master's Degree from the University of British Columbia, and an honors Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, both with a focus on environmental management.
SukYee Ang
Director, Finance
SukYee Ang is the Director of Finance at the Global Risk Institute. She brings over 20 years of experience and expertise in financial accounting and reporting, variance analysis, payroll preparation and administration, strategic planning and cash management.
SukYee Ang is the Director of Finance at the Global Risk Institute. She brings over 20 years of experience and expertise in financial accounting and reporting, variance analysis, payroll preparation and administration, strategic planning and cash management. Prior to joining GRI, SukYee was the Controller for 10 years at one of Canada’s leading providers of health and productivity solutions for employers and organizations. SukYee is a Chartered Professional Accountant, CGA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto.
Dennis Fei
Director, Financial Reporting and Budgeting
Dennis Fei joined the Global Risk Institute in May 2013 as Director of Financial Reporting and Budgeting. He brings over 20 years experience in developing and implementing financial, budgeting and reporting systems and controls in various industries.
Dennis Fei joined the Global Risk Institute in May 2013 as Director, Financial Reporting and Budgeting. He brings over 20 years experience in developing and implementing financial, budgeting and reporting systems and controls in various industries.
Dennis holds a Double Major BA in Economic and Actuarial Science from University of Toronto.
Mary Lou Frazer
Director, Communications and Marketing
Mary Lou Frazer leads the communications and marketing efforts for the Global Risk Institute in support of its education, events and research initiatives. An accomplished strategic communicator with more than 20 years working in financial services, Mary Lou has helped shape the corporate narrative for some of Canada's leading organizations.
Mary Lou Frazer leads the communications and marketing efforts for the Global Risk Institute in support of its education, events and research initiatives. An accomplished strategic communicator with more than 20 years working in financial services, Mary Lou has helped shape the corporate narrative for some of Canada's leading organizations.
At the Ontario Securities Commission, Mary Lou provided strategic communications counsel on media relations, issues management and stakeholder engagement through the development of executive-level messaging, corporate reporting materials and publications.
As a Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs at CIBC, Mary Lou advised senior executives and business leaders on the development and implementation of integrated corporate communications strategies. She managed internal and external communications for CIBC’s personal banking and wealth management businesses supporting the launch of a broad range of products, acquisitions, and innovations. For more than a decade, Mary Lou led CIBC’s communications efforts related to financial disclosure, corporate social responsibility, and governance and regulatory reporting.
Mary Lou began her communications career working in health care and social services. She has a Journalism degree from Ryerson University and post-graduate certificates in Public Relations and Digital Strategy and Communications Management from the University of Toronto. She received her Certified Professional in Investor Relations (CPIR) designation from the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) and Ivey Business School.
Victoria Guo
Director, Research
Victoria Guo is the Director of Research at the Global Risk Institute. Her responsibilities include engaging with members to determine strategies in which GRI can create economic value for all stakeholders via GRI’s research programs.
Victoria Guo is the Director of Research at the Global Risk Institute. Her responsibilities include engaging with members to determine strategies in which GRI can create economic value for all stakeholders via GRI’s research programs.
Victoria brings over a decade of experience in business and risk management in the financial services industry. Prior to joining GRI, she has held a number of management roles in both business and risk management at Scotiabank. These roles covered risk oversight for capital markets and treasury, including examining the critical issue of liquidity risk management through stress-testing and enterprise recovery and resolution planning across all of Scotiabank’s diverse businesses.
Additionally, Victoria is co-regional Director of PRMIA (Professional Risk Managers’ International Association) Toronto. This role includes organizing and hosting the annual Canadian Risk Forum, one of Canada’s most prominent financial services risk management conferences. She also serves as Advisor to the New Horizon Career Club.
Victoria is a certified Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and has completed the Financial Risk Management (FRM) accreditation. She holds a Master of Economics from the University of Toronto and Bachelor of Finance from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Alexey Rubtsov
Senior Research Associate
Alexey Rubtsov is a Senior Research Associate at the Global Risk Institute and an Assistant Professor of Mathematical Finance at Ryerson University.
Alexey Rubtsov is a Senior Research Associate at the Global Risk Institute and an Assistant Professor of Mathematical Finance at Ryerson University. His areas of focus are Systemic Risk, FinTech, and Asset Allocation. His academic research was published in such journals as the Journal of Banking and Finance, Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Annals of Finance, among others. He holds a PhD in Operations Research and an MSc in Financial Mathematics from North Carolina State University.
Nan Ge
Research Associate
Nan Ge joined the Global Risk Institute in August 2021 as a Research Associate. He leads GRI’s risk-reward research efforts on emerging technology and sustainability.
Nan Ge joined the Global Risk Institute in August 2021 as a Research Associate. He leads GRI’s risk-reward research efforts on emerging technology and sustainability.
Prior to joining GRI, Dr. Ge was a management consultant with PwC’s digital operations team. There he worked on business transformation initiatives relating to supply chain and operations, and on sustainability assurance engagements.
Dr. Ge has more than six years of research experience in sustainable energy at the University of Toronto’s engineering school. He is an extensively credentialed researcher with over 30 peer reviewed journal articles and over a thousand citations of his work to date. His research has involved establishing collaboration projects with major international auto manufacturers, such as Daimler AG, and numerous research centres, such as The US Department of Commerce and The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Dr. Ge holds a PhD degree, an MASc degree, and a BASc degree in Applied Science from the University of Toronto.
Sally Shen
Research Associate
Sally Shen is a Research Associate at the Global Risk Institute. At GRI, Sally conducts research in the field of pension risk management and manages external research projects of the National Pension Hub.
Sally Shen is a Research Associate at the Global Risk Institute. At GRI, Sally conducts research in the field of pension risk management and manages external research projects of the National Pension Hub.
Prior to joining GRI, she was an Assistant Professor at Capital University of Economics and Business in Bejing. Sally is also a research fellow of Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement (Netspar) in the Netherlands. Sally holds a PhD in Finance from Maastricht University, a MSc degree and a BSc Degree in Econometrics from Tilburg University.
Sally has more than 10 years of research experience in the field of pension risk management, asset liability management, and pension policy design. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Pension Economics and Finance, and Financial Services Review. Sally's current research is focusing on hedging climate risk for institutional investors; pension technologies; discount rates; institutional investment; and Canadian pension system design.
Abishnan Ravindranath
Research Analyst
Abishnan strongly believes that the rapid pace of globalization in combination with smart automation represents strategic risks to the financial industry. Prior to joining GRI, Abishnan worked for a diverse array of institutions in the public and private sectors. He previously worked at the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation & Trade as a Life Sciences Advisor. In this capacity he developed a scaling strategy for Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery start-ups. He has also worked at U of T’s Faculty of Medicine and has done work for an American venture capital firm focusing on advanced manufacturing.
Abishnan strongly believes that the rapid pace of globalization in combination with smart automation represents strategic risks to the financial industry. Prior to joining GRI, Abishnan worked for a diverse array of institutions in the public and private sectors. He previously worked at the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation & Trade as a Life Sciences Advisor. In this capacity he developed a scaling strategy for Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery start-ups. He has also worked at U of T’s Faculty of Medicine and has done work for an American venture capital firm focusing on advanced manufacturing.
Abishnan holds a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) from the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, specializing in innovation policy & capital markets and an Honours Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toronto.
Yibo Bu
Climate Research Analyst
Yibo Bu, a certified FRM member, is a Climate Research Analyst at the Global Risk Institute. In the role, she contributes to various research projects on climate risk and GRI`s engagement with partners and governments by providing research and expertise across climate risk related topics.
Yibo Bu, a certified FRM member, is a Climate Research Analyst at the Global Risk Institute. In the role, she contributes to various research projects on climate risk and GRI`s engagement with partners and governments by providing research and expertise across climate risk related topics.
Prior to joining GRI, she was a Financial Advisor at the Cooperators, and also, a vice president in a non-for-profit organization. Yibo has passed the Level 1 CFA exam. She holds a master degree of Financial Accountability from York University, and an MBA degree from the Schulich School of Business with specialization of risk management.
Chris Burke
Manager, Member Services
Chris is primarily responsible for creating and implementing the plan for recruitment of new Global Risk Institute members and the retention of current members. He is an enthusiastic, committed relationship manager with 20+ years experience in sponsorship activation, national event marketing and supporting communications. Chris has managed corporate partnerships with dozens of national/international organizations including Refinitiv, S&P Dow Jones Indices, National Bank Independent Network, Horizons ETFs, TMX Group, Scotia Global Asset Management, AstraZeneca, CIBC, Moneris, Toyota and WestJet.
Chris is primarily responsible for creating and implementing the plan for recruitment of new Global Risk Institute members and the retention of current members. He is an enthusiastic, committed relationship manager with 20+ years experience in sponsorship activation, national event marketing and supporting communications. Chris has managed corporate partnerships with dozens of national/international organizations including Refinitiv, S&P Dow Jones Indices, National Bank Independent Network, Horizons ETFs, TMX Group, Scotia Global Asset Management, AstraZeneca, CIBC, Moneris, Toyota and WestJet.
As Corporate Relations Manager, CFA Society Toronto, Chris helped develop and implement comprehensive acquisition and stewardship strategies and contemporary membership benefits programs, delivering value-add opportunities for existing Society sponsors and widening the range of digital communication opportunities for new and prospective Society sponsors.
With Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Chris led the national marketing campaigns for the CIBC Run for the Cure and based in Charlotte, NC, activated the Mike’s Hard Lemonade national brand sponsorship of a NASCAR professional team.
A former amateur competitive road bicycle racer, Chris launched his professional career in sports marketing as manager of the Schwinn/Toyota Canada mountain bike team and has a Sociology/English degree from Trent University.
Jennifer Chiaravalloti
Hybrid Event Producer
Jennifer Chiaravalloti brings over 15 years experience in hospitality and events. With a main focus on client experience, Jennifer has been able to use her experience in restaurant management and event planning to create and execute both virtual and in-person events from special events to educational sessions, for over 1,000 attendees. Prior to joining GRI, Jennifer led hospitality and event programs and teams at Goodmans LLP and Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Jennifer Chiaravalloti brings over 15 years experience in hospitality and events. With a main focus on client experience, Jennifer has been able to use her experience in restaurant management and event planning to create and execute both virtual and in-person events from special events to educational sessions, for over 1,000 attendees. Prior to joining GRI, Jennifer led hospitality and event programs and teams at Goodmans LLP and Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Julie Gauthier
Graphic Designer
Julie Gauthier is the Graphic Designer at the Global Risk Institute. In the role, she works on publications, and contributes to social media, website and newsletter assets. Julie's education experiences include: a diploma in Graphic Design at Salette College, Interactive Media and Advanced Communication Design diploma at North Island College, Bitmaker General Assembly, User Experience Design Certificate and George Brown College for Social Media Marketing. In the past, she worked as a freelancer, in agencies and for different entertainment and event companies.
Julie Gauthier is the Graphic Designer at the Global Risk Institute. In the role, she works on publications, and contributes to social media, website and newsletter assets. Julie's education experiences include: a diploma in Graphic Design at Salette College, Interactive Media and Advanced Communication Design diploma at North Island College, Bitmaker General Assembly, User Experience Design Certificate and George Brown College for Social Media Marketing. In the past, she worked as a freelancer, in agencies and for different entertainment and event companies.
Jill Hamilton
Digital Communications Specialist
Jill Hamilton is Global Risk Institute’s Digital Communications Specialist. Jill brings her 11 years of experience as an entrepreneur to this role. She creates engaging and informative content and visuals for our website and social media platforms.
Jill Hamilton is Global Risk Institute’s Digital Communications Specialist. Jill brings her 11 years of experience as an entrepreneur to this role. She creates engaging and informative content and visuals for our website and social media platforms.
Jill has a post-secondary diploma as a Legal Assistant, certification as a Law Clerk as well as in photography and graphic design. As a business owner, she was an early adopter of social media, is well versed in all social platforms and over saw all aspects of the digital communication.
Other roles Jill has held in her career are event host, graphic designer, community connector, administrator, photographer, videographer and social media coordinator.
Sandi Lebed
Executive Assistant
Sandi Lebed brings over 40 years of experience to her position of Executive Assistant.
Sandi has worked for a diverse number of corporate and public entities ranging from Automotive (Magna International), Real Estate (Johnston & Daniel) to Financial/Banking (Wood Gundy and CIBC). During this time Sandi has worked with, and supported, executives at senior levels of management for these companies and brings a high level of expertise to Global Risk Institute.
Sandi Lebed brings over 40 years of experience to her position of Executive Assistant.
Sandi has worked for a diverse number of corporate and public entities ranging from Automotive (Magna International), Real Estate (Johnston & Daniel) to Financial/Banking (Wood Gundy and CIBC). During this time Sandi has worked with, and supported, executives at senior levels of management for these companies and brings a high level of expertise to Global Risk Institute.
Karen Stevenson
Tech Coordinator
Karen Stevenson brings 20 years of information technology experience to her job as a Tech Coordinator at Global Risk Institute (GRI). During that time, she has worked for a diverse range of corporate and public entities, including Lenovo (Canada), Ontario Power Generation, and Capgemini, and is therefore well-versed in most of the related software, programs and applications most companies utilize.
Karen Stevenson brings 20 years of information technology experience to her job as a Tech Coordinator at Global Risk Institute (GRI). During that time, she has worked for a diverse range of corporate and public entities, including Lenovo (Canada), Ontario Power Generation, and Capgemini, and is therefore well-versed in most of the related software, programs and applications most companies utilize.
As Tech Coordinator at GRI, she facilitates the virtual webinars and meetings hosted that have been so critical to the continued operation of daily business.
Karen’s post-secondary education includes Help Desk Program George Brown College, accreditation through the George Brown College Executive Administration Assistant program, and an Office Administration – Medical diploma from Lambton College. Karen has developed a natural affinity for computer technology from an early age and has, through the years, furthered her formal IT training with several advanced courses including CompTIA A+. With a keen interest in the latest technologies, she makes it her business to stay current, understanding that the immediacy of today’s rapidly evolving business climate demands effective communication and a timely response.
Kaleed Tayfour
Business Analyst
Kaleed is a graduate of Financial Business Economics and a member of the Virtual Economics Journal at York University. He is interested in the design of systems that can withstand the challenges posed by unforecastable risks. He will be working on some of our operational projects such as the data requirements & reporting for the federal government, the website re-design and the new technical requirements for the office re-design.
Kaleed is a graduate of Financial Business Economics and a member of the Virtual Economics Journal at York University. He is interested in the design of systems that can withstand the challenges posed by unforecastable risks. He will be working on some of our operational projects such as the data requirements & reporting for the federal government, the website re-design and the new technical requirements for the office re-design.