TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Global Risk Institute in Financial Services (GRI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Vivian Abdelmessih as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 26^th, 2026. Ms. Abdelmessih's appointment follows a comprehensive external search led by a Special Committee of the Board.

A highly respected leader in Canada's financial services community, Ms. Abdelmessih brings more than three decades of executive leadership, governance, and public policy experience to the role. She joins GRI following a distinguished career with TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for TD's Canadian Banking, Wealth and Insurance businesses.

Ms. Abdelmessih currently serves as Board Chair of Export Development Canada (EDC), where she helps guide one of Canada's foremost institutions supporting international trade and economic growth. She also maintains an active portfolio of board leadership roles across public and private organizations.

"Vivian is an accomplished leader, with a unique combination of industry and risk management experience, governance expertise, and strategic insight," said William Bonnell, Chair of the Board of Directors at GRI. "As Canada's financial services sector faces a period of profound transformation and heightened uncertainty, Vivian brings the experience, perspective, and leadership needed to help GRI remain at the forefront of the conversations shaping the future."

Under Ms. Abdelmessih's leadership, GRI will continue to build on its strong foundation as Canada's leading convenor on risk, resilience, and emerging challenges while expanding opportunities for collaboration, research, and thought leadership across the sector.

"I am honoured to join the Global Risk Institute at such an important time," said Ms. Abdelmessih. "GRI plays a unique role in convening leaders to address emerging risks and opportunities. I look forward to working alongside our members, partners, and the GRI team to advance its mission and strengthen its impact in helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex world."

Ms. Abdelmessih holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University and an ICD.D designation. Her governance experience includes serving on numerous public, private, and public-purpose boards, where she is known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic perspective, and commitment to sound governance.

About the Global Risk Institute

The Global Risk Institute in Financial Services (GRI) is Canada's premier organization for risk management thought leadership and actionable insights. Bringing together leaders from industry, government and academia, GRI transforms global risk intelligence into practical strategies that strengthens the resilience of Canada's financial sector. A non-profit public-private partnership, GRI membership includes over 50 organizations from across banking & investment services, insurance, government & regulators, pensions and specialized financing & lending institutions. GRI serves as a critical resource to government and the financial industry, helping to strengthen the stability of the financial ecosystem.

SOURCE GRI