The Most Powerful Woman in Canada -- An OCHS Graduate

Royal Bank of Canada is set to become the country’s first big bank with a board of directors headed by a woman.

This was last years announcement:

Canada’s largest and most profitable company on Thursday announced that Kathleen Taylor, a former hotel executive, will become the next chair, following the retirement of current chair David O’Brien, at the end of this year.

“It’s been an honour to serve our shareholders with the support of an engaged board, outstanding management team and talented group of employees globally,” Mr. O’Brien said in a statement.

Ms. Taylor, who joined RBC’s board as a director in 2001, is already one of the most influential women in corporate Canada. In her new position she will be one of the country’s most powerful leaders, man or woman.

Trained as a lawyer, she joined Four Seasons Hotels Inc., a leading luxury hotel organization with operations around the world, in 1989. Ms. Taylor started off in the legal department but was quickly promoted into operations where she soon caught the attention of senior management.

She was later hand-picked by Isadore Sharp, the charismatic founder and chief executive, to be his successor.