Corporate Governance
The strengths of our governance start at the top, with an independent chairman leading a board composed of independent, well-informed directors, who give priority to strategic planning, ensure that standards exist to promote ethical behaviour throughout the organization, and seek continuous improvement in governance practices.
These strengths are fostered throughout the organization by a proactive governance culture that has consistently adopted industry-leading standards.
Royal Bank of Canada
President and Chief Executive Officer Mandate
Basic Purpose
• The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall leadership and effective management
of Royal Bank of Canada and its subsidiaries (RBC), setting the strategic direction and driving total
performance consistent with the interests of shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders.
The position incumbent is accountable to shareholders, through the Board of Directors, for securing
appropriate economic returns and for creating an organization capable of sustainable value creation.
Primary Responsibilities
• Develops for the Board’s approval, strategic vision and plans to ensure profitable growth and success for
RBC; as well as sound capital and operating plans to meet goals and objectives as agreed to with the Board.
• Embodies the values of RBC, sets the right “tone at the top”, fosters a culture of integrity throughout RBC and
meets the highest of ethical standards.
• Responsible for the overall Group Risk profile, ensures the enterprise risk profile is managed within the
defined risk appetite, appropriate risk diversification is in place and promotes a culture of ethical business
conduct and prudent risk management.
• Ensures leadership development and succession plans are in place to provide the continuity of leadership
required by RBC for the future.
• Sets an operational philosophy that is performance driven and maintains an environment of high employee
engagement.
• Develops and motivates GE members, delegates authority and responsibility for strategic initiatives and
individual tasks and provides overall management to ensure the leadership team is effective.
• Fosters a climate of customer focus and collaboration; develops and maintains key client relationships. Sets
the tone for effective business development by leveraging the Group’s capabilities to bring the best of RBC to
clients.
• Promotes RBC internally and externally and strengthens the brand and positive public profile of RBC. Serves
as chief spokesperson for RBC communicating effectively with the financial and investment community,
customers, shareholders, governments, regulators and other key publics.
• Acts as a final decision-maker under the Board’s Delegation of Authority and ensures all operations are
conducted in full compliance with laws, regulations and RBC’s Code of Conduct.
• Works closely with the Chair of the Board to facilitate effective Board oversight by fostering relevant and
engaged Board discussions, ensuring information is made available in a timely and effective manner and the
best advice and counsel are drawn from Board members during meetings and as required throughout the
year
The following links provide users with important information about the Board’s governance practices and corporate responsibility and sustainability.
Promoting Environmental Sustainability
We try to use our influence and resources to promote environmental sustainability within our organization and in the communities where we operate. We invest in research on emerging environmental issues, participate in industry and professional associations to advance the dialogue on business and the environment, and fund environmental organizations and causes.
Our Leadership Role
We have committed to a number of global initiatives including: