Jennifer Laidlaw

Jennifer Laidlaw leads CIBC’s external strategic partnerships with the 30% Club and Catalyst, evolving CIBC’s position as a leader in promoting the economic imperative of better gender diversity on Canadian boards and c-suites. Jennifer joined CIBC in 2014 to build an enterprise wide, global gender inclusion and diversity strategy.

Previously, Jennifer was the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Ontario Securities Commission, where she developed a People Strategy that enabled its evolution as a modern, 21st Century regulator. She has an extensive background in both business operations and human resources, having held executive roles in the public and broader public sectors.

Jennifer has significant board governance experience in the non-profit sector. She is currently on the Economic Development Council of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Previously, Jennifer served as a Board Director and Audit and Finance Committee Chair for the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPA), as well as the Toronto Chapter, HRPA and was Chair, Surrey Place Centre. Jennifer has an Advanced Certificate in Board Governance and a Leadership Certificate for Board Chairs from the Ontario Hospital Association. In addition, Jennifer has an MA from the University of Toronto, Lean Six Sigma Certification, a Certified HR Executive designation, and is an Adler Trained Coach.