Ivey Business School today named Darryl White, HBA ’94, LLD ’23, CEO, BMO Financial Group, as the 2026 Ivey Business Leader Award recipient. The award will be presented at a gala dinner in Toronto on October 28, 2026, where White will address leaders from across Canada's business community.
As CEO of BMO, one of North America’s leading financial institutions, White has demonstrated strategic leadership and a long-term focus on building a client-focused, innovative bank with a strong sense of purpose. Under his leadership, BMO has strengthened its North American platform, integrated leading artificial intelligence-powered capabilities across the bank, and driven meaningful progress for clients, communities, and shareholders.
White is widely respected for his extensive commitment to building stronger communities and thriving economies. He is an active contributor to leading business councils in Canada and the United States, including the Business Council of Canada, and supports a range of organizations focused on healthcare, equity, and social progress, such as the Montréal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Toronto’s University Health Network. His board service and philanthropic work demonstrate the breadth of his impact beyond the financial sector.
White is a graduate of Ivey's HBA program and Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program and holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Western University.
His honors include the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the 2025 International Horatio Alger Award, Canada's Top 40 Under 40® Award, and recognition by The Globe and Mail as CEO of the Year and Strategist of the Year in 2023.
"Darryl White exemplifies the transformative leadership and strategic vision that define Canada's most influential business leaders," said Julian Birkinshaw, Dean, Ivey Business School. "His visionary stewardship of one of Canada's most important financial institutions, combined with his unwavering commitment to community service and his dedication to Ivey, reflects the balance and integrity that are hallmarks of exceptional leadership.”
Proceeds from this year's event will support Ivey Business Leader bursaries, helping deserving students achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
"Darryl White's distinguished career represents a lifetime of extraordinary achievement in both business excellence and community leadership," said Dominique Fortier, MBA ’96, Global Managing Partner, Financial Services at Heidrick & Struggles, and co-chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award Committee. “His commitment to advancing healthcare, education, and social equity exemplifies the highest standards of corporate citizenship.”
Fortier and Anthony Ostler, MBA '97, President & CEO, Canadian Bankers Association, jointly chair the Ivey Business Leader Award, which will be presented at a gala dinner at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on October 28, 2026.
White joins an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients who have demonstrated leadership in both business and their communities.
About the Ivey Business School
The Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University is Canada's leading provider of relevant, innovative, and forward-thinking business education. Drawing on extensive research and real-world knowledge, Ivey faculty utilize novel experiential learning techniques to equip graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the critical issues and leadership challenges in today's complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto, and Hong Kong.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2026. Serving clients for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to approximately 13 million clients across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.
Related Articles
