Francine Blackburn

Francine Blackburn is recognized as a financial expert and a leader in risk management, regulatory and government-related matters and global business operations. From 1987 to 2017, she served in a variety of senior leadership roles at Royal Bank of Canada, including as Executive Vice President Regulatory & Government Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer and during that time, was member of RBC’s Group Operating Committee charged with oversight of day-to-day management of RBC globally. Her previous senior roles at RBC include EVP & Chief Internal Auditor, Senior Vice-President of Group Risk Management and Managing Partner, Corporate Treasury at Royal Trust. Before joining RBC, Ms Blackburn was with the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche.

She is on the Board of Directors and chairs the Audit Committee of Aviva Canada, as well as a member of McGill University’s Business Faculty Advisory Board.

Ms. Blackburn graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce and a graduate diploma in public accountancy. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, a Certified Public Accountant in the US, a Certified Internal Auditor and completed Rotman’s Director Education Program. Ms Blackburn was inducted into the Women’s Executive Network 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Hall of Fame in 2010 after being recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women from 2007 to 2009.