Katherine Gibson replaces Nadine Ahn as RBC's CFO following Ahn's dismissal over alleged conflicts of interest
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has named Katherine Gibson as its new chief financial officer (CFO).
Gibson had previously served as interim CFO since April 2024 and was formerly the senior vice president of Enterprise Finance and Controller. In that capacity, she managed global finance operations, including external reporting, regulatory compliance, and the development of accounting policies.
Before her appointment as CFO, Gibson played an instrumental role in improving financial management systems, contributing significantly to the bank's financial reporting structure.
RBC president and CEO Dave McKay highlighted Gibson's strategic leadership and praised her contributions during her time as interim CFO. He further emphasized that her appointment came after a global search, reflecting RBC's strong internal talent pool.
Gibson brings over 20 years of experience at RBC, having held various senior roles, including leadership positions in Wealth Management, Investor and Treasury Services, and Insurance Finance.
She was also vice president of Enterprise Optimization, where she drove several key strategic projects that improved operational efficiency.
Her involvement within RBC extends beyond finance; she has served on the boards of several RBC subsidiaries, chaired the ESG Disclosure Committee, and was part of the Enterprise Diversity Leadership Council, highlighting her commitment to governance and inclusion.
Prior to her career at RBC, Gibson spent six years with an international accounting firm, gaining experience in both Canada and Australia. This extensive background in finance has made her a prominent figure within the organization.
Gibson's appointment comes after the dismissal of her predecessor, Nadine Ahn, who was terminated due to allegations of an undisclosed relationship with another executive.
Ahn and the colleague involved have denied the allegations and are pursuing legal action against RBC, seeking nearly $50m in compensation for wrongful termination.
