EQB announced a series of executive appointments and expanded leadership responsibilities as it prepares to complete its acquisition of PC Financial from Loblaw Companies Limited on July 1, 2026. The changes bring several senior PC Financial executives into EQB’s executive leadership team and position the company for its next phase of growth as Canada’s Challenger Bank.
The additions include Ian Hanning as senior vice president of credit cards and loyalty, Mark Snyder as senior vice president of credit risk and data analytics, and Michaela Garfield as senior vice president of customer growth, experience and strategy for personal banking. Puneesh Arora will join EQB as executive vice president and chief risk officer, succeeding Marlene Lenarduzzi, who will remain with the company as a special advisor through January 1, 2027.
EQB also expanded the mandates of several existing executives. Daniel Rethazy’s responsibilities as executive vice president of personal banking will now include PC Financial’s credit card, insurance, and distribution businesses. Chief Financial Officer Anilisa Sainani will add strategy and corporate development to her responsibilities, while Chief Human Resources Officer Gavin Stanley will also oversee brand and marketing.
Additional appointments include Caleb Rubin as chief brand officer, Dan Broten as chief digital officer, David Wilkes as senior vice president of deposits, payments, and small business banking, Dipti Patel as chief credit officer and deputy chief risk officer, Julia Davidson as chief operating officer of commercial banking, and Lemar Persaud as senior vice president of investor relations and enterprise performance management.
The leadership changes come as EQB prepares to add millions of customers and broaden its product offerings through the acquisition of PC Financial, which includes President’s Choice Bank and related insurance businesses. Following the transaction, EQB will also become the exclusive financial partner of the PC Optimum loyalty program under a long-term agreement with Loblaw.
KEY QUOTES:
EQB announced a series of executive appointments and expanded leadership responsibilities as it prepares to complete its acquisition of PC Financial from Loblaw Companies Limited on July 1, 2026. The changes bring several senior PC Financial executives into EQB’s executive leadership team and position the company for its next phase of growth as Canada’s Challenger Bank.“We are ready to significantly evolve as Canada’s Challenger Bank. The bank we are building is a meaningfully different institution. As of July 1, we will add millions more customers, broader product lines, new sophistication in credit cards, insurance and deposits and a new accountability to the Canadians who will be counting on us to deliver. Our leadership team has to match that ambition – and I’m confident that this strengthened team does, as we’re bringing together exceptional capabilities from both organizations. I’m proud of the talented group of leaders we’ve assembled and looking forward to what we’ll build together.”
“Marlene joined us at the right time and brought exactly the right expertise. She elevated our risk function in ways that will outlast her tenure, and she did it with commitment and professionalism. On behalf of the Board and the entire leadership team, I want to express our deep appreciation for what she helped us build here. We wish her every success in what comes next.”
Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO of EQB
