Trailblazing leadership: Rania Llewellyn’s journey as the first female CEO of a major Canadian bank  

Llewellyn broke barriers in her historical position.

Rania Llewellyn’s journey to becoming the first female CEO of a major Canadian bank is a story of resilience, innovation and leadership.  

In 2020, Llewellyn was appointed president and CEO of Laurentian Bank of Canada. She began her career in the banking industry as a teller at Scotiabank. With her hard work and dedication to the business, Llewellyn demonstrated capability, which landed her opportunities to work in different roles at Scotiabank. She worked in areas ranging from commercial banking to international operations, which equipped her with the knowledge of what the industry is all about.  

Llewellyn had to face challenges and overcome obstacles as she climbed up towards a higher level of the corporate ladder. She often faced the barrier of working harder to prove her worth, especially as a woman in a predominantly male industry. Despite the obstacles that she had to face, she leveraged her skills to break through the glass ceiling of what wouldn’t be impossible to achieve.  

Llewellyn’s success emphasizes the importance of being able to learn continuously and to adapt to new scenarios as much as you can. Llewellyn advocates for the value of mentorship and sponsorship, which are both crucial for career advancement.  

Laurentian Bank made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion under Llewellyn’s leadership. She implemented policies that aimed to create more of an inclusive workplace. This meant flexible work arrangements and strategically targeted recruitment initiatives that enhanced employee satisfaction and the bank’s overall performance.  

Although Llewellyn resigned from Laurentian in 2023, her journey proves the power of determination, resilience and visionary leadership. As the first female CEO of a major Canadian bank, she not only broke barriers but also paved the way for future female leaders. Her story serves as inspiration for women striving to make their mark in the financial industry.