CIBC Hires Former Ambassador David MacNaughton as a Strategic Adviser

By Robb M. Stewart

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce tapped former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton as a strategic adviser.

The appointment will strengthen the bank's recently established office of the chief executive at a time when Canadian lenders are looking at growth opportunities in the U.S., even as tensions between the countries remains heightened and trade uncertainty is high.

MacNaughton will provide insights to senior leaders at CIBC across areas including public policy, regulatory developments and stakeholder relations, the bank said. He will also work alongside the bank's vice-chairs to offer insight to CIBC's clients on strategic growth opportunities in what CIBC said is a highly fluid operating environment.

MacNaughton served as Canada's ambassador to the U.S. from 2016 to 2019, a period which saw the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. He previously served as chairman of StrategyCorp, a government relations and advisory firm in Canada.

President and Chief Executive Harry Culham said MacNaughton's insights in areas such as global trade and public policy will support the bank and help clients navigate a complex environment. "I've met with hundreds of clients in recent months from all sectors of our economy, and it's clear from those conversations that we're at a pivotal moment in our nation's history," he said.

Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 05, 2026 09:02 ET (14:02 GMT)