You are now in the main content area
Janice Fukakusa

Janice Fukakusa C.M.

Chancellor, Ex-Officio

Janice Fukakusa, financial services expert, innovation champion and diversity leader was appointed Toronto Metropolitan University’s fifth Chancellor and first female Chancellor on October 10, 2018 for a three-year term. She was re-appointed for another three-year term in 2021.

The Chancellor, who is the ceremonial head of the university, acts as an ambassador for the university on local, national and international levels, presides at all convocations and confers university degrees.

“Janice Fukakusa is exceptionally talented. Through her esteemed career and years of dedication to Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), she has proven herself to be the exemplary candidate for this notable role,” said Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, Toronto Metropolitan University. “We are fortunate to have such a skilled and passionate leader, and look forward to seeing how her experience will further elevate Toronto Metropolitan University on the global stage.”

“I am truly honoured to be Toronto Metropolitan University's Chancellor, and I look forward to continue driving the positive educational and societal changes for which the university has become known” said Fukakusa. “We are leading the charge on so many important issues, including innovation and leadership diversity, as I work with students, faculty and staff to continue to advance the impressive progress.”

A corporate director with extensive banking and financial services experience, Fukakusa served previously as RBC’s Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and was a member of RBC’s Group Executive responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of RBC. She retired from this role in January 2017 following a distinguished 31-year career.

In 2021, Janice Fukakusa was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. For her leadership and mentorship in banking, and for her boundless community engagement, notably in education and health care. 

Currently, Fukakusa serves on the boards of a number of corporate and not-for-profit organizations, including as Chair of Canada Infrastructure Bank, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Foundation Board, SheEO, and as a member on the Boards of Cineplex and Loblaw.

In 2007, Fukakusa was inducted into Canada's Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame, and in 2016 was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking by American Banker magazine for the fourth consecutive year. She was also selected as Canada's CFO of the Year by Financial Executives Canada, PwC and Robert Half in 2014.

Prior to joining RBC, Fukakusa worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where she obtained the professional designations of Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator. She was appointed Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (FCPA) in 2011.

Fukakusa obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration from Schulich School of Business, York University. In 2016 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from York University.