CIBC Names Freeborn & Traboulsi Co-Heads of Global Investment Banking Ahead of CEO Handoff

CIBC’s co-head structure for its Global Corporate & Investment Banking (GCIB) unit reflects a calculated strategic pivot. By splitting leadership between Canadian and U.S. markets—Mike Freeborn overseeing Canada and Alfred Traboulsi the U.S.—CIBC seems to recognize the distinct economic, regulatory, and competitive dynamics in these regions. This suggests a move toward localized decision-making to capture specific opportunities and respond to regional challenges more nimbly.

This appointment comes in conjunction with CIBC’s broader executive restructuring tied to incoming CEO Harry Culham’s succession. Culham, currently head of Capital Markets, takes over from Victor Dodig on November 1, 2025. The reshuffle includes elevating Christian Exshaw, broadening Kevin Li’s responsibilities, and creating new PLC-scale roles. These shifts are likely intended to align leadership with Culham’s vision and reinforce execution capacities in priority areas.

The role changes in risk and credit oversight are notable. Eric Metivier’s move to chief risk officer for corporate and private credit risk suggests an elevated emphasis on risk management, perhaps in response to exposure in sectors sensitive to economic volatility (e.g. real estate, energy, leveraged finance). Moreover, Kevin Li’s role overseeing U.S. business underlines how CIBC is leaning further into its U.S. operations as a growth driver.

Potential challenges include ensuring cohesion between co-heads and avoiding duplication or conflicts in strategy. Integration of U.S. platform risks, regulatory complexity, and cultural alignment are open questions. The bank’s ability to deliver on execution, particularly in its investment banking arm, will be central under Culham’s leadership. Also, market conditions—such as interest rates, deal flow, competition—will test this structure.