CIBC Appoints Christian Exshaw to Lead Capital Markets as Harry Culham Prepares for CEO Role
Toronto, August 12, 2025 – Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) has named Christian Exshaw as Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head of Capital Markets, effective November 1, 2025, as part of a broader leadership transition. The announcement follows the appointment of Harry Culham, the current Chief Operating Officer and former Capital Markets head, as CIBC’s incoming President and CEO, succeeding Victor Dodig.
Exshaw, who has served as Deputy Head of Capital Markets since 2024, will now oversee CIBC’s Global Markets, Global Corporate, and Global Investment Banking teams. With a career rooted in the trading floor and extensive leadership experience within the bank, Exshaw is recognized for his client-centric approach, execution, and innovative mindset. “Christian’s focus on clients and growth mindset will continue to drive our Capital Markets business forward,” Culham said in a statement.
The leadership changes extend beyond Capital Markets. Kevin Li, currently Managing Director and Head of Global Investment Banking, will take on the role of Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head of the U.S. Region, while also serving as President and CEO of CIBC Bank USA. Other appointments include expanded roles for Hratch Panossian (Personal and Business Banking), Susan Rimmer (Commercial Banking, Wealth Management, and CIBC Caribbean), and Christina Kramer (Chief Administrative Officer and Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation). Amy South will serve as Executive Vice-President in the Office of the CEO and Chief of Staff, while Stephen Scholtz becomes Global Chief Legal Officer.
These moves signal CIBC’s focus on strengthening its cross-border operations and client connectivity as it navigates a competitive financial landscape. The bank, one of Canada’s Big 五, has been expanding its U.S. presence and refining its capital markets strategy. Analysts view the reshuffle as a strategic step to ensure continuity and growth under Culham’s leadership, with Exshaw’s appointment reinforcing CIBC’s commitment to its capital markets arm amid economic uncertainties.
CIBC’s stock saw a modest uptick in trading following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the bank’s direction. The bank declined to comment further beyond its official release.