Biographical Notes – Cindy Chao

Ms. Cindy Chao has extensive experience leading and advising on organizational sustainability and climate change strategies across multiple sectors globally, including mining, financial services, and consumer business.

Ms. Chao is currently Assistant Vice-President of Sustainability at Sun Life Canada, where she is embedding sustainability into Sun Life Canada’s strategies, processes, and products and services to help create positive social, environmental, and business value. Prior to this, she led the Royal Bank of Canada’s youth social impact strategy, delivering social, employee, brand, and business impact at scale. She was instrumental in the leadership and execution of RBC Future Launch, a $500 million commitment to youth and the future of work.

Ms. Chao was also previously a leader of the Sustainability and Climate Change advisory practice at Deloitte LLP. Ms. Chao has advised over 50 organizations across multiple sectors globally on enhancing their environmental, social, and economic performance. In 2015, she was recognized by Corporate Knights as a Top 30 under 30 Sustainability Leader.

Ms. Chao holds a Master of Environmental Science and an Honours Bachelor of Science with High Distinction, in Environment and Human Health Sciences, from the University of Toronto.