John S. Hunkin

John S. Hunkin (1946–2025) was an eminent Canada figure whose career in leadership left an enduring mark on national and global culture. Over decades of dedicated public service and professional excellence, John exemplified integrity, innovation, and leadership.

John Stewart Hunkin was a Canadian banker who served from 1999 to 2003 as chairman, and from 2003 to 2004 as president of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Hunkin joined the bank in 1969 and obtained his first managerial post in 1979. He worked in the bank's American operations through the 1980s, was appointed a senior vice-president in 1984, and executive vice-president in 1986. Following the bank's acquisition of Wood Gundy in 1988, Hunkin became president of the brokerage, and in 1990 its chief executive. In 1992, following the appointment of Al Flood as chairman and chief executive o...

The passing of John S. Hunkin on 2025-01-06 marked the close of a transformative chapter, inspiring future generations across Canada and around the world to uphold the values of excellence, empathy, and enduring accomplishment.