Chancellor-Designate Zabeen Hirji (July 1, 2026)
Zabeen Hirji ‘25 (hon) has been appointed as Trent University’s 13th chancellor, a reflection of the University’s and her shared commitment to leadership, social responsibility, interdisciplinary learning, and inclusive community-building. A trailblazer in corporate Canada, Zabeen is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and for shaping national conversations on the future of leadership in an AI world, one that is more human, not less. She is now at the forefront of what she calls a “Purposeful Third Act”, a post-career chapter dedicated to unlocking human potential and advancing inclusive prosperity by helping people, institutions, and communities prepare for a rapidly changing world.
Zabeen builds on a distinguished 40-year career at the Royal Bank of Canada, where she served as chief human resources officer and oversaw communications and corporate citizenship. As a member of RBC’s Group Executive Committee, she became the first South Asian woman to reach the C-suite of a TSX-100 company. Her recognitions include the Order of Ontario, Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal for advancing diversity and inclusion, the Canadian HR Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and multiple national honours for leadership and mentorship.
Today, she advises leaders across business, government, higher education, and the not-for-profit sector. Her advisory and governance roles include executive advisor at Deloitte on the future of work, special advisor to public service leaders, and board member of the Public Policy Forum and Junior Achievement Worldwide.
Learn more about Zabeen Hirji ‘25:
- Read the news release about Zabeen’s appointment as chancellor
- Zabeen is a Trent University 2025 Honorary Degree Recipient