Zabeen Hirji, O. Ont., ’25 (hon), M.S.M., one of Canada’s most influential voices on the future of work and human potential, will step into her next chapter of purpose-driven leadership as Trent University’s 13th chancellor beginning July 1, 2026.

“Zabeen brings an extraordinary depth of experience, insight, and generosity to the role of chancellor,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Her career reflects a deep commitment to education, youth, and a conviction that we must harness human potential in shaping a productive and equitable future. She is a thought leader and natural ambassador for Trent University, and we are thrilled to welcome her into this role.”

A trailblazer in corporate Canada, she is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and for shaping national conversations on building the future of leadership in an AI world, one that is more human, not less. Today, she is at the forefront of what she describes as 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.

In her Purposeful Third Act, Hirji is building on her distinguished 40-year career at the Royal Bank of Canada, where she served as chief human resources officer (CHRO) and also had oversight for communications and corporate citizenship. As a member of the bank’s Group Executive Committee, she became the first South Asian woman to reach the C-suite of a TSX-100 company. After a decade as CHRO, she is leveraging her international leadership and human resources experience, along with deep cross-sectoral relationships to make meaningful social and economic impact. She advises leaders across business, government, higher education and not-for-profits and more broadly shares ideas and experiences to inspire people and organizations to think and act differently. 

“Universities play a critical role in shaping not only careers, but confident, curious citizens who are ready to lead in a rapidly changing world,” said Hirji, chancellor-designate of Trent University.

“As I learn more about Trent, I’m struck by the commitment to interactive learning that is personalized, purposeful, and interdisciplinary, as much as I am by the strength of the community. For me, stepping into the role of chancellor will be an honour and a privilege: I look forward to championing an education that builds human capabilities, enables work-integrated learning and community-engagement, and to helping amplify the remarkable work happening across the Trent community. I look forward to connecting with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the University’s surrounding communities.”

Hirji has continued to influence policy and practice through advisory and governance roles, including executive advisor at Deloitte on the future of work, a member of the Board of the Public Policy Forum, and special advisor to public service leaders. She serves on the Board of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a global youth-serving organization and top 10 NGO. 

Hirji immigrated to Canada from Tanzania in 1974 and began her career as a bank teller before rising to executive leadership – an experience she often cites as shaping her belief that talent is everywhere, and opportunity must be accessible to all. She sees this as essential to achieving Canada’s ambition to build a stronger, more inclusive country.

Beginning a three-year term as chancellor on July 1, 2026, Hirji will serve as Trent University’s ceremonial head and chief ambassador. In this role, she will preside over convocation ceremonies to confer degrees, and help advance the University’s public profile, community engagement, and external relationships. She will succeed Stephen Stohn ’66, whose extraordinary service as Trent University’s chancellor since 2019 will be recognized and celebrated toward the end of his term.

An official installation ceremony for Trent’s new chancellor will take place during Trent University’s June 2026 convocation ceremonies.

Hirji’s impact has been recognized by numerous appointments and awards including: 2025 Order of Ontario; an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University, the University’s highest honour; the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal for advancing diversity and inclusion; the Canadian HR Awards Lifetime Achievement in HR Leadership; Top 25 Women of Influence, three-time WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women list and Hall of Fame inductee; and Corporate Executive of the Year, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

Zabeen holds a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and an ICD.D (from the Institute of Corporate Directors) and is a fellow of Centennial College.