Schulich School of Business has one of the most diverse student bodies of any business school in North America and in today’s global economy this provides a significant competitive advantage, according to Bharat Masrani (BBA ’78, MBA ’79), president and CEO of TD Bank Group.
“In Canada, we see diversity as a strength – not a weakness,” said Masrani to the more than 1,000 graduating students at Schulich’s Spring Convocation, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by York University for his achievements in business and the community. “I’m convinced that success, in whatever form, relies on the forces that bring us together, not drive us apart.”
Masrani, who graduated from the Schulich School of Business 38 years ago, is president and CEO of TD Bank Group. He is a champion of York University throughout the TD community, and returns to Schulich frequently as a guest speaker. As part of Schulich’s 50th Anniversary celebrations last year, he was keynote speaker at CONNECT2016.
Masrani became the first member of a visible minority to ascend to the corner office of a major Canadian bank, being appointed president and CEO of TD in 2014. His banking career with TD spans more than three decades of multi-faceted experience. Starting his career at TD in 1987, he has held various roles in four countries, including India where in 1995 he set up the bank’s first offices in Mumbai.
Born and raised in Uganda, in the early ’70s his community was expelled despite being active in the country’s growing economy. Moving to Canada and attending Schulich, he told graduands, he was never denied the opportunities to excel. Masrani said his success was only measured by his level of commitment, his abilities, and character.
“Bharat Masrani’s extraordinary business career, his global orientation, and his commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion are an inspiration to our students and graduates alike,” said Schulich Dean Dezsö J. Horváth.
Story supplied by Jason Miller, Schulich School of Business