CIBC makes senior executive appointments ahead of CEO transition

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) announced senior leadership appointments to its executive team as Harry Culham prepares to assume the role of President and CEO on November 1, 2025.

The bank appointed Christian Exshaw as Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Capital Markets, with global accountability for the division. Exshaw previously served as Deputy Head of Capital Markets in 2024.

Kevin Li will become Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, U.S. Region, and President and CEO of CIBC Bank USA. Li currently serves as Managing Director and Head, Global Investment Banking, and has been based in Chicago since 2018.

Christina Kramer was appointed Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Administrative Officer. She will continue leading CIBC's Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation group while adding oversight of Corporate Governance, Client Complaints, and Environment, Social and Governance functions.

The bank expanded the roles of two existing executives. Hratch Panossian will continue as Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Personal and Business Banking, with added responsibility for contact centres and client marketing. Susan Rimmer remains Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, while adding oversight of CIBC Caribbean.

Amy South was named Executive Vice-President, Office of the CEO and Chief of Staff, overseeing the Strategic Client Office, Government Relations, and CIBC's Economics group. Stephen Scholtz will serve as Global Chief Legal Officer, promoted from General Counsel, Canada.

Two executives announced retirements. Shawn Beber, Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, U.S. Region, will retire July 1, 2026, after 23 years with the bank. Kikelomo Lawal, Executive Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, will also retire from CIBC.

The appointments take effect as Culham transitions to the CEO role from his current position.

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