Barclays has announced the appointment of Geoffrey Belsher as chairman and country chief executive officer for Canada, effective October 16 subject to regulatory approval.

With 25 years of investment banking experience, Belsher also brings extensive client relationships that will strengthen the existing Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) platform in Canada and complement the broader Americas franchise.

As Chairman and Country CEO, he will be a local leader for Barclays in Canada, responsible for executing the country strategy in line with the bank’s regional and global ambitions.

Belsher will be based in Toronto and report to Richard Haworth, CEO of the Americas, and Cathal Deasy and Taylor Wright, Global Co-Heads of Investment Banking.

“Geoffrey’s focus, leadership experience, and deep expertise in the Canadian market make him an ideal choice for this role,” said Richard Haworth, CEO of the Americas.

Before Barclays, Geoffrey worked as managing director and global Co-Head of Wholesale Banking for CIBC in Toronto from 2009 to 2015. Additionally, he served as president of the Canadian operations of Barclays Capital, and its predecessor Lehman Brothers Canada from 2006 to 2008, where he formed the Investment Banking offices in Toronto and Calgary.