Events
International Business Leader of the Year Award
A celebration of an individual who has established a strong, competitive Canadian presence in global markets.
Our International Business Leader of the Year award recognizes a business executive from a Canadian company whose visionary leadership and proactive pursuit of international business opportunities have enabled their company to establish a strong, competitive Canadian presence in global markets.
This year we will be honouring Kevin Strain, President & CEO of Sunlife, with the International Business Leader of the Year Award.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EDT
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, 181 Wellington Street West Toronto, ON M5V 3G7
Dress Code: Cocktail attire. Suggested attire: a chic cocktail dress, a jump suit or a suit with or without a tie.
Honouring
Kevin Strain, President and CEO, Sun Life
Kevin was appointed President and CEO in August 2021. He joined Sun Life in 2002 and held several senior roles, including Vice-President of Investor Relations for Sun Life’s Corporate Office, and Senior Vice-President of Sun Life’s Individual Insurance and Investments division in Canada.
Read More
In 2012, Kevin assumed the role of President, Sun Life Asia where he was responsible for Sun Life’s interests in Asia, including identifying opportunities for growth in the region and managing the company’s relationships with its partners.
In 2017, Kevin was appointed Chief Financial Officer, responsible for Sun Life’s worldwide Finance, Taxation, Capital and Investor Relations, Enterprise Services and Corporate Development business groups.
Kevin is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Waterloo in Canada. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and was previously on the Board of Governors for the University of Waterloo. Kevin is a member of the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council.
Featured Speaker
David Frum, Political Analyst
The evening will feature a special presentation from David Frum, one of the most influential political analysts of our time, who will offer his reflections on the current state of political and economic affairs in Canada.
Evening Program
| 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Cocktail Reception |
| 6:00 p.m. – 6:05 p.m. | Welcome Remarks |
| 6:05 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. | First Course and Networking |
| 6:15 p.m. – 6:40 p.m. | Keynote Address by David Frum |
| 6:40 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. | Fireside Chat with David Frum |
| 7:20 p.m. – 8:05 p.m. | Main Course + Musical Performance |
| 8:05 p.m. – 8:30p.m. | Presentation of the International Business Leader of the Year Award |
| 8:30 p.m. – 8:35 p.m. | Evening Concludes |
Parking Options
Valet parking is available onsite for $45 per vehicle.
Photography
A photographer will be onsite. Photos may be shared on our website and social media channels.
Contact Details
For more information, or to purchase a table, please contact Anick DeSousa, Senior Director, Member Relations at 613.238.4000 (2239) or adesousa@chamber.ca.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Past Recipients
Last year, we were proud to recognize Ian Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis as our 2024 International Business Leader of the Year.
Other Events
Canadian Business Leader Awards
Future of Business Summit
