Damien McDonald
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Executive Summary
Accomplished credit risk management leader with over 20 years of international commercial banking experience, currently serving as Director in Credit Risk Management at CIBC. Adept at overseeing and adjudicating large, complex mid-market portfolios across multiple markets, with a proven track record in both lending and leadership roles. Extensive background includes leading regional teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering high-performance cultures. Recognized for strong credit acumen, strategic contributions to process improvements, and active involvement in training, mentorship, and inclusion initiatives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director (L9), Ontario CRM
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
04.2024 - Current
- Approve/defer/decline credit applications within the portfolio up to my DLA of $27.5MM. Adjudicated several credits above my DLA, which included rationalizing my decision to the Vice President/ SVP.
- Managed the credit risk of the portfolio within agreed quality standards, adhering to a disciplined approach consistently, and exercising sound judgment in the credit decision process. This included quality checks on portfolio reporting irregularities, particularly long-dated items as well as keeping expiries within acceptable thresholds.
- Identified and managed deteriorating credit risk situations to minimize credit losses. Ensured timely referral to the Special Loans team in accordance with established Risk Rating guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with CIBC credit policies and procedures while exercising corporate governance judgment; documented effective challenges with frontline in monthly reports reviewed by senior executives.
- Analyzed portfolio trends in credit quality through macro-level assessments of Canadian and US economies, including price sensitivity, tariffs, and industry-specific risks such as construction and transportation.
- Led a national rollout initiative for a new data capture tool, which was necessary for compliance with OSFI/ Basel Requirements.
- Streamlined credit narrative process to enhance efficiency; pitched and implemented the shortened narrative at a national level.
- Contributed to a national focus group aimed at enhancing efficiencies through internal AI.
- Assisted with the training and development of Commercial Bank Managers and Associates through training sessions, market visits etc.
- Presently involved in a secondment to Large Corporate, working on large complex syndicated deals in the energy and mining segments.
- Portfolio consists of credit authorizations across multiple Ontario Markets in both Mid-Market and Independent Business an consisted of mainly diversified businesses.
Director (L9), Peel Region- Mid Market and Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
05.2022 - 04.2024
- Regional leader of Peel and managed a team that included three high performing senior commercial banking managers and two associates.
- Portfolio size included in excess of $1B in authorized credit and deposits > than $800MM across diversified industries i.e. fuel distributors, food services, transportation, manufacturing, construction.
- In F2022 experienced loan growth of 22% and deposit growth of 10%. Loan growth included complex working capital solutions, M&A financing, unsecured lending and cross-border credit facilities etc.
- Achieved Net Promoter Score exceeding 90% through exceptional client service.
- Strong referral activity across other business lines i.e. capital markets, private wealth etc.
- Managed portfolio of 80+ connections, including 20+ connections with authorized lending exceeding $20MM, highlighting largest connection of $150MM.
- Portfolio consisted of entrepreneurs that were PW HNW/UHNW with the majority having bank executive coverage. Worked closely with Private Wealth given concentration exposure and reliance on commercial cash flow to support PW lending requests.
- Coordinated cross-referral opportunities for inter-generational and third-party wealth transfer, collaborating with Mid-Market Investment Banking and Private Wealth.
- Led several Commercial Banking Associate Program sessions.
- IDAC inclusive banking- subcommittee member.
- Coached two new entrants into Deloitte/CIBC Best Managed Program in 2023 and currently leading lab sessions for five new entrants in 2024.
- L8 commercial banker won Annual Achiever in 2023. Promoted two Associates into commercial banker positions.
- Added three new direct reports in the commercial banking segment, focusing on loans up to $10MM.
Director (L9), North York Region- Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
01.2019 - 05.2022
- Regional Leader of North York (Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill) and oversaw a team that included two team leads, eight commercial bankers and two associates.
- Achieved credit growth of $61.7MM, deposit growth of $899MM, and revenue growth of $5.7MM in F2021.
- Top performing banking centre in Ontario with an internal employee engagement score of 93% and a client NPS of > than 80%.
- Facilitated four internal promotions, strengthening team capabilities and fostering career development.
- Mentored L7 commercial banker who received Annual Achiever award in 2019.
Team Lead (L8), North York Region- Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
06.2018 - 01.2019
- Led frontline team during transitional period, overseeing market operations in absence of Director.
- Managed dual roles as Team Lead, fostering team professional development while aligning business objectives with executive leadership.
Assistant General Manager (L8), Risk Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
02.2016 - 06.2018
- Recognized as top national performer in risk management group, earning Annual Achiever distinction in 2018.
- Achieved performance goals consistently for performance in both 2017 and 2018.
Senior Risk Manager (L7), Risk Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
06.2014 - 02.2016
Manager (L7), Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
, Canada
04.2011 - 06.2014
Graduate Trainee
National Australia Bank
, Australia
01.2004 - 12.2010
- Completed graduate training program and progressed through three associate level positions, gaining experience in lower management.
Education
Bachelor of Business Degree - International Business, Commerce, International Management, Banking and Finance
Griffith University
Nathan Campus, QLD, Australia01.2004
Skills
Credit risk assessment and portfolio management
Leadership development and team building
Strategic decision-making
Cross-functional collaboration
Process improvement and efficiency
Client relationship management
Training and mentorship
Accomplishments
CIBC Annual Achiever (2018)
Timeline
Director (L9), Ontario CRM
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
04.2024 - Current
Director (L9), Peel Region- Mid Market and Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
05.2022 - 04.2024
Director (L9), North York Region- Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
01.2019 - 05.2022
Team Lead (L8), North York Region- Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
06.2018 - 01.2019
Assistant General Manager (L8), Risk Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
02.2016 - 06.2018
Senior Risk Manager (L7), Risk Management
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
06.2014 - 02.2016
Manager (L7), Commercial Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
04.2011 - 06.2014
Graduate Trainee
National Australia Bank
01.2004 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Business Degree - International Business, Commerce, International Management, Banking and Finance
Griffith University