Phil Thomas

Phil Thomas was appointed to Group Head & Chief Strategy and Operating Officer at Scotiabank in December 2025. In this role, he leads the enterprise functions of AI & Innovation, Data & Analytics, Enterprise Strategy, Global Corporate Affairs, Global Marketing, Global Operations, Procurement and Real Estate to execute the Bank’s strategy, enabling long-term sustainable, profitable growth.

Prior to this role, Phil served as Group Head & Chief Risk Officer since October 2021, where he led the function during a period of rapid change and macro-economic challenges, including the pandemic, U.S. regional banking crisis and global trade negotiations. Phil joined Scotiabank in 1997 and has held increasingly senior positions, in Canadian Banking, International Banking and Global Risk Management.  

A graduate of Dalhousie University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Political Science, Phil is a strong advocate for Atlantic Canada.