Lawrence G. Greenwood

Lawrence George Greenwood
Born	(1921-06-16) June 16, 1921 Briercrest, Saskatchewan, Canada
Died	September 21, 2006(2006-09-21) (aged 85) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation	Banker
Years active	1938–1981
Known for	President of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (1968–1971)

Lawrence George Greenwood (16 June 1921 – 21 September 2006) was a prominent Canadian banker who held the presidency of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) from 1968 until 1971.

Greenwood's banking journey commenced in 1938 at the Canadian Bank of Commerce branch in Regina. His career was interrupted by military service in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II (1941–1945). Upon returning, he steadily climbed the ranks, assuming managerial positions beginning in 1953. After the 1961 merger between the Canadian Bank of Commerce and the Imperial Bank of Canada, he joined the CIBC head office in 1962. Throughout the 1960s, Greenwood advanced through senior roles, ultimately becoming president in 1968, succeeding William M. Currie. In 1971, he was appointed vice-chairman and moved to Montreal, then came back to Toronto in 1976 as executive vice-president before retiring in 1981. He died in Toronto in 2006 at age 85.

Early life and education

Greenwood was born in Briercrest, Saskatchewan, and completed his secondary education at Regina Central Collegiate in 1938.

Career

Greenwood entered the banking sector with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in May 1938 but temporarily left to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, with assignments across North Africa and Europe. After his military service, he resumed his banking career in Winnipeg and progressed through various management roles: assistant manager in Toronto (1953), Seattle branch manager (1956), head office superintendent (1958), followed by branch manager in Toronto later that year.

Following the formation of CIBC through the 1961 merger, Greenwood was named assistant general manager at head office in 1962. He then became regional general manager for international operations in 1963, deputy chief general manager in 1964, chief general manager later that year, and was appointed director by 1967.

On 1 April 1968, Greenwood assumed the role of CIBC’s fourth president. He served until September 1971 when he was promoted to vice-chairman and relocated to Montreal. By 1976, he chaired three CIBC subsidiaries—Dominion Realty Company, Imbank Realty Company, and Kinross Mortgage Corporation—and returned to Toronto as executive vice-president responsible for administration.

In addition to his banking leadership roles, Greenwood held chairmanships at Swiss Re Management and Swissre Holdings (Canada), along with directorships at Imperial Life Assurance Company, Eaton Life Assurance, North America Reinsurance Company, Swiss Re, Federal Pioneer, Liberty Mutual of Canada, and the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. His governance experience extended to boards such as the Hospital for Sick Children and involvement with organizations including the Canadian Council of the International Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Toronto, Canadian Export Association, Queen's University board of trustees, Canadian Economic Policy Committee, and C. D. Howe Institute.

Personal life

On 28 June 1947, Greenwood married Margaret Purser (1921–1997) at St Thomas Anglican Church in Winnipeg. The couple did not have children. Lawrence Greenwood passed away in Toronto on 21 September 2006 at age 85.