May 29, 2025
Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognizes purpose-driven leadership and transformative Client impact globally.
Toronto, ON – May 29, 2025 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Kevin Strain, President and CEO of Sun Life, as the 2025 International Business Leader of the Year. This prestigious award honours a Canadian business executive whose visionary leadership and strategic pursuit of international opportunities have significantly elevated Canada’s presence on the world stage.
At a time when Canada’s role in the global economy is rapidly evolving, Strain’s visionary leadership has propelled Sun Life to success in 28 markets worldwide, serving 85 million clients. Under his leadership, Sun Life has fostered strong local relationships, adapted to diverse regulatory environments, and applied global insights to local contexts, making Strain the undeniable choice for this year’s award.
Throughout Strain’s tenure, Sun Life has expanded its presence in Asia to serve the needs of a rapidly growing middle-class, and strategically grew its Asset Management businesses, positioning the company among the world’s Top 25 asset managers.
“Kevin Strain’s leadership exemplifies the bold, forward-looking vision that drives Canadian business success on the world stage,” said Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “His ability to lead a truly global Canadian enterprise while delivering local impact in 28 markets around the world is a model for business leaders across the country. Kevin’s impact reflects what the Canadian Chamber stands for — giving business leaders the insight, influence and impact they need to succeed in today’s economy.”
Strain will be formally honoured at the International Business Leader Awards Gala hosted in Toronto on October 23, 2025. The gala is a celebration of Canadian excellence, bringing together national and international business leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to recognize individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership in international business.
About Kevin Strain
Kevin Strain was appointed President and CEO of Sun Life in August 2021, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience within the company. Since joining Sun Life in 2002, he has held a range of senior roles, including Vice-President of Investor Relations, Senior Vice-President of Individual Insurance and Investments in Canada, and President of Sun Life Asia, where he led the company’s growth strategy across the region. In 2017, he became Chief Financial Officer, overseeing global finance operations. A chartered accountant, Kevin holds a Master of Accounting from the University of Waterloo. He serves on the Board of Directors for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and is a member of the Canadian Business Council and the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council.
For more information on the International Business Leader Awards and to explore past recipients, please visit our webpage:
About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.
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Rajani Kamath
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