TORONTO (TIP): Going by the adage that you trust your own tribesmen more than others has proven true, as Prime Minister Mark Carney has placed his trust in a fellow financial expert, Mark Wiseman, to head the Canadian Embassy in the United States.
Mark Carney, who himself has been a career banker, while announcing the appointment of Wiseman, said, “
“Mark Wiseman brings immense experience, extensive contacts, and deep commitment at this crucial time of transformation of our relationship with the United States. As a core member of our negotiating team, he will help advance the interests of Canadian workers, businesses, and institutions, while building opportunities for both Canada and the United States.”
It may be a mere coincidence that while the prime minister made his debut in electoral politics early this year, Mark Wiseman will be making his debut in diplomacy in the second month of the New Year.
Once he becomes ambassador on February 15, 2026, Wiseman will be a key contributor to the government’s efforts to advance Canada-U.S. priorities, including secure borders, a strengthened trade and investment relationship, and cooperation between Canada and the United States on global challenges.
He will replace Kirsten Hillman, who has decided to retire. Mark Carney praised her for her immense contributions as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. In addition to deepening Canada-U.S. ties, Ambassador Hillman has resolutely defended Canadian values and interests and promoted a stronger future for Canadian workers who depend on stable trade, families who count on a safe and secure border, and businesses that must navigate new global uncertainties.
With a career spanning three decades in law, business, and finance, Wiseman has deep experience with both countries’ economies, financial markets, and institutions. He has a strong track record of unlocking new opportunities for Canadians, including as president and chief executive officer of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, as chair of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, and as a current member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations.
Mark Wiseman is a Canadian business executive and investment manager, economic policy leader, and industry-leading expert in alternatives and active equity investments.
Among his board and advisory roles with various organizations, Wiseman has most recently served as senior advisor and chairman of Lazard Canada, on the board of directors of NOVA Chemicals, as chairman of the board of Alter Domus, and as a senior advisor to the Boston Consulting Group. He also recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation from 2020 to 2023. Previously, he was Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, Global Head of Active Equities, Chairman of BlackRock’s alternatives business, and Chairman of its Global Investment Committee. He also served on BlackRock’s Global Executive Committee.
Before joining BlackRock, Wiseman was President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, where he first served as Senior Vice-President, Private Investment, and then as Executive Vice-President, before becoming CEO.
Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Wiseman holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University as well as a law degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Yale University, where he obtained a Master of Laws. He also served as a law clerk to Justice Beverley McLachlin at the Supreme Court of Canada.
He is a dedicated community leader who has served on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including Alpine Canada Alpin, Sinai Health System, the Capital Markets Institute, and the Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service.
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