Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed fellow financial expert Mark Wiseman as Canada’s next ambassador to the United States, placing confidence in a seasoned figure from the world of finance at a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

While PM Carney made his electoral debut earlier this year, Wiseman is set to begin his first diplomatic posting in the second month of the new year.

Announcing the appointment, PM Carney, himself a former career banker, 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.”

Wiseman will formally assume office on February 15, 2026. In his new role, he is expected to play a central part in advancing Canada–U.S. priorities, including secure borders, a strengthened trade and investment relationship, and cooperation on global challenges.

He succeeds Kirsten Hillman, who is retiring from public service. PM Carney praised Hillman for her significant contributions, noting her role in deepening bilateral ties, defending Canadian values and interests, and supporting workers, families, and businesses amid evolving global uncertainties.

Wiseman brings more than three decades of experience across law, business, and finance, with extensive exposure to both Canadian and U.S. economies, financial markets, and institutions. His career includes senior leadership roles such as president and chief executive officer of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, chair of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, and current membership on the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada–U.S. Relations.

A Canadian business executive and investment manager, Wiseman is widely regarded as an economic policy leader and an expert in alternative and active equity investments.

His board and advisory roles have included serving as senior advisor and chairman of Lazard Canada, director at NOVA Chemicals, chairman of Alter Domus, and senior advisor to the Boston Consulting Group. From 2020 to 2023, he served as chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation. Earlier in his career, Wiseman was a senior managing director at BlackRock, where he held several senior roles, including Global Head of Active Equities, chairman of the firm’s alternatives business, and chair of its Global Investment Committee.

Before joining BlackRock, Wiseman led the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board as president and CEO, following earlier roles as senior vice-president of private investments and executive vice-president.

Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Wiseman holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, along with a law degree and an MBA from the University of Toronto. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned a Master of Laws from Yale University and previously served as a law clerk to Justice Beverley McLachlin at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Wiseman is also active in community service, having served on the boards 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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