David Simmonds is Global Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Great West Lifeco and Canada Life. In this role, David leads a team responsible for global communications, reputation and brand management, corporate impact, and sustainability. David also provides strategic partnership and advisory guidance to the CEO’s agenda, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. David is a member of Western University’s Board of Governors, Past President of the Canadian Club Toronto, a Governor of the Stratford Festival, and an Advisory Board Member at Catalyst Canada. David has been named one of the “Top 100 Black Canadians” by the Diversity Advancement Network, recipient of the Black Business and Professional Association’s “Harry Jerome Leadership Award”, Canada’s highest achievement in African Canadian excellence, and has been awarded Western University’s Alumni Award of Merit. In 2024, The Globe and Mail named David one of Canada’s Best Executives. David holds a BA (Hons.), MA, and completed the executive development program at The Wharton School.