Prominent governance leader and President & CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors joins Yorkville University’s Board effective June 1, 2026
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TORONTO, ON, May 25, 2026 – Yorkville University is pleased to announce the appointment of Rahul Bhardwaj, LL.B, ICD.D, to its Board of Governors, effective June 1, 2026.
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As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for close to a decade, Mr. Bhardwaj brings deep expertise in board leadership, governance, and organizational excellence to one of Canada’s largest and most innovative private universities.
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Since 2016, Mr. Bhardwaj has led the ICD, a national not-for-profit association of more than 18,000 members committed to improving national outcomes by strengthening board leadership and governance capacity across Canadian businesses, agencies, and not-for-profits. His current and past board service spans a wide range of distinguished organizations, including Waterfront Toronto, Metrolinx, the Global Network of Director Institutes (where he serves as past Chair and current Executive Committee member), the Leadership Council at the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership at Ivey Business School, and as Director Emeritus at the Rideau Hall Foundation. His corporate governance vision has made him a sought-after speaker, presenter, and media commentator in Canada and internationally.
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“Higher education sits at the intersection of individual aspiration and societal progress,” said Mr. Bhardwaj. “The institutions that will lead in the years ahead are those that combine academic rigour with genuine responsiveness to the needs of learners and the economy. Yorkville University exemplifies that combination – and I am honoured to contribute to its continued growth and impact through service on its Board of Governors.”
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Mr. Bhardwaj added: “Effective governance is ultimately about accountability, trust, and long-term value creation – principles that are just as vital in higher education as they are in the corporate boardroom. I look forward to working alongside my fellow governors and the university’s leadership team to advance an institution that is making post-secondary education more accessible and purposeful for Canadians.”
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“We are truly delighted to welcome Rahul to Yorkville University’s Board of Governors,” said Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President and Vice Chancellor of Yorkville University. “His unparalleled knowledge of governance best practices, combined with his passion for building strong and accountable institutions, makes him an exceptional addition to our Board. As Yorkville continues to grow and to innovate in how we deliver accessible, high-quality education to Canadians, having leaders of Rahul’s calibre guiding our strategic direction is invaluable.”
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Mr. Bhardwaj’s appointment reflects Yorkville University’s continued commitment to assembling a Board of Governors that brings diverse, senior leadership experience to bear in support of the university’s mission of transformational, accessible, and practitioner-oriented higher education.
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About Yorkville University
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Yorkville University began with a bold vision: to offer flexible, rigorous, and career-focused programs that transform lives. Since 2004, Yorkville University has expanded to campuses across Canada, offering both online and on-campus programs. Our graduates have advanced their careers through programs in the behavioural sciences, social sciences, business, design and the creative arts. Yorkville University’s student-centred, practitioner-oriented approach equips graduates with skills that employers value, making us one of Canada’s largest private universities. Learn more at https://www.yorkvilleu.ca/
