Big Ideas Bold Leaders Award
Haskayne Alumni
This award is all about recognizing those that have taken on the challenge of doing something big. If you know a Haskayne alumnus/a who has taken on a challenge, created something outstanding or made an enormous impact this is the award for them. There are up to three Big Ideas Bold Leaders Honorary Awards.
When selecting the Big Ideas Bold Leaders Honorary Award recipients, the committee evaluate nominees in the areas of inspiring notable change, motivating others or enabling positive change in the community.
2023 Big Ideas Bold Leaders Award
Michael Torrance, BA’02, BComm’02
Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer
BMO Financial Group
Michael Torrance is a passionate thought leader in corporate sustainability.
As Chief Sustainability Officer for BMO Financial Group, Michael leads strategy and implementation of sustainability governance, disclosure, engagement and innovation at the organization. Under his leadership, BMO has become a pioneer in environmental, social and governance issues among Canada's big five banks. Michael founded the BMO Climate Institute and the BMO Sustainability Leaders podcast focused on raising awareness of sustainability and business.
Prior to BMO, Michael was a partner at the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright where he led the development of global environmental, social and sustainability governance risk advisory practices.
Michael is a double alumnus of the University of Calgary graduating in 2002 with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Commerce in International Finance. He also holds a Juris Doctor and a Master or Laws from Osgoode Hall at York University.
Past Recipient
2022: Janice Tran, BA’11, BComm’11
CEO and Co-Founder, Kanin Energy
2020: Whitney Rockley, MBA’97
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, McRock Capital
2020: Cole Orobetz, BComm’06
Co-Founder, CEO and CFO, Alpha Foods
2019: Patrick Lor, BA’90, EMBA’01
Managing Partner, Panache Ventures