Robert Prichard, OC, OOnt

J. Robert S Prichard, OC, OOnt

Robert Prichard is the non-executive chairman of Torys. As chairman, Rob provides advice to clients, contributes to the leadership of the firm and represents Torys in the communities the firm serves. He focuses on corporate governance in the private and public sectors and solving complex problems, particularly those involving regulatory issues and public policy. 

He regularly advises boards of directors and senior executives including on major transactions.  Mr. Prichard is an experienced corporate director and has been appointed as a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors. At present, he serves as Chair of Alamos Gold, Chair of VIA HFR (Alto), Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation, and a director of Wittington Investments. 

He is the former Chair of BMO Financial Group, and former director of multiple other corporations including Onex Corporation (Lead Director), Four Season Hotels (Lead Director), George Weston (Lead Director), Moore Corporation (Chair), Brascan (now Brookfield), and Barrick Gold. He also serves on the International Advisory Board of Barrick Gold.

Mr Prichard is President Emeritus of the University of Toronto where he served as Dean of Law (1984-90) and President (1990-2000). He has taught law from 1976-2001 at the University of Toronto, Harvard and Yale. Mr Prichard is also the former President and CEO of Torstar Corporation.

Mr Prichard has served as a trustee and Chair of the Hospital for Sick Children, Chair of the Ontario Innovation Trust, Chair of Metrolinx, the regional transit agency for Greater Toronto, and a trustee or director of numerous charitable and not for profit organizations.

Rob has been recognized by appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Member of the Order of Ontario, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He has also received honorary degrees from eleven colleges and universities in Canada and the United States.