Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) has reshaped its international leadership structure with the appointment of Kevin Li as President and CEO of CIBC Bank USA, and Senior Executive Vice President and Group Head of the U.S. region. Li, who has been with CIBC since 1994, most recently served as Managing Director and Head of Global Investment Banking and previously led the bank’s European operations. He will succeed Shawn Beber, who will retire in July 2026 after more than two decades with the institution.
CIBC entered the U.S. market in 2017 with the $5 billion acquisition of The PrivateBank and Trust Company, its largest purchase to date. Today, CIBC Bank USA operates nearly 50 offices across 18 states, offering services spanning commercial, corporate, private wealth management, and community banking.
Alongside Li’s appointment, CIBC has made additional executive changes. Christian Exshaw has been named SEVP and Group Head of Capital Markets, Christina Kramer will serve as SEVP and Chief Administrative Officer, and Amy South has been appointed Chief of Staff and EVP of the Office of the CEO. These changes come as Harry Culham prepares to succeed Victor Dodig as President and CEO of CIBC in November 2025, marking another significant leadership transition. EVP and Chief Legal Officer Kikelomo Lawal will also retire, closing out her tenure overseeing legal, governance, and regulatory affairs from 2020.