Elio Luongo, a prominent Canadian business and community leader with deep roots at Simon Fraser University (SFU), is set to become the university's 13th chancellor, marking a significant milestone in his long-standing association with the institution. This appointment is a testament to Luongo's dedication and impact on SFU, as well as his broader contributions to the Canadian business landscape.
Luongo's journey with SFU began as an alumnus and has since grown into a multifaceted role. He has been an Honorary Degree recipient, an Outstanding Alumni Award winner, and a key figure in various university initiatives. His leadership at KPMG, where he served as CEO and senior partner, has been transformative, fostering a culture of diversity and innovation that has earned the company recognition as one of the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes Canada.
As SFU's new chancellor, Luongo will embody the role of a senior ambassador, conferring degrees at convocation and advocating for the university's vision, values, and priorities. This appointment builds on his previous service, including his role on the 50th Anniversary Campaign Cabinet, as a Board of Governors member, and as chair of the Dean’s External Advisory Board for the Beedie School of Business. He has also been instrumental in establishing the KPMG-SFU Digital Academy, a pioneering collaboration in data analytics and AI education.
Luongo's impact extends beyond SFU. He has been recognized by the business community for his transformational leadership and global impact, receiving accolades such as the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. His current directorships at TD Bank Group, Tolko Industries, and Blue J Legal, as well as his role as chair and co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Audit Quality, further underscore his influence in the corporate world.
The selection committee, led by board chair Carol Herbert, praised Luongo's values-driven approach and commitment to innovation, emphasizing his ability to provide a trusted voice and support the board's decision-making. Luongo's formal installation as chancellor will take place at the October convocation ceremonies, marking a new chapter in SFU's history and a continuation of its commitment to excellence and innovation in post-secondary education.
In his own words, Luongo expresses his humility and honor at the appointment, highlighting his admiration for SFU's agility, entrepreneurship, and commitment to providing a relevant education. He sees this role as an opportunity to build on the legacies of previous chancellors, including Tamara Vrooman, Anne Giardini, Carole Taylor, and Brandt Louie, and to lead SFU into a future that embraces artificial intelligence, evolving technology, and the new School of Medicine, all while maintaining its core values and inclusive, accessible educational mission.
