First National taps a broker channel insider as its next CEO
Before that, he served as Head of Canadian Business Banking and Head of Personal Lending and Home Finance — roles that placed him at the centre of the bank’s mortgage and broker strategy. He has also held progressively senior positions at CIBC.
His track record in the broker space runs deeper than a title. Pirnia was the architect of BMO BrokerEdge, the platform launched in 2024 that marked the bank’s return to broker distribution after a 17-year absence from the channel.
First National was a named partner in that initiative, making Pirnia a familiar figure at the lender well before his appointment.
“He knows our industry well, understands the importance of the broker channel and has a strong track record of getting things done,” Ellis said.
Moray Tawse, chairman of First National, framed the choice as a statement of intent. “Hassan is the right leader to build on that success,” Tawse said.
