Though it began in forestry, Rob’s career eventually took root in finance. Rob has spent 25 years applying some of what he learned from Western Canada’s forests – about growth, yield, adaptability, succession and resilience – to the investment management industry. During his years at Burgundy, Rob has worked across several functions including operations, compliance and performance measurement. The majority of his time, however, has been spent in the investment department researching businesses across the world and serving as Burgundy’s Director of Research.

Rob’s real passions at work are two-fold: people and investing. He is grateful for the opportunities Burgundy has provided him to focus on both. Today, as Chief Executive Officer, Rob works closely with people across the firm to ensure Burgundy delivers an outstanding overall experience for clients. Internally, he is focused on fostering a culture that instills a deep collective purpose in our people, while providing autonomy, personal growth and the chance to have real impact.

Burgundy Experience

  • Joined Burgundy in 2005
  • Appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2016
  • Appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2019
  • Previous roles include: Chief Operating Officer, Director of Research, Emerging Markets equity Investment Analyst, Canadian equity Investment Analyst, fixed income Investment Analyst, Compliance, Performance Measurement

Relevant Experience

  • 20+ years of combined professional experience
  • Experience includes positions at: Russell/Mellon Analytical Services, CIBC Mellon Global Securities Services, HSBC Bank Canada

Education

  • CFA charterholder
  • Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School
  • Bachelor of Science in Forestry, University of British Columbia

Memberships and Community

  • Board of Governors, Member of Audit, Finance & Risk Management Committee, The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall
  • Board of Governors, Member of Audit & Finance Committee, North York General Hospital
  • Vice Chair, Burgundy Legacy Foundation
  • Member, CFA Society Toronto
  • Member, CFA Institute

POSTS FROM THIS AUTHOR

Now and Then: Reflecting on Our Client-First Focus

Now and Then: Reflecting on Our Client-First Focus

The Journal | August 2024

In his closing remarks at this year’s Burgundy Forum, CEO Rob Sankey reflects on our journey since our first-ever Client Day. While Burgundy’s client-first mentality and core values...

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What Warren Buffett Didn’t Do

What Warren Buffett Didn’t Do

The Journal | June 2023

At Burgundy, we often celebrate the accomplishments of Warren Buffett – quoting his famous quips, sharing takeaways from Berkshire’s annual letter, and drawing inspiration from his remarkable inve...

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2022 Corporate Sustainability Report

2022 Corporate Sustainability Report

The Journal | April 2023

Creating the future most important to our clients is about delivering differentiated investment results and growing their capital over time. For Burgundy to succeed here, we need to take a...

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2021 Sustainability Report:  Reflecting on our Journey

2021 Sustainability Report: Reflecting on our Journey

The Journal | December 2021

At its core, the concept of ESG is really about long-term sustainability. Sustainability in everything we do has always served as a North Star concept at Burgundy. We exist to...

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The 100 Year Culvert

The 100 Year Culvert

The Journal | April 2020

Before my career in investing I had a career in forestry, where I spent most of my time working on Vancouver Island and on Canada’s Northwest coast – to this...

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Resilience

Resilience

June 2017

Since assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer at Burgundy last December, one of the common questions I get asked by clients is about my background, my career and education....

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