Royal Bank of Canada announced on July 8, 2026, that Tarek A. Robbiati will be appointed to its Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2026. The appointment strengthens the bank's governance with the addition of a seasoned executive possessing extensive international leadership experience across the technology, media, telecommunications, and financial services sectors in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Robbiati currently serves as the chief financial officer of Everpure, a global technology company providing integrated data infrastructure and data-intelligent solutions. His previous executive roles include chief executive officer at RingCentral and chief financial officer at both Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Sprint Corporation. He has also served as a board member for various companies.

Jacynthe Côté, Chair of the Board at RBC, stated that Robbiati's blend of financial stewardship, technical expertise, and U.S. and international management experience will complement the board's bench strength. The bank expects his guidance to support RBC in achieving its ambitions and delivering on its vision of being among the world's most trusted and successful financial institutions.

Mr. Robbiati holds a Master of Business Administration from London Business School, a Master of Science in Business Administration from IAE Caen, and a Master of Science in Nuclear Physics and Electronics from ENSI Caen.

Tarek A. Robbiati's Profile

RBC's latest Home Ownership Poll reveals that 61% of Quebecers believe there is no perfect time to buy a home, a sentiment driven by economic uncertainty and rising costs. The survey, conducted between April 23 and May 3, 2026, highlights that 74% of Quebecers find economic uncertainty makes it difficult to determine the right time to enter the housing market. Additionally, 78% of respondents in the province feel that home ownership demands more sacrifices today compared to previous generations.

The data indicates a divergence in market perception between the general population and prospective buyers. While 57% of all Quebec respondents identify the current environment as a seller's market, only 12% view it as a buyer's market. Among those intending to purchase a home within two years, 26% believe now is the right time to buy. This group cites lower home prices (58%) and lower interest rates (54%) as key factors enabling their purchase, though 53% fear a small window of opportunity before prices rise again.

Financial pressures are significantly impacting savings and spending habits. Nationally, 71% of prospective buyers report that inflation is causing them to save less for a home. Consequently, many are making substantial trade-offs, including delaying major purchases (69%), postponing vacations (62%), and overhauling spending habits (60%). In Quebec specifically, 76% of respondents anticipate that most buyers will experience some level of financial shock when purchasing their first home.

Confidence in navigating the market remains low. Only 49% of prospective buyers nationally feel confident making homebuying decisions in today's market, and just 56% believe they have the necessary information. This uncertainty extends to homeowners facing mortgage renewal, with only 44% expressing confidence in their decision-making regarding their mortgage. As a result, 82% of prospective buyers and those approaching renewal emphasize the importance of expert advice.

Key Survey Findings

The following table summarizes selected responses from the RBC 2026 Home Ownership Poll, comparing prospective buyers with general sentiment in Quebec and Canada.

Trade-offs Required to Buy a Home

Prospective buyers are increasingly resorting to significant financial adjustments to afford a home.