Allgood first Canadian to take helm of ACC board

LOS ANGELES — RBC’s David Allgood has been named chairman of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s board of directors.

Allgood, who is executive vice president and general counsel for RBC, is the first Canadian board chairman in ACC’s more-than-30-year history. His new role was announced here Sunday at the association’s annual leadership dinner during its annual conference.

“We are fortunate to have David’s vast knowledge and skills to lead ACC’s board and reinforce our role as the leading advocate for the in-house bar,” said ACC president and CEO Veta Richardson in a statement. “As the chief legal officer of one of the world’s leading financial institutions, David brings a wealth of expertise from the corporate sector, including a strong commitment to diversity and pro bono initiatives within the legal profession.”

RBC also won the ACC’s Matthew J. Whitehead, II Diversity Award. Led by Allgood, the Royal Bank of Canada General Counsel Group launched a variety of diversity and inclusion programs, such as a student internship program for foreign-trained lawyers and the “Day of Pink Challenge,” an international day opposing all bullying and discrimination.

The groups hiring practices requiring women and racialized minorities to be shortlisted for positions have resulted in the group in North America comprised of 71 per cent women and 21 per cent racialized minorities.

In addition, four per cent of the Canadian law department members are persons with disabilities.

The conference continues through Wednesday.