Debby Cordeiro
Vice-President, Growth and Go-To-Market
A trusted advisor in strategic communications and corporate reputation, Debby Cordeiro is recognized for her ability to help organizations build credibility, strengthen stakeholder trust, and navigate complex transformations. With more than 25 years of experience across the private and public sectors, she brings deep expertise in reputation management, crisis communications, ESG and CSR strategy, executive counsel, and organizational change.
A seasoned executive leader, Debby has worked closely with CEOs for over 25 years, holding increasingly senior leadership roles overseeing communications, public affairs, marketing and ESG functions across highly regulated, publicly traded, private and parapublic organizations in Canada and internationally.
As President and founder of Atelier Ex Verbum, she advises leaders and organizations on strategic communications, positioning, stakeholder engagement and reputation management. She is driven by her commitment to help organizations say what they do and do what they say.
Prior to launching Atelier Ex Verbum, Debby held senior leadership roles including Senior Vice-President, Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing and ESG at National Bank of Canada, where she was a close advisor to the CEO, oversaw the Bank’s brand and go-to-market strategy and was the lead spokesperson, including with government and investors on sustainability.
Before joining National Bank, she served as Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs at Ivanhoé Cambridge. In this capacity, she led the organization’s strategic positioning during a period of significant transformation. She also held the role of Vice-President, Communications and Brand at Pomerleau. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade at TELUS Health and Emergis in senior leadership roles overseeing corporate communications, marketing and brand strategy for one of Canada’s leading digital health companies.
She currently serves on the boards of directors of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), and of the Sacred Heart School of Montreal, as well as on McGill University’s Board of Governors – EDIC Committee. Her previous board mandates include Médecins du Monde Canada and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ).
She is frequently invited to participate in discussions on leadership, communications, corporate responsibility, and public trust. She is actively engaged in supporting the next generation of communicators, coaching emerging talent on career progression, and contributes to initiatives such as l’Effet A dedicated to the advancement of women.
Debby holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in French Language and Literature from McGill University.
