Rowland Cardwell Frazee

Rowland Cardwell Frazee

Rowland Cardwell Frazee, banker (born 12 May 1921 in Halifax, Nova Scotia; died 29 July 2007 in New Brunswick). From 1979 to 1986, he was chief executive officer with the ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, the largest chartered bank in the country. Initially joining the bank in 1939 in St Stephen, NB, Frazee spent his entire career in its service, with the exception of wartime service with the Canadian Army in Europe and university studies leading to a BComm at Dalhousie U in 1948. A steady rise through the Royal's district and regional operations led in 1970 to his appointment as vice-president.

Two years later, Frazee became chief general manager and then in 1977 was appointed president. He served as chief executive officer from 1979 and chairman from 1980 until his retirement in 1986, and continued as a bank director until 1992. A conventional banker in his career progression, Frazee was unconventional in his willingness to speak out on matters of national importance, such as federal fiscal and monetary policy. He served as chairman of the Business Council on National Issues, a prestigious business lobby group, and as president of the Canadian Bankers' Association. A director of many companies, Frazee is also active as a director of many charities and organizations. Frazee was invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1991.