About Us

Nora oversees the strategic amplification and engagement of the team’s Disruptive Tech portfolio. She is responsible for liaising with the team’s innovation partners, launching meaningful initiatives to amplify key portfolio insights, planning high-impact engagements, and driving actionable outcomes. Nora has been with RBC since 2017 in various capacities, ranging from innovation, partnerships and strategic program development. Originally from Germany, she graduated from Erasmus University in Rotterdam with a Master’s Degree in Media and Journalism.

As Managing Director, Jordan helps set the research agenda for RBC Thought Leadership. His mandate spans research design, data architecture, and empirical analysis. Previously, Jordan served as Vice-President of Policy and Chief Economist at the Insurance Bureau of Canada and as Chief Economist at Unifor. A Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute, Jordan has held senior advisory roles with public sector officials and published widely in economics and public policy. He was a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Law School and holds a PhD in Political Economics.

Jen leads media relations and communications strategy, shaping how research and insights reach journalists, partners and stakeholders. Jen holds a law degree from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, and specializes in translating complex research and analysis into clear and compelling narratives. Journalists and stakeholders seeking expert insight or timely commentary should connect with her directly.

Charles directs RBC Thought Leadership’s flagship podcast Disruptors. Before joining RBC, Charles co-created The Tale of a Town Canada—travelling to hundreds of communities in a mobile recording studio called The Storymobile, interviewing thousands of Canadians about their main streets and downtowns. A filmmaker and broadcast producer, his work includes an award-winning animated series for TVO and a commissioned film for the National Arts Centre. He holds a Master of Arts from York University and brings a storyteller’s instinct to translating complex ideas for executive and public audiences.

Shaz Merwat brings over 13 years of capital markets research experience within the Canadian oil and gas sector and as an Equity Strategist covering a broad range of fundamental macroeconomic issues. He was also a top ranked sustainability/ESG analyst, with his work often cited in global media. Merwat holds Masters degrees from Western University, the London School of Economics and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

With over 20 years of experience supporting senior executives in the banking industry, Romane joined RBC Thought Leadership in 2024 as executive assistant to John Stackhouse. Romane holds an honours Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Latin American and Caribbean Studies from York University.

Stephanie leads research and analysis on Canada’s most pressing housing issues for the group. She brings a deep understanding of the housing system, the policy-making process and a commitment to driving innovative, practical approaches to advance solutions across sectors. Stephanie previously spent ten years at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in various policy and research roles, including work on developing the National Housing Strategy and overseeing the Canadian Housing Survey. Stephanie’s past experience also spans policy and research positions at Canada West Foundation as well as in U.K. politics. Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Glasgow and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and French from the University of Calgary.

Sabreena supports research and analysis for the group. Her work focuses on how technology, innovation policy and shifting geopolitical conditions shape Canada’s competitiveness and business environment. Previously, she supported national-scale value chain development for critical sectors at the National Research Council of Canada, and worked in brand strategy and consumer insights at Procter & Gamble. Sabreena is completing a Master of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto’s Munk School and holds a BA in International Relations and Political Science from the University of British Columbia.

Vivan conducts research on electricity and power, nuclear energy, and natural resources across oil and gas and minerals for RBC Thought Leadership. His background includes upstream oil and gas with a global supermajor and climate technology research with a U.S.-based climate investor group. He attended the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he was an Institute Silver Medalist, and Yale, where he was part of the Yale Journalism Scholars program and served as an editor for the Yale Environment Review and the Yale Journal of International Affairs. Outside work, he enjoys endurance running, having completed eight marathons and ultramarathons across three continents, and trivia.

Sydney is focused on global markets, geopolitics, and emerging technologies shaping Canada’s future. Her experience includes supporting dual-use and mining defence ventures at the Creative Destruction Lab, analyzing climate risk on the RBC Global Risk Analytics team, and pitching first-of-a-kind financing solutions at the Global Climate Finance Accelerator. Sydney is completing a Master of Global Affairs from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Sydney holds a Bachelor of Arts & Science and Biology from McMaster University.