Sandra Odendahl

Sandra is Senior Vice President and Head, Sustainability and Diversity at BDC. A trailblazer in sustainable finance, Sandra believes that business can and should be a force for good— contributing to economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and vibrant, inclusive communities. Sandra leads all facets of BDC’s corporate sustainability and ESG strategy and programs, including the bank’s renewed and enhanced focus on the environment as well as its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. She is also responsible for overseeing BDC’s strategic partnerships with organizations that help deliver economic, social and environmental impact in communities across Canada. 

A respected and well-known voice in promoting sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada, Sandra has previously led enterprise-wide sustainability, community investment and social finance programs and strategies at Scotiabank and RBC. Early in her career, before entering the banking sector, she worked in the natural resources sector, specializing in environmental and social impact assessments of development projects. 

Sandra holds a Master of Applied Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a CFA charter holder. A committed community volunteer, she currently serves as a board director at the Canadian Climate Institute, the Transition Accelerator, the National Ballet of Canada and NEXT Canada. Sandra lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.