Doug Guzman will assume the role following an acclimatisation period, during which he will work alongside Lewis until taking on full responsibility on 1 November.
Lewis, who steps down from the role after seven years, will remain at the firm as a senior portfolio manager in its global asset management division, continuing to co-manage the RBC Global Dividend Growth Fund.
Reporting to Dave McKay, president and CEO of RBC, Guzman will oversee the group’s domestic and international wealth management and insurance operations in addition to becoming a member of RBC’s group executive committee.
Guzman will also take on a deputy chair role within RBC Capital Markets, in which he assume lead relationship management with “a select number of key clients”.
McKay cited RBC’s restructuring of its international wealth management operation as a determining factor behind the appointment.
“Through his leadership of RBC’s investment banking business over the last eight years, Guzman has strengthened his global perspective,” said McKay. “This, coupled with his unparalleled client focus, positions him well to lead this strategically important business for RBC.”
He added: “I want to thank Lewis for his business leadership and contributions, as well as his leadership in community organisation. With the restructuring of our international wealth business largely complete, and our US wealth management growth platform underway, we are well-positioned for this leadership transition.”
Guzman makes the move from his role as head of RBC’s global investment banking arm, prior to which he was a managing director with Goldman Sachs.
The announcement comes six months after RBC bolstered its UK and Channel Islands capabilities with the recruitment of Antony Johnson.
