Celebrating global leadership in the 2SLGBTQ+ community 

BMO’s John McNain, COO, North American Personal and Business Banking is being recognized for the third year in a row on INvolve’s global 2024 Outstanding Executive Role Model List, which celebrates role models who are championing inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies in the business community – and beyond. The list, from diversity and inclusion membership organization INvolve, features individuals who are driving impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organizations and communities. 

As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, John has been actively engaged in employee and student resource groups for over 20 years. He is a member of BMO Pride, the bank’s Employee Resource Group for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As one of BMO’s most senior, visible and vocal members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, he champions equity through career sessions, discusses his journey as an out leader, advocates for the importance of allyship, provides mentorship to 2SLGBTQ+ employees – including those looking for guidance to start a family – and has supported BMO’s Walk so Kids Can Talk campaigns in a leadership capacity for the past three years to help raise funds for Kids Help Phone.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have found support during my own journey of embracing my true self in my twenties,” reflects John. “I am grateful for those who guided me when I needed it most, and I believe if we all pay it forward, we can build a more inclusive workplace and world together.

– John McNain
COO, North American Personal and Business Banking, BMO

John is committed to making a difference on many fronts. For six years, John served as a director of Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit organization that helps individuals persecuted due to their sexual orientation or gender identity to find safety through emergency relocations and other forms of assistance. John also brought BMO and Rainbow Railroad together, resulting in the BMO Rainbow Deposit Initiative, an engaging social media campaign that has raised $150,000 in the past three years in support of Rainbow Railroad’s mission. 

John is a director at Kids Help Phone. In 2023 alone, the e-mental health service connected 4.7 million times with Canadian youth seeking support, with over half identifying as 2SLGBTQI+. He also recently served as an advisor to Pink Triangle Press, one of the longest-publishing 2SLGBTQ+ media groups in the world, which promotes freedom and equality.

“John McNain is a dedicated leader focused on Boldly Growing the Good in business and life, as he elevates both BMO and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across the globe. He advocates passionately for diversity and inclusion and sets a powerful example of what it means to foster positive change in our communities and beyond.” 

– Ernie Johannson
Group Head, North American Personal and Business Banking, BMO

Congratulations John – your leadership continues to make a meaningful difference! 

Find out more about diversity and inclusion at BMO.