Françoise E. Lyon, ADM. A.
Independent Director of the Board
Member of the Governance and Compensation Committee
Background
Françoise E. Lyon, ADM. A., is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in senior finance and management roles, bringing her executive acumen and governance expertise to the Crown Aviation board. Françoise has guided prominent institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada, the IWF Leadership Foundation, and the Québec Financial Women’s Association, consistently demonstrating her commitment to corporate governance, strategic oversight, and ESG frameworks.
In her board service, Françoise has chaired Audit and Governance Committees, Investment Committees, Compensation Committees, and spearheaded initiatives aligning with modern governance standards. As the Founder & CEO of a boutique advisory firm, she emphasizes growth, venture capital, and impact investing, leveraging her extensive expertise in managing corporate transitions and fostering strategic relationships to help businesses, funds, and family offices achieve financial goals. Her professional background includes leadership roles at Pembroke Private Wealth Management, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and National Bank of Canada.
Françoise is renowned for her proficiency in wealth management, alternative investments, and her ability to drive success in business development, corporate culture, and crisis management. Fluent in English and French, with working knowledge of Spanish, she effectively engages diverse stakeholders.
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Françoise is a strong advocate for women’s financial literacy and advancement in finance, demonstrated by her founding of the Women’s Philanthropic Circle of Influence at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts and her role as a judge for many years of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
Based in Montréal, she holds a Certificate in Public Relations Management (Honors) from McGill University, a Bachelor’s in business administration from HÉC Montréal, and an International Business Specialization from Bath University in the UK, alongside multiple finance industry certifications from Canada and the USA. She also holds a dual citizenship with Great Britain.
​​​