Elio Luongo to become SFU's 13th chancellor

Elio Luongo, a prominent Canadian business and community leader with deep roots at Simon Fraser University (SFU), will serve as the university’s 13th chancellor.

An SFU alumnus, Honorary Degree recipient, and Outstanding Alumni Award winner with a long history of service to the university, Luongo is also the former CEO and senior partner of KPMG in Canada. He will succeed SFU’s current chancellor, Tamara Vrooman, whose term ends in June after serving in the role since 2020.

“As a proud alumnus, I am humbled and honoured to be appointed the university’s next chancellor,” says Luongo. “I am thrilled to reconnect with SFU and continue to admire the university’s ability to be agile and entrepreneurial while providing a relevant education for all students and supporting their success in whatever they choose to do.”

As one of the university’s senior ambassadors, the chancellor confers all degrees at convocation and advocates on behalf of the university while advancing SFU’s vision, values and priorities. 

For Luongo, this appointment builds on work he has undertaken for many years. He previously served on SFU’s 50th Anniversary Campaign Cabinet, as a Board of Governors member, and as chair of the Dean’s External Advisory Board for the Beedie School of Business. He also played a key role in establishing the KPMG-SFU Digital Academy, a pioneering collaboration in data analytics and AI education.

“Elio is well known in our community for his deep commitment to SFU’s growth and success, and his passion for supporting students in achieving their fullest potential,” says SFU President Joy Johnson. “I look forward to welcoming him formally as chancellor and to seeing the impact he will have in this role.”

Outside of SFU, Luongo has been recognized by the business community for his transformational leadership and global impact. He led KPMG through a period of significant market, regulatory, technological and cultural change. Under his leadership, KPMG in Canada was recognized as one of the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes Canada, among many other recognitions as a leading workplace. 

In recognition of his contributions, Luongo has received a King Charles III Coronation Medal and the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. He currently serves as a director of TD Bank Group, Tolko Industries and Blue J Legal, and as chair and co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Audit Quality. 

“In addition to his strong SFU connection, Elio is an accomplished professional and business advisor, and we look forward to his contributions as a trusted voice,” says board chair Carol Herbert and member of the Chancellor’s Selection Committee. “His values-driven approach and commitment to innovation will support the board’s decision-making as it continues to centre students, research and the academic mission.”

Luongo will be formally installed as chancellor at this year’s October convocation ceremonies, while the conclusion of Vrooman’s term will be recognized during SFU’s June ceremonies.

“Tamara Vrooman, Anne Giardini, Carole Taylor, Brandt Louie and all of SFU’s previous chancellors have shaped this role significantly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on their legacy,” says Luongo. “As we look to the future—from artificial intelligence and evolving technology to the new School of Medicine to our responsibility to provide an inclusive, accessible education—I believe SFU is well positioned to lead in post-secondary education while remaining true to its roots and values.”

“I believe this because I have seen it firsthand, as a student and as a parent of children who all attended SFU. I have always told them it offers one of the best educational experiences available. Why go anywhere else?”