BY J.M. LEE
Ashish Arora’s story begins in Delhi, India, where he spent his early years before immigrating to Canada in Grade 9. The transition was challenging —new culture, new language, and unfamiliar surroundings. But a compassionate school counsellor helped ease the shift, offering encouragement and a sense of belonging. That moment of kindness left a lasting impression and planted the seeds for Ashish’s leadership philosophy: empathy and the power of human connection.
His journey into banking started during his third year at the University of British Columbia. While many of his peers secured interviews through traditional channels, Ashish took a more direct approach. He walked into a local BMO branch on a Saturday with his resume and asked to speak with the manager. She told him, “If you can pass the assessment, we’ll give you a shot.” That math test opened the door to his first role as a part-time Customer Service Representative—and marked the beginning of a career built on initiative, resilience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort.
Over the next 25 years, Ashish progressed through a series of increasingly senior roles at BMO: Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, Personal Banking Area Manager, Regional Vice President for Personal Banking, and now, Regional Vice President, Specialized Sales for BC & Yukon. Along the way, he developed a leadership style rooted in curiosity, humility, and a deep respect for people.
“I have seen Ashish’s strategic insight and genuine care for community shine through this past year and a half. He brings personal commitment alongside professional expertise, being a Surrey resident with children born at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Through the Surrey Hospitals Foundation Finance Committee, his leadership has strengthened health care. What I admire most is his determination to do more and expand his impact. This quality will benefit Surrey for generations to come.”
Nicole Robson
President & CEO
Surrey Hospitals Foundation
Ashish often reflects on the importance of being comfortable with discomfort. Early in his career, he worked in a branch located inside a Safeway grocery store, where initiating conversations with strangers felt intimidating. A mentor recommended Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People, which helped him build confidence and interpersonal skills. He also found that being fluent in Hindi and Punjabi allowed him to connect deeply with South Asian clients, offering personalized service and building trust. These experiences reminded him of the support he received when he first arrived in Canada and reinforced the importance of purpose-driven work.
“That experience taught me three things I carry with me to this day:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Purpose-driven work is deeply fulfilling
- Discomfort leads to growth.”
Throughout his career, Ashish has prioritized building meaningful relationships—with clients, colleagues, and community partners. He believes that understanding what matters to others and finding ways to support them is the foundation of lasting connection. His relational approach has helped him build trust and shape a leadership style that values listening, collaboration, and shared success.
“Working with Ashish and his team at BMO has consistently impressed me with his vision and commitment. Ashish’s leadership in Specialized Sales, especially in Real Estate financing, has been invaluable to countless families and partnerships, including ours at Concord Pacific. Our collaborators must understand business needs and have a community-minded approach, and Ashish exemplifies this. I’ve always appreciated his trust and professionalism in every interaction.”
Peter Wang
Director, Sales
Concord Pacific Developments Corp.
He also believes in leading from the ground up. Ashish has always been hands-on, learning the business by staying close to the customer experience and connecting with frontline teams. This approach has helped him build credibility and a strong personal brand. His time at UBC was not just about academics—it was a period of self-discovery, where he learned the importance of time management, discipline, and resilience. These skills became essential as he progressed through increasingly demanding roles.
In a world of constant change, Ashish has learned to focus on what’s within his control. Whether navigating business challenges or personal setbacks, he approaches each situation with agility and a growth mindset. “I’ve learned to execute flawlessly on what I can control and treat every setback as a learning opportunity,” he says.
“Ashish Arora embodies a winning attitude that inspires others. Combined with unwavering optimism, his compassion drives people to excel. Innovation, growth, and celebration are hallmarks of his work. It fosters trust, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. The focus he has on developing leaders has allowed many of his team members to grow. My gratitude goes out to someone who is heart-centered and visionary. His impact on our team is profound and lasting.”
Tony Tintinalli
Head, Specialized Sales
Canadian Personal Banking, BMO
Ashish credits his father as his greatest inspiration. Moving to a new country in his late 40s to give his family a better life took immense courage. His father started from the bottom and rebuilt his career, demonstrating positivity, faith, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Mentors also played a pivotal role in Ashish’s journey. They listened without judgment, encouraged him to take risks, and helped him overcome his fear of failure. Today, Ashish pays it forward by mentoring emerging leaders and championing community initiatives.
Giving back is deeply personal for Ashish. He has been actively involved with Junior Achievement, teaching financial literacy and sharing his story to inspire youth; the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, helping raise funds for healthcare infrastructure; and United Way, where he co-chaired BMO’s national employee giving campaign, achieving record-breaking results. “As a former immigrant, leading these campaigns is my way of paying it forward,” he says.
“Ashish’s journey to Canada is a testament to his unwavering commitment to community. He understands the challenges of being a newcomer to a country, which is why he has committed himself to mentoring youth and supporting healthcare initiatives. Genuine compassion and innovative vision define his leadership, inspiring others to strive for excellence and make a difference.”
James Kitamura
Regional President
British Columbia & Yukon Region
BMO
Balancing ambition with authenticity, Ashish completed his MBA from Dalhousie University while working full-time and raising two young children. He credits his wife, Tina—a successful realtor—and their children, Ishaan and Aanya, for being his unwavering support system. “Discipline, focus, and minimizing distractions helped me manage it all. I even simplified my wardrobe—just a white dress shirt every day. It’s not about being dressed to kill; it’s about being ready to deliver.”
He believes that continuous improvement, staying present, and enjoying the journey are key to managing even the busiest moments without feeling overwhelmed. In his current role, Ashish continues to champion innovation and collaboration. He encourages his team to challenge the status quo, explore new ways to serve clients, and celebrate collective success.
As the banking industry evolves, Ashish remains optimistic about the role of technology—but firmly believes that the human element will remain irreplaceable. “AI will transform banking, but advice, empathy, and personalized guidance will always matter. If you’re new to Canada, we’ll help you feel right at home. Our BMO NewStart® Program is designed to make your financial journey easier.”
When asked to describe himself, Ashish chooses three words: calm, inspiring, and driven. These qualities have shaped his leadership journey and continue to guide his impact. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about titles or achievements—it’s about staying true to your values, building meaningful relationships, and leading with purpose.
