The Peak's Emerging
Leaders
2026

Help shape a community of bold, young Canadian leaders who are shaping the course of their industry.

Nominate an Emerging Leader

The Peak's annual Emerging Leaders list recognizes Canadians under 40 who are making a notable impact in their field.

Do you know someone emerging as a leader in their organization or industry? Nominate them (or yourself) today.

Submit Nomination

Nominations close on May 1, 2026.

Categories

Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Legal Tech Social Impact Finance Politics and Government Sales Marketing and Advertising Entrepreneurship Media & Entertainment Food, Drink & Consumer Goods Communications

Meet Our Co-Chairs

Industry leaders who select and champion the next generation of emerging talent.

Marlee Socket

Communications Manager, Maple

Healthcare

Patrice Oliveira

Platform Manager, TD Innovation Partners

Tech

Danielle Gifford

MD of AI & Advanced Analytics, PwC

Tech

Rob Khazzam

Co-Founder & CEO, Float

Finance

Janet Zhang

President, York CPA Ontario Association

Finance

Megan Buttle

President, Earnscliffe Strategies

Politics & Government

Stefan Baranski

Managing Principal, Navigator Ltd.

Politics & Government

Vickram Agarwal

Founder & CEO, S1:E2

Marketing & Advertising

Marsha Druker

Founder, Fuckup Nights Toronto

Entrepreneurship

Rob Kraszewski

Head of BD & Partnerships, TIFF

Media & Entertainment

Sarah Bartnicka

Editor, Milk Bag

Media & Entertainment

Hunter Knifton

Senior Consultant and Data Scientist, Crestview

Politics & Government

Peter Flynn

Partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP

Legal

Isabel Nolan

Director of Programs, Startup Canada

Entrepreneurship

Kate Grant

Business Advisor, Fasken

Legal

How We Do It

Our panel of industry-specific chairs selects from the pool of nominees, considering a variety of factors including impact, innovativeness, potential, and more.

The Lists

The list of selected Emerging Leaders includes 100+ people across six categories, spotlighting those building the future of Canadian business and public life.

The Fine Print

Nominees must be 39 or younger on December 31, 2026. Nominations close on May 1, 2026. Self-nominations are welcome.

Who deserves to be recognized?

Nominations are open to the public and reviewed by our editorial team. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.