Lara Druyan

Lara Druyan is a Silicon Valley technology and financial services executive who has guided multi-billion-dollar institutions through digital transformation, AI adoption, and M&A growth. A recognized “Director to Watch” and experienced public company director, she brings proven audit and risk committee expertise as well as 25 years of leadership across technology, venture capital, and innovative fintech ecosystems. Lara leverages her AI investment experience and boardroom acumen to help large companies harness disruption for competitive advantage.

An award-winning business transformation leader recognized by Constellation Research and Banking Innovation, she serves on the Boards of CIBC Bancorp US (NYSE: CM), Healogix, a healthcare marketing and analytics firm serving leading pharmaceutical clients, and Synfini, a computational chemistry spin-out from SRI International advancing AI-driven drug discovery for global pharmaceutical R&D. Lara is also an advisor to the CIBC Global Board’s Technology Committee.
Her prior board service includes Synechron, a leading IT services firm that recruited Lara to its board to guide governance and strategy in preparation for its IPO. She also held the lead trustee role for the City of San Jose’s Federated Employee Retirement System, where she chaired the Investment Committee and oversaw $2B in assets. She has served across Audit, Risk, Compensation, M&A, and Nomination & Governance Committees.

Lara is a Founding General Partner of Private Liquidity Partners, a secondary investment fund that leverages AI to identify promising late-stage venture capital-backed companies. She is also a Venture Partner with Silicon Valley Data Capital, a seed-stage venture firm that invests in AI, cybersecurity, and software.

Previously, she served as the Head of Innovation for the Royal Bank of Canada, where she drove digital transformation, with particular focus on global markets and asset management. At RBC, she also served on the Bank’s Crypto Asset Oversight Committee. Earlier roles include partner at Allegis Capital, product manager at Silicon Graphics, and investment banker at Merrill Lynch. She brings deep, end-to-end expertise in technology creation and organizational change management, from conception through implementation. These executive and investment roles complement her commitment to governance service.
Lara’s non-profit board service reflects her commitment to inclusive innovation and education, qualities boards increasingly value in stakeholder capitalism. She serves on Astia’s Investor Council, an organization that addresses inclusion for female entrepreneurs, and the University of Chicago’s Graham School Council. Previously, she served on the Board of Aim High, an education nonprofit serving middle school students in high-need communities, for 15 years.

She earned an A.B. in Economics from the University of Chicago, graduating with Honors in Economics and with Honors from the College. She also holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.