Forum Chair

Peter Aceto

Toronto, ON

About Peter

  • Transformational Leadership
  • Strategic & Operational Excellence
  • Communication

    Bio

    Peter Aceto is a three-time CEO, a MacKay CEO Forums Chair, and a Strategic Advisor to the CEO of MacKay CEO Forums. He works closely with CEOs navigating complexity, growth, and leadership inflection points. In parallel, he provides select CEO- and board-level advisory and consulting services through Aceto Leadership Performance, supporting organizations during periods of transformation, scale, and strategic reset.

    Peter was a founding member of Tangerine Bank’s (formerly ING Direct) senior leadership team and served as President and CEO from 2008 to 2017. During his tenure, he helped transform ING Direct from a monoline savings institution into Canada’s most trusted “everyday” bank, culminating in its $3.1 billion acquisition by Scotiabank in 2012. Prior to becoming CEO, Peter held senior roles including Chief Risk Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Lending Officer at ING Direct U.S., and General Counsel at ING Direct Canada.

    Following Tangerine, Peter has remained deeply engaged in Canada’s financial services and fintech ecosystem as an operator, investor, board member, and advisor. He has served as CEO on three occasions, including leading the successful turnaround of one of Canada’s largest mortgage brokerage businesses, Mortgage Alliance, restoring performance, stability, and strategic focus.

    Most recently, Peter joined the executive leadership team at KOHO Financial, where his mandate was to lead the federal banking strategy. Within 11 months, he developed the full business case, secured board approval, and submitted a complete Schedule I bank application to Canada’s regulator (OSFI).

    Peter is a board member of Fintechs Canada and is widely recognized for his leadership in customer-centric transformation, culture, governance, and risk. He is the author of Weology: How Everybody Wins When We Comes Before Me, a Globe and Mail bestseller, and has received numerous awards for leadership in business, design, communication, and human resources, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to Canada and community service.

    Peter’s Group Overview

    Peter is deeply passionate about helping people and organizations move forward with clarity and purpose. He works closely with CEOs and leadership teams, coaching them to elevate performance, strengthen decision-making, and lead more effectively across a wide range of industries.

    Meeting Locations

    Peter’s forum group meets 7 times per year. Each member hosts the meeting at their preferred location, which is hosted within the Greater Toronto Area.

    Group Member Overview

    Peter leads and mentors his Forum Groups consisting of executives and CEOs to help them resolve their biggest challenges.

    • Financial Services
    • Law
    • Manufacturing
    • Children’s Healthcare
    • Transportation
    • AI
    • Construction

    Special Advisors

    MacKay Chairs engage a committee of Special Advisors in their professional and group development, expanding the network and support available to our members and Chairs. These seasoned experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, elevating the quality of our Forums. By collaborating closely with Forum Chairs, they enhance the peer support system, tapping into a deeper pool of connections and expertise to foster even greater leadership development and business success.

    Benefits of Peer Learning

    Leadership can be isolating. Peer learning creates rare space to be understood, challenged, and supported by others carrying similar responsibility.

    What is Peer Learning?

    A Trusted Space

    A confidential, judgement-free environment where leaders can speak openly, think clearly, and be fully heard.

    Shared Experience

    Perspective from peers who understand the weight and consequences of leadership decisions.

    Diverse Perspectives

    Insight from non-competing peers across industries, backgrounds, and leadership styles.

    Voices From Our Forums

    Hear directly from our community how peer learning at MacKay CEO Forums delivers perspective, accountability, and practical insight, helping leaders think clearly, make better decisions, and move forward with confidence.

    Assess Your Leadership Mastery

    Designed for CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners, this assessment offers a structured reflection on how you lead, decide, and show up across all areas of life. Discover your leadership strengths, growth edges, and readiness for peer learning.

    Take the Quiz

    Who It’s For

    MacKay forum groups are designed for CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners who value confidential dialogue, shared experience, and a high -accountability culture. Members are growth-oriented leaders navigating real complexity such as people, strategy, scale, and succession, and are committed to showing up prepared, engaged, and open to perspective.

    Find the MacKay Membership That’s Right for You

    Find the peer learning membership that fits your leadership role.

    Become a Forum Chair

    Apply your facilitation skills, business acumen, and leadership experience to build high-trust, judgement-free peer learning forums for CEOs, executives, and business owners.

    Learn More