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Another component of Wilby's job is setting the strategy for government relations in Canada. The federal government has a long tradition of looking internationally to conduct broad research on policy matters. "To the extent we're able to filter into that process, we're better informed so we can better inform our lawmakers. It's a great resource we bring to the table." From the time Wilby got into law, he knew he didn't want to work for a large firm — and he never has. After earning his degree in sociology at the University of Western Ontario, Wilby decided to take a year off and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. "I was a ski bum at Whistler, but I knew I had to do some exams while I was there, or I'd be 45 years old and still on the slopes," he says. "I knew I wanted to be in business, but not necessarily from a straight business perspective." So law seemed like the right fit. He wrote the LSAT in Vancouver, studying while he was at Whistler, then attended law school at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1994. He then moved back to Ontario to article and was called to the Ontario bar in 1996. Wilby articled at Deacon Spears Fedson & Montizambert, a boutique firm focused on condominium law, as well as civil litigation and general corporate/commercial law. Being one of only two students articling at the firm, he was able to experience myriad aspects of law. So when it came time to decide on his future career path, he had a choice between another firm or a multi- national life insurance company, and he chose the latter. He worked for The Independent Order of Foresters, where Wilby was responsible for legal matters related to all forms of life insurance. After four years he moved to AEGON Canada Inc., the parent company of Transamerica Life Canada, continuing to work on life insurance, but also branching into segregated and mutual funds when AEGON bought a broker dealer and built a fund company. "I really like retail financial services — the way all the regulatory issues come together," says Wilby. "So after AEGON, I thought credit cards would be another good product to get into, and that's how I got turned onto Capital One." Capital One comes out with new products on a regular basis, so Wilby is responsible for making sure those products are a good fit for the business and adhere to legal and ethical standards. The company also does a lot of marketing in different channels — it's known for its humorous TV commercials, for example — so he addresses any marketing law issues. And, like any financial institution, he deals with internal policies and procedures around major areas of regulation. It's a challenging job, but one that keeps him interested as he constantly recalibrates for an unpredictable future. He has recalibrated in other areas, too. He still loves winter sports, but he doesn't get out to the slopes quite as much these days. "My children aren't as enthusiastic [about skiing]," he says, "so I've transferred over to skating." IH Untitled-2 1 INHOUSE DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 • 11/29/10 4:39:29 PM 37