April Schulze is the Chief Executive Officer and Ombudsman of the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO). Since joining GIO, April has overseen significant changes to improve GIO’s processes, systems, and organizational culture. Prior to this, April spent five years leading a national banking ombudservice, acting as Ombudsman for several of Canada’s largest banks, as well as 12 towns, cities and municipalities within the province of Ontario. During her time in this role, she achieved 100% compliance with recommendations by member banks and municipalities.

April holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta and was called to the Alberta bar in 2008 and the Ontario bar in 2015. Prior to joining the Financial Ombudservice industry, she practiced law for several years, primarily in civil litigation. April also holds several certificates in training as an Ombudsman, in Board governance, and in dispute resolution including the Advanced Issues in Ombuds Practice Certificate from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, the NFP Governance Essentials Program from The Institute of Corporate Directors and The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop Certificate from Stitt Feld Handy Group, Project of the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor.