Sal Rabbani brings over two decades of experience across professional services, entrepreneurship, and public leadership — anchored in a national perspective on building enduring Canadian businesses.

He began his career in transaction advisory at a global professional services firm, later supporting more than a thousand Canadian businesses as a senior development banker. In that role, he advised entrepreneurs on growth, succession, and transformation. Throughout his career, Sal has remained deeply committed to advancing entrepreneurship in Canada, devoting untold hours to strengthening the resilience and capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

His work has always been purpose-driven: enhancing leadership, improving business performance, and contributing to the long-term vitality of Canadian communities. These experiences gave him wide-ranging sector exposure and a deep understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face on the ground.

Sal is also a respected voice in civic and public leadership. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Empire Club of Canada and is recognized as the first two-term President and Chair in the institution’s 121-year history. He also served on the Board of the Toronto District School Board. In 2025, Sal was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service to Canada.

At CIEL Capital, Sal is a member of the leadership team and a Partner in the firm. His mandate spans firm-wide governance, guiding investment themes, and supporting the evolution of portfolio companies into national champions. Sal brings a statesman’s lens to private equity — one rooted in values-aligned capital, institutional strength, and impact at scale — perfectly aligned with the long-term ethos of CIEL Capital.