RBC INTERNATIONAL BANKING APPOINTS SURESH SOOKOO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF
CARIBBEAN BANKING

TORONTO AND PORT OF SPAIN, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - RBC International Banking, part of Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE), today announced that Suresh Sookoo, currently chief executive officer of RBTT Financial Group (RBTT), has been appointed chief executive officer, Caribbean Banking. Mr. Sookoo's responsibilities now encompass Caribbean-wide oversight of retail, business and corporate banking operations.

"Suresh's deep understanding of our business and his proven success as a leader make him the ideal person for this expanded role," said Jim Westlake, group head, RBC International Banking. "Suresh will focus on integrating our businesses onto a common platform across the Caribbean, enhancing the end-to-end and client experience by simplifying the way we do business, and improving the productivity in our banking network."

RBC acquired RBTT in 2008 and Mr. Sookoo's appointment represents the next step in the integration of RBC Caribbean Banking businesses. RBC has one of the most expansive banking networks in the Caribbean with a presence in 20 countries and territories across the region, 129 combined branches and close to 7,000 employees serving more than 1.6 million clients across the region.

Suresh Sookoo

As chief executive officer of RBC's Caribbean Banking, Mr. Sookoo has Caribbean-wide oversight of retail, business and corporate banking operations. He has been chief executive officer of RBTT since 2006.

Mr. Sookoo joined RBTT in 1974 and has held senior positions in Corporate and Commercial Banking, Risk Management and Finance. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies and an Executive Masters in Business Administration (Distinction) from the University of the West Indies.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We are Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. We employ approximately 78,000 full- and part-time employees who serve close to 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries. For more information, please visit: www.rbc.com.

For further information:

Media Contacts:
RBC, Toronto: Gillian McArdle, Telephone: [phone]
RBC, Caribbean Banking, Port of Spain: André C. Roberts, Telephone: [phone]