Career Biography   

Rabih (Rob) Assal was selected as a Powerlister in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Canada 2026 in recognition of his leadership as a senior in-house counsel who has shaped legal strategy, governance frameworks, and enterprise risk management across complex manufacturing businesses. His career has progressed from private practice through successive senior in-house roles, culminating in his current executive position at one of Canada’s leading global apparel manufacturers. 

Mr. Assal joined Gildan Activewear  in August 2025 as executive vice president, chief legal and administrative officer and corporate secretary. In this role, he oversees the company’s global legal affairs, corporate governance, corporate development, commodities and customs compliance, environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, and corporate security. He advises the Board of Directors and executive leadership on high-stakes corporate matters, regulatory compliance, and major transactions while supporting Gildan’s vertically integrated manufacturing model and international operations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. His appointment came shortly after Gildan announced the acquisition of Hanesbrands—its largest transaction to date—positioning him to help navigate the legal, governance, and integration aspects of the deal and the subsequent evolution of the company’s brand portfolio and operational footprint. 

Prior to Gildan, Mr. Assal spent more than a decade at Magna International Inc., one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers. He most recently served as vice president and General Counsel, leading a global legal team and providing counsel on strategic initiatives, complex corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, and product quality compliance. His work at Magna International involved navigating cross-border commercial, regulatory, and operational issues in a highly competitive, multi-jurisdictional manufacturing environment. Through these responsibilities he developed substantial expertise in enterprise risk management, corporate governance, and the delivery of pragmatic, business-aligned legal support that enables growth while managing exposure. 

Prior to his tenure at Magna International, Mr. Assal held various legal roles, including at Stikeman Elliott LLP, one of Canada’s leading law firms, where he focused on corporate and commercial matters. These formative experiences in private practice and industry established the technical foundation and judgment that have characterised his subsequent executive career.