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Private Wealth leadership

Your CI Private Wealth advisory team comprises highly experienced and accredited wealth management specialists working together to provide you with a superior wealth advisory experience. CI Private Wealth is backed by an experienced executive management team overseeing the firm’s investment due diligence, operational and compliance needs to best serve our clients.

Joanne Dereta

Joanne Dereta

Managing Director | MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CIM, CPCA, TEP

Joanne Dereta is a Founder, Managing Director and Principal of CI Private Wealth. Joanne manages wealth for millionaires. How did her clients get that way? Some of them saved it, some of them inherited it, some of them married it and some of them built their wealth themselves, from the ground up. But they all have reached the realization that the most important thing now is to make the most of it. So, Ms. Dereta’s specialty is quarterbacking comprehensive wealth management for her exclusive group of high net worth individuals and families, preferably through generations. For over 20 years, she has advised business owners, lawyers, retirees and their families in planning and managing their wealth. She is very effective at personally guiding her clients toward a Financial Life in Order, a process she personally designed, in order to take her clients from chaos to confidence. Ms. Dereta is both a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.), who holds an MBA from Queen’s University, as well as the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designations. In 2003, Ms. Dereta established Jo's Snowflake Fund, a charitable trust, providing Comfort Packs to children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in Toronto homeless shelters. This gifting is done through the valuable involvement of Windfall Clothing Service. Ms. Dereta also supports UNICEF, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, Share Plan, The Stop, Pathways to Education and AMREF (the African Medical Research Foundation).

Dan Finegan

Dan Finegan

Managing Director | CIM, FCSI

Dan Finegan is one of the founders of CI Private Wealth and predecessor companies, Assante Asset Management and Equion Securities, with a career spanning over 30 years in the wealth management industry. Mr. Finegan works with affluent families in and around the Toronto area. At CI Private Wealth, the emphasis is on managing clients’ overall wealth, helping clients reach their financial objectives, preserve and grow their capital, minimize their tax and ensure that their retirement, estate and succession planning are current and in order. Mr. Finegan has a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University, holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®). Mr. Finegan is an active contributor to the Dorothy Ley Hospice, is a member at St. Georges Golf and Country Club, Oviinbyrd Golf Club in Muskoka, and lives in the Kingsway area of Toronto with his wife, Lesley.

Bryan Grenier

Bryan Grenier

Managing Director | CFP, CIM

As a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at CI Private Wealth, Bryan Grenier brings extensive experience in managing all financial aspects of high net worth individuals’ lives. He assists clients in reaching their objectives by providing discretionary investment management and integrated wealth management solutions. Mr. Grenier began his career in the financial services industry over 13 years ago with Scotia Cassels Investment Management, where his focus was on investment planning, and he assisted in the management of over $300 million in assets. Mr. Grenier joined Loring Ward Private Counsel when the first Toronto office opened in 1997, and is one of the founding partners of CI Private Wealth. Mr. Grenier graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a bachelor's degree in economics. He continues to further his industry education, holding the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designations.

Shawn Khoorshed

Shawn Khoorshed

Managing Director | CFA. CFP

As a managing director at CI Private Wealth, Shawn Khoorshed brings extensive experience in managing all financial aspects of high net worth individuals’ lives. He assists a select group of wealthy families in realizing their financial goals through ongoing retirement, tax and estate planning. Mr. Khoorshed works with affluent families, corporations, trusts and foundations across Canada and abroad. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Khoorshed started his career with a major international insurance company before joining Loring Ward Private Counsel shortly after the first Toronto office opened in the late 90s, and is one of the founding partners of CI Private Wealth. Mr. Khoorshed is a CFA Charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) as well as a member of the Toronto CFA Society and the CFA Institute. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce in management economics and finance from the University of Guelph. He lives in Oakville with his wife, Neelam, and their two children.

Koel B. Loyer

Koel B. Loyer

Managing Director | MBA, CFP, CIM, FCSI

As Principal and Wealth Advisor at CI Private Wealth, Koel Loyer brings extensive experience in managing the financial affairs of high net worth business owners, professionals and other successful Canadian families. Mr. Loyer has expertise in helping his clients optimize the use of their holding companies from a tax and investment perspective. He takes a “Family Office” approach, providing discretionary investment management and holistic, integrated wealth management solutions, with a special emphasis on tax planning and tax mitigation. Mr. Loyer has built a particular specialty in working with “family” business owners and senior lawyers at some of the country’s top firms. Prior to joining CI Private Wealth as a founding member in 2006, Mr. Loyer was an advisor with a large North American wealth management company for several years. An MBA graduate from the Michael G. Degroote School of Business at McMaster University, he also holds an Honours degree in commerce from Queen’s University. Mr. Loyer is a member of the Financial Planners Standards Council and holds several professional accreditations including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations. Most recently, he has been awarded the coveted Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation, placing him in the top 5% of all financial advisors in Canada. Mr. Loyer resides in Toronto’s Little Italy community and during his spare time, he is involved with The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE), The Stop Community Food Centre in Toronto’s west end as well as serving on the ROM’s Executive Board for its Royal Patrons’ Circle. With a special passion for food and wine, he co-chairs “Joanne’s and Koel’s Wine Club”. Mr. Loyer works closely with his client families to provide specialized wealth planning strategies in the context of a very proactive, personal and caring relationship.

Jock MacDonald

Jock MacDonald

Founding Director | CIM

Jock MacDonald provides an integrated approach to assisting a select group of individuals and their families manage their financial affairs. He focuses on helping his clients achieve their personal financial goals, minimize taxes and preserve capital. His expertise includes tax, estate and succession planning, helping his clients navigate business sales and corporate reorganizations, and a disciplined approach to portfolio management, which has been very successful for his clients over the last 27 years. Mr. MacDonald is a founder of CI Private Wealth. Prior to CI Private Wealth, he co-founded a large North American wealth management firm which he left to set up CI Private Wealth. He has also worked as a consultant to business owners on succession planning and finance, as a management consultant for a New York-based firm focused on investment policy and risk management, and managed a billion dollar portfolio of fixed income securities for a large institution in Canada. Mr. MacDonald is a registered Portfolio Manager. He achieved an Honours MBA from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Queen’s University. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Janet, and their three children.

Michael Mallinos

Michael Mallinos

Managing Director | CFP. FMA, CIM

Michael Mallinos, a Managing Director and founding Partner of CI Private Wealth, brings extensive experience in managing all facets of a high net worth families’ financial affairs. Mr. Mallinos has worked for many years developing a ‘Family Office’ solution, dealing not only with investment, estate and tax planning, but also wealth and business succession planning. Understanding that wealth stewardship means more than just the numbers, he facilitates a focus on open and transparent communication with all family members. Helping families define their own unique “philosophy of wealth” as an integral step in creating the foundation on which a successful transition plan is built. With more than 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Mallinos holds the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA), the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), the Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations, and is a registered Portfolio Manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Toronto and is involved in various charities, serving as the Chair of the Royal Patron’s Circle, the (past) Co-Chair of the Young Patron’s Circle and a current member of the Planned Giving Committee at the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as a founding member and board member of the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada. He and his wife reside in Toronto with their two children.

Rob Pierce

Rob Pierce

Managing Director

For over 35 years, Rob Pierce has helped high net worth families, individuals, executives, entrepreneurs, corporations, foundations and trusts meet their wealth management objectives. Mr. Pierce is registered as a Portfolio Manager with the Ontario Securities Commission, the industry’s highest designation. He is the co-founder of CI Private Wealth (a wholly owned subsidiary of CI Financial), and its predecessor companies; Assante Asset Management and Equion Securities. Mr. Pierce has a history of business success, as well as being a skilled Portfolio Manager and business advisor. Mr. Pierce is co-author of The Family TRĒ, The Total Return Experience, a book that examines and details the management, practices and philosophy of the family office business in Canada, which was written and published in 2017. Mr. Pierce is past Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Royal Ontario Museum, a position he held from 2012 to 2019. A Governor at the ROM since 1998, Mr. Pierce co-chairs the Finance and Investment Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Pierce is a recipient of the prestigious Ontario Lieutenant Governors Distinguished Services Award for service to the ROM in 2019. He holds an economics degree from the University of Western Ontario, is a Master of Philosophy candidate at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and studies at Harvard and the University of Toronto. Mr. Pierce balances his professional endeavors with spending time at Rosedale Golf Club, Country Club of Florida, The Granite Club, The ROM, cycling, skiing, travel and helping others. Mr. Pierce believes a family’s wealth extends well beyond its financial resources as it includes their collective skills and competences, intellectual knowledge, and by far the most important, the family’s reputation for fairness and decency in its business and community relationships. Building one of the largest financial/investments advisory businesses in Canada for the past 35 years, Mr. Pierce’s expertise and sound advice is a sought-after commodity. He resides in Toronto and has three children.

Gina Scola

Gina Scola

Managing Director | CFP, CIM

With almost 20 years of financial industry experience, Gina Scola's focus is on the creation and implementation of wealth management solutions for the affluent community. As a member of the CI Financial group of companies since 2006, Ms. Scola specializes in discretionary investment management and comprehensive wealth planning services. Prior to joining CI Private Wealth, Ms. Scola was Senior Vice-President of Knight Bain Private Counsel. She also previously held the role of Vice-President, Investment Services and Associate Portfolio Manager at a prominent investment counsel firm. From 1993 to 2001, Ms. Scola was Director of Investment Services at a major Canadian financial institution, and an eight-time recipient of the President's Award for her outstanding performance during her tenure. Ms. Scola is a Portfolio Manager who holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designations, and is experienced on insurance matters. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Toronto. Ms. Scola has been featured in several regional and national business publications. In addition, she was highlighted in the 2003 book Made in Canada: The Italian Way, as one of 32 successful Canadian entrepreneurs of Italian origin. 

Keith Thomson

Keith Thomson

Managing Director | CFP, CIM, FCSI

Keith Thomson began his career in 1985 as a financial advisor with McLeod Young Weir. He is a Fellow of The Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®) which places him in an elite group of only 5% of financial advisors in Canada to have obtained this distinction. He is a licensed Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with a specialized focus in philanthropy. Mr. Thomson has had numerous articles featured in such publications such as The Globe and Mail and CPA Magazine, the latter being read monthly by over 90,000 Chartered Professional Accountants. Mr. Thomson currently serves on the board of Seva Canada, whose mission is to restore sight and prevent blindness in the developing world. For over five years he was Chair of The African Medical and Research Foundation and has served on the boards of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and The Toronto Foundation. For over two decades, Mr. Thomson has funded his own family foundation supporting initiatives in Canada and around the world. Every year, and at a minimum, 10% of all business income is donated to a wide range of charitable organizations locally, nationally and internationally. To learn more about his philanthropic initiatives please visit Philanthropy Matters. He, his wife, Tanja, their daughter Kiera, and dog Haggis, reside in the Beach neighborhood of Toronto.

Alan Cranfield

Alan Cranfield

Principal | CFP, R.F.P.

Alan Cranfield is a Principal with CI Private Wealth, a division of CI Private Counsel LP. Mr. Cranfield specializes in helping successful senior business executives and entrepreneurs to gain financial peace of mind so they can spend more time enjoying their families, maintaining good health and living life to the fullest.

 

As a founding shareholder of a national wealth management company, Mr. Cranfield is in a better position than most advisors to understand the unique needs of high net worth clients. He is committed to building long-term client relationships based on trust, results and a genuine enjoyment of each other’s company. He limits his practice to less than 50 clients so that he can provide each client with a high level of attention and personal service.

 

Since 1983, Mr. Cranfield has been dedicated to helping his clients achieve their financial goals. He has earned the professional designations of Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner (CFP) and Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.). In addition to passing comprehensive examinations, continuing education is a requirement of maintaining these designations. Mr. Cranfield also attended the Harvard Kennedy School, Investment Decisions and Behavioral Finance course, in 2004 and 2008.

 

Successful individuals and families work with Mr. Cranfield to:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive wealth management plan.

  • Make smarter decisions in today's uncertain political, economic and social environment.

  • To obtain an independent second opinion from a top wealth management team

 

Mr. Cranfield grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from McMaster University. After graduating, he worked at IBM Canada for more than a decade, where he was recognized as President of the Office Products Division 100% Club in 1969. He also spent four years at AES Data, where he managed one of the company’s most successful branches and helped market one of the first models of the personal computer.

& Associate Donnie Doran
Donnie Doran

Donnie Doran

Senior Associate | CFA, CFP

As a member of a team with Alan Cranfield, Donnie Doran helps manage the financial affairs of a select group of affluent families in order to maintain and grow their wealth, allowing them to live their dreams worry free. CI Private Wealth employs a consultative process of holistic, integrated wealth management solutions. Using two distinct Investment Policy Questionnaires, Mr. Doran ensures every investment policy is tailored to compliment the individual needs of each client family and is then responsible for overseeing the implementation of that policy, using The Strategic Wealth Management Cycle. A CFA Charterholder and registered Portfolio Manager with over 15 years of industry experience, Mr. Doran's commitment to a world-class, process-driven approach to investment management stems from his belief that we serve our client’s needs best by employing a team of experts to specialize in each step of the process. Prior to joining CI Private Wealth, Mr. Doran spent many years focusing on the investment side of a client’s wealth plan, but more importantly, also on the holistic financial planning side. His experience in the financial industry began in British Columbia with the largest independent brokerage in Canada, followed by a move to Ontario to join one of the large banks. After a few years, Mr. Doran made the switch to United Financial, a sister company of CI Private Wealth, as an Investment Counsellor concentrating on managed money and in-depth wealth planning for successful families throughout Ontario and Manitoba. Donnie split his childhood and early adult life between Winnipeg and Vancouver, but has made his full-time home in Ontario for the last 12 years. He also spent a couple of years in Tokyo, which kick-started his love of travel. Mr. Doran is an avid sports fan and participant, and you will often find him golfing, running, cycling, playing organized sports or being active with friends. Mr. Doran graduated from the University of Manitoba where he majored in finance. He is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the Toronto CFA Society.

Michael Rutledge

Michael Rutledge

Principal | CIM®, CPA, CA

As Principal at CI Private Wealth, Michael manages the financial affairs of ultra-high-net worth families and focuses on providing innovative and customized wealth solutions tailored to each family’s unique needs. In conjunction with advising on the family's wealth, Michael supports entrepreneurs of private businesses on their strategic growth plans as well as enabling them to make sound financial decisions within the business to achieve their strategic priorities. 

 

Prior to joining CIPW, Michael was a Vice President in RBC’s Mid-Market Mergers & Acquisitions group where he advised business owners on the planning, execution, and sale of their businesses. Michael was responsible for providing valuation, business succession, tax planning, and execution advisory services for his clients. By leveraging his experience in M&A, Michael focuses on helping families preserve and enhance their business and personal wealth while ensuring they achieve their objectives.

 

Michael began his career at PwC in both Toronto and New York City in the Assurance and Advisory practice. He graduated from the Queen’s School of Business with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants and is a Portfolio Manager.

Sarah Varley

Sarah Varley

Principal | CIM®, CIMA®

As a Principal of CI Private Wealth, Sarah Varley works with high net worth families and individuals to help them manage their financial affairs and achieve their financial goals and objectives. Ms. Varley has worked in the investment industry for over 10 years and has extensive client service experience. Prior to joining CI Private Wealth, she was responsible for client service, business development and relationship management for CI Investments’ institutional clients, including large and small corporations, pension plans, endowments and foundations. Ms. Varley holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designations and is a member of the Investments and Wealth Institute. She is a registered Portfolio Manager and licensed to provide insurance services. Ms. Varley earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Dalhousie University. In her free time, she is actively engaged in the Toronto community and can often be found on the tennis courts.

Doug McCaw

Doug McCaw

Managing Director | CPA, CA, CFP, CIM

For over 20 years, Doug McCaw has provided wealth management services to high net worth individuals and families. He has helped them achieve personal financial goals by growing and preserving their wealth, minimizing personal taxes and simplifying their financial affairs. Many clients have expressed the benefits of a reduction in anxiety and a gain in peace of mind. Professional services are offered through an integrated wealth management approach covering two distinct services: a highly disciplined investment planning and management process and financial planning services that include family business transition counselling, retirement, tax, estate and insurance planning. In doing so, Mr. McCaw works closely with a client’s existing professional advisors. Clients are a select group of qualifying individuals who want to delegate responsibility for wealth management. Their objective is to find a trustworthy financial professional who has the exposure and experience to gain the knowledge required to understand their concerns and suggest workable solutions. A common characteristic is that these clients lack the time, desire or experience to manage family wealth but want to be kept regularly informed. Mr. McCaw’s knowledge comes from more than 40 years of exposure to numerous business and financial management issues. In his practice, he is supported by the CI Private Wealth in-house wealth management team, which adds strong investment, financial analysis, tax, legal and insurance expertise. Mr. McCaw graduated in business administration from Ryerson University, Toronto. He subsequently earned his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation with Ernst & Young. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) certification.

& Associate Manny Kelaidis
Manny Kelaidis

Manny Kelaidis

Associate | CFA

Manny Kelaidis joined our team after more than 19 years working in corporate finance, financial modelling, strategy and planning, for some of Canada's largest investment companies and banks. He has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Western Ontario and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). His extensive experience in security analysis and portfolio design has enhanced our objective of helping clients to protect, grow and eventually transition their wealth on a tax effective basis.

Michael L. Zammit

Michael L. Zammit

Managing Director | TEP, CIM, FCSI

Michael Zammit believes in providing an integrated and strategic approach to protecting the wealth of his clients and ensuring their financial goals are attained. As a Managing Director with over 20 years of financial industry experience, Mr. Zammit distinguishes himself as a leader in guiding individuals and families through various life transitions, ensuring both wealth and family principles are preserved from one generation to the next. His systematic and process-driven approach has enabled him to work with a variety of affluent families in communities from Toronto to Muskoka.

 

Prior to joining CI Private Wealth, Mr. Zammit was a Senior Financial Advisor and Managing Partner at Assante Wealth Management in Bracebridge, Ontario. In addition, he worked as a Trust Officer for both National Trust and Scotia Trust and as a Senior Private Client Manager for the United Financial division of CI Private Counsel LP, providing investment and wealth planning services and solutions. 

 

Mr. Zammit completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Western Ontario. He is also a fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®), and holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) as well as the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designations.

 

He lives in Muskoka with his wife and three children where he spends much of his spare time involved in extra-curricular activities with his children, including coaching soccer at the representative level for many years. When not in the office or on the field, he enjoys boating on Lake Muskoka and golfing at the Muskoka Bay Club.

Patrick Carruthers

Patrick Carruthers

Director, Wealth Planning | CPA, CIM, CA

As Director, Wealth Planning at CI Private Wealth’s Halifax office, Patrick Carruthers is an integral part of the CI Private Wealth’s wealth experience. Mr. Carruthers was formerly a member of the domestic tax team at Grant Thornton in Halifax. His past work experience has allowed him to develop in-depth knowledge and current perspectives on the wealth management industry, which he incorporates in his approach to financial and tax planning. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, Mr. Carruthers is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Investment Manager, is life insurance licensed and has completed the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Course. His areas of expertise include a broad base of corporate and personal tax planning, corporate reorganizations, compliance, and estate planning. In addition, he has a keen interest in capital markets, cryptocurrencies, technology, family businesses and real estate development. Outside of work, he is also involved with several community organizations in a volunteer capacity and has been an instructor for CPA Nova Scotia. Mr. Carruthers has a desire to work with families and help them in all aspects of their asset management and estate planning goals.

Jonathan MacLanders

Jonathan MacLanders

Director, Investment Management | CFA

As Director of Investment Management, Jon's commitment to our world-class, process-driven approach to investment management stems from his belief that we serve our clients’ needs best by employing a team of experts to specialize in each step of the process. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, he brings a diverse set of skills and knowledge when assisting our clients in all aspects of their wealth planning matters.

 

Prior to joining Stonegate, Jon spent several years with one of Canada's largest wealth planning firms where he focused on portfolio management, relationship management and financial planning for high-net-worth private clients.

 

Jon is passionate in the world of finance and is a member of the Halifax CFA Society. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance from Saint Mary's University and holds  the distinguished Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

 

Outside of work, Jon enjoys travelling around the world with his wife, although his favourite place to visit is his family property in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. He is also a lifelong basketball fan having played for both Dalhousie University's and Saint Mary's University's varsity teams.

John Carruthers

John Carruthers

Director, Client Development | CPA, CA, CBV, CMC

John Carruthers brings over 40 years of financial advice to his role of Director, Client Development at CI Private Wealth’s Halifax office. Previously, as a Partner with Grant Thornton LLP, he was a leader in business valuation and corporate finance for the Atlantic region. He practiced in the Halifax office working with a variety of individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. Mr. Carruthers graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1979. In 1983, he became a Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA), earning the highest mark on the Uniform Final Evaluation in the Province of Nova Scotia. Following the trend of specialization in the accounting industry, he became a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) in 1993 and later earned his Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation in 2009. He is a keen community supporter of organizations such as Special Olympics, Commissionaires Nova Scotia and NSCAD University.