Our Team
The Focus team represents diverse experience and broad expertise, resulting in a dynamic mix of talent that is focused on a single goal: achieving results.
Ling brings a can-do attitude to her role at Focus, always ready to get her hands dirty and do whatever it takes to complete the task at hand. With responsibilities that range from client onboarding, internal operations, and communications, Ling enjoys the dynamic culture and likens the Focus team to a tight-knit family. Prior to joining Focus, she spent twelve years as an Executive Assistant at large and mid-size financial institutions after earning her Bachelor of Science from The University of Western Ontario and an Events Planning and Management certificate from George Brown. Outside work, Ling is honing her skills as an amateur home cook and enjoys authentic recipes from different cultures.
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Ted was introduced to the risk/return spectrum after years of playing hockey which taught him that if you play good defense, the offense takes care of itself. Today, he is President and Co-Founder of Focus Asset Management, Co-Chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and an integral part of our client service team. Prior to co-founding Focus in 2009, Ted spent 12 years as a Portfolio Manager at a large Canadian bank-owned investment counseling firm where he achieved top quartile performance over multiple years. A CFA charter holder and former member of the Investment Committee and Board of Directors at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Ted currently serves on the investment committee of Ronald McDonald House Toronto.
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Young and hungry, Ryan is already a trusted professional who is constantly seeking new opportunities to improve his skills. Ryan works within the Client Advisory team to support our clients and their investment needs. Prior to joining Focus, Ryan spent three years in capital markets at a top-tier Canadian bank after receiving his Honours in Business Administration from the Ivey Business School. Outside work, Ryan is proudly living one of his childhood dreams as the head coach of a Toronto hockey team.
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Justin brings an analytical, hands-on approach to his role as Associate in the Investment Operations team. His focus on the big picture has helped him navigate his career in various banking roles, from personal lending to capital markets. Justin received his Bachelor of Arts with Honours from York University, during which time he completed two internships at RBC. Outside of work, Justin enjoys golfing and travel – most recently he spent time boating around the Amalfi Coast.
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Simply put, Andreea gets stuff done. No matter how complicated or nebulous the challenge, she will thread the needle and determine the critical path towards accomplishing an objective. It’s a skill set she draws on frequently to implement strategic initiatives and improve the firm’s operational efficiency. Prior to joining Focus, Andreea worked in consulting at a large professional services firm in project management at a leading pension plan after earning her Economics degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Most recently, Andreea started sailing and looks forward to the day she’s skilled enough to join a racing team.
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Jeff is responsible for our public equity strategies and private market funds. His passion for investing began in high school and continues to grow to this day. Researching new companies, industries and markets is a perfect challenge for his analytical mind, feeding a hunger for knowledge and desire for continuous learning and development. Jeff also believes that being a business owner himself provides perspective around strategy, leadership, capital allocation, talent development and other important issues facing our portfolio companies. Prior to joining Focus, Jeff co-founded alternative asset manager Alignvest Capital, and worked for several outstanding organizations including Gluskin Sheff, Birch Hill Capital and Goldman Sachs. Outside the office, Jeff’s interests include coaching his kids’ sports teams, completing New York Times crossword puzzles, and attempting to restore his golf game to its previous (albeit lackluster) form. Jeff received the Governor General’s Academic Medal upon graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a CFA charterholder.
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With a passion for problem-solving and the ability to catch what others miss, Yuliya was naturally drawn to the analytical aspect of investment operations. Her responsibilities include overseeing all activities related to our pooled funds, assisting in client and regulatory reporting, and supporting the compliance officer, client relations team, and portfolio managers. Prior to joining Focus, Yuliya worked at a private wealth management company, where she focused on client onboarding and servicing. Outside work, Yuliya enjoys a wide range of activities ranging from vegan cooking and hot yoga to cycling and reading non-fiction.
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Stephen brings an energetic and collaborative demeanor to the firm. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing investment operations and compliance, as well as driving innovation and optimizing processes while improving both client and regulatory reporting. Prior to joining Focus, he spent 15 years with a handful of wealth management firms, helping to implement best practices and processes. After graduating from the University of Toronto, Stephen completed the Canadian Securities Course as well as the Exempt Market Proficiency course. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys snowboarding in the winter and spends his summers taking road trips with his two dogs.
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Michael’s intellectual curiosity has fueled his continuous desire to travel throughout the world. He believes that same curiosity is also essential to good investing. Michael is responsible for income strategies and manages the fixed income, credit opportunities and dividend equity portfolios. Prior to joining Focus, Michael was Chief Investment Officer at a private holding company, where he founded and oversaw the asset management division. His strong technical expertise and independent thinking enable him to recognize potential in companies and identify their capital structure’s best risk/reward opportunity. Michael is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and CFA charterholder.
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As a Portfolio Manager responsible for coordinating client service activities and a member of the Investment Committee, John enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and working to help develop and launch new products that help clients achieve their financial objectives. Prior to joining Focus, John spent over two decades in private client money management at two banks and a private investment counselling firm. A CFA charter holder, John also has Math and Economics degrees from Queen’s University. His golf game is a work in progress and he enjoys the challenge of trying to develop consistency through all parts of the game – even as he notes golf might be the one activity where more effort yields less result.
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Maria Leon is an Associate, Client Administration at Focus Asset Management. In her role, she provides support to the Client Advisory team, focusing on client onboarding and data management. Maria is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and is known for her attention to detail and self-motivation. Prior to joining Focus, Maria worked as an onboarding specialist for a staffing agency, where she ensured smooth onboarding experiences for contractors and provided guidance as a team lead.
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Kara is a seasoned investor, entrepreneur, published author and the Senior Investment Strategist at Focus. She brings a wealth of expertise from her tenure in equity research for award-winning international equity and global equity small cap funds, serving on a $30 billion+ asset mix committee, and performing fundamental equity research on companies globally. Prior to joining Focus, she served as equity analyst, then Strategist and Partner at Mawer Investment Management for nine years. She also served in several key leadership roles within high-growth private companies, leading scaling, marketing, and strategic efforts, and has helped raise private growth capital for start-ups. Her published work has appeared in leading outlets such as The Globe and Mail, and her investment insights have been featured on networks including CBC and BNN. Kara attended the University of Toronto, where she was a Golden Cressy Leadership recipient, and the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she was a full-scholarship Varsity athlete. In her free time, Kara has successfully launched three non-profits, and became a professional cyclist, where her accolades have included two provincial titles, a national US podium and signing for a UCI professional cycling team.
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Sabrina brings a tenacious and vibrant energy to the firm. In her role as Associate on our Investment Operations team, Sabrina’s responsibilities include all activities relating to pooled funds, facilitating client and regulatory reporting, and supporting our compliance functions. Sabrina graduated from the University of Guelph before beginning her career at CIBC as a client service representative, followed by CI Financials’ private client team. Outside of work Sabrina enjoys pilates, yoga, hiking, and design… she has even created much of the art in her home!
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Matthew brings a dynamic and problem-solving approach to the firm. In his role as Sr. Manager of Investment Operations, he is known for his expertise in navigating complex situations and his readiness to tackle new challenges. Prior to his current position, he spent 9 years at a private asset management firm, where he was instrumental in implementing best practices and optimizing processes.
As a CFA charter holder, Matthew has built a reputation as the go-to person for solving intricate issues and driving innovation. Outside of work, he is a sports enthusiast who enjoys traveling to new countries and spending quality time with his wife and their two dogs. Matthew’s collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to the team.
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James brings a great deal of energy and creativity to his Client Development role. He enjoys working with individuals and families, learning about their objectives, and designing solutions for optimal financial well-being. His passion for helping clients on their wealth journey fuels his motivation for continuous learning and growth. Prior to joining Focus, James held senior roles advising high-net-worth families, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations at leading wealth management and asset management firms. He graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and is a CFA charterholder as well as a Registered Portfolio Manager (Advising Representative). Outside of work, James is a member of the Board of Directors and Audit & Finance Committee at Kerry’s Place Autism Services.
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A strategic leader with a passion for mentoring energetic and creative talent, Greg prides himself on cultivating an innovative, forward-thinking environment. As Executive Chairman and Co-Chair of our Investment Committee, Greg is dedicated to shaping the firm’s strategic direction and helping clients solve their most complex wealth-related needs. After receiving his MBA from Concordia University, he consistently earned top rankings as an equity research analyst and founded a boutique investment bank that was repeatedly recognized as one of the Top 10 equity underwriters in Canada, despite competing against significantly larger global financial institutions. After merging his boutique investment bank with a Canadian bank-owned investment dealer, Greg served as the combined firm’s head of investment banking, prior to joining Focus.
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Winnie brings a fresh perspective to her wealth planning role at Focus. As a Senior Wealth Planner, she works closely with the firm’s Client Relations team to provide comprehensive financial planning and specialized advice to clients. She prides herself on her ability to be resourceful and thorough when identifying the most appropriate wealth solutions alongside the team at Focus and with other industry experts. Prior to joining Focus, Winnie worked at IG Wealth Management and she holds a CFP designation. Outside of work, Winnie enjoys a variety of hobbies including gardening, learning Japanese, and digital portrait art.
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Detail-oriented and enthusiastic, Olivia is always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure tasks are completed with the utmost precision. She provides support to the Client Advisory team and Focus clients by prioritizing a wide variety of administrative responsibilities. Prior to joining Focus, Olivia spent three years working in the wedding industry in retail sales. She received the Student Leadership award while earning her Special Event Management diploma at George Brown College. Outside work, Olivia loves to explore the outdoors by hiking, cycling, and going to the beach.
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Nicole brings a well-balanced energy to her role as an analyst on the client advisory team. With a talent for clear and effective communication, Nicole is highly regarded for her ability to convey complex ideas. Previously, she supported client management activities at another wealth management firm. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Wilfrid Laurier University, Nicole is currently pursuing her CFA designation. Beyond her professional pursuits, she actively engages in community volunteering, enjoys traveling to tropical destinations, and maintains a healthy lifestyle through activities like hot Pilates and yoga.
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