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National Bank of Canada

National Bank Direct Bokerage

National Bank Financial

Management

Éric Bujold, A.S.A.

Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Executive Officer

Éric is Senior Vice-President of Private Wealth 1859. He joined National Bank Financial in 1996 as an investment and life and health insurance advisor.

He founded the Rimouski branch and went on to become a Senior Vice-President and Managing Director of National Bank Financial. Before joining NBF, he was a consulting actuary for nearly 8 years and a lecturer at the Université Laval School of Actuarial Science.

Eric Laflamme, Lawyer

Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Executive Officer

A lawyer by training, Éric has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1984. He has completed specialized courses in management, business strategy and finance at a number of prestigious U.S. institutions, including Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and The Wharton School of Business (University of Pennsylvania).

He is a member of National Bank Wealth Management's executive committee and is also responsible for other activities as a member of the Bank's Strategic Initiatives Office and the officer in charge of operational risk management for Wealth Management.

Éric also participates actively in numerous charity fundraising campaigns and is a member of the Cercle International Rouge et Or du Recteur at Université Laval.

Stéphan Bourbonnais, MBA

Vice President, Sales and Services

Stéphan has over 12 years of experience in the financial service industry.

Before joining Private Wealth 1859, he coached and supported investment advisors, and he has also managed sales for an insurance company. Stéphan has an MBA from HEC Montréal and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the State University of New York.

Stéphan represented the State University of New York as an active player on their hockey team. Today, he spends much of his spare time with his young son.

Bruno Bourgeois, B.A.A. Finance

Vice President, Portfolio Management

Bruno Bourgeois graduated from the Université de Sherbrooke with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Finance.

He has been working in capital markets for over 30 years, including almost 10 years at the Bank of Canada on teams responsible for monetary policy. In addition to having considerable experience managing institutional and private portfolios, Bruno has worked in treasury management in the banking industry, including assignments in Europe and Asia.

Bruno supports foundations in the health sector and splits his time between Montreal and the decidedly more rural surroundings of the Eastern Townships.

Sophie Ducharme, Notary

Vice President, Trust and Advisory Service

After graduating with a Diploma of Notarial Law from Université de Montréal in 1988, Sophie Ducharme held several positions in large financial institutions. Since 2009, Sophie is very active with the media and is the spokesperson for ClearFacts.ca, the largest financial literacy site in Quebec.

She was named Lawyer of the Week by The Gazette in 2010 for her efforts to make law and justice accessible to everyone.

Brigitte Leblanc, CA

Vice President, Private Banking Service

Since she began her career in 1993, Brigitte has gained a great deal of experience dealing with clients from various sectors. She previously worked at a large accounting firm, helping clients in Canada and abroad, which enabled her to pursue her love of travel.

She joined National Bank in 1999, and has held various positions and served a wide range of clients in film and television—one of the most specialized sectors—as well as SMEs.

Her interest in the well-being of individuals extends beyond the work environment as demonstrated by her involvement with the Fondation Neuro Trauma Marie Robert, where she volunteers as treasurer.

She balances her work and family life by spending time with her two young children, as well as by jogging and skiing.

Charles Leblanc

Vice President, Specialized Administration

Charles Leblanc holds over 23 years of experience in investment operations and information technology, notably having worked within the National Bank Financial Group at Natcan Investment Management and Altamira Management.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts from York University.

In his spare time Charles enjoys cooking, cycling and travelling.

Pierre Therrien, F.I.B.C.

Vice President and Special Consultant

A career banker, Pierre has over 36 years of experience, including 10 years at National Bank Financial Group.

He has been serving high net worth clients since 1985 and was chosen by the Financial Group to relaunch Private Banking, a mandate that he handled superbly. In addition to having completed an Arts degree, he has obtained the Fellow, Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) designation.

Pierre is very active socially and has served on the boards of many charitable associations.

Jehan Vekemans, MBA

Vice President, Business Strategy

Jehan has over 14 years of experience in the financial service industry, including 8 years in business financing. Since joining National Bank Financial Group in 2005, he has held several positions, mostly in corporate strategy and finance.

Jehan has a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA from HEC Montréal.

In his spare time, he enjoys sports and planning trips.

Portfolio Management

Bruno Bourgeois, B.A.A. Finance

Vice President, Portfolio Management

Bruno Bourgeois graduated from the Université de Sherbrooke with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Finance.

Bruno supports foundations in the health sector and splits his time between Montreal and the decidedly more rural surroundings of the Eastern Townships.

Ralph Hartman, MBA, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager

Ralph has over 20 years of experience in financial markets.

His knowledge of English, French and German has helped him develop an international perspective, by studying and working in cities such as Boston, New York, Paris and Brussels. Ralph has an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and an MBA from the European Institute of Business Management. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Ralph is the father of three active children and enjoys all sports. When he was younger he was an accomplished hockey player, waterskier and lacrosse player.

Benoit Gauthier

Portfolio Manager

Benoit obtained a degree in finance from Université du Québec à Montréal before working 15 years in portfolio management and, more specifically, in wealth management.

He has worked at several financial institutions – most recently at National Bank Trust – and now is at Private Wealth 1859. He has been responsible for the management and supervision of all activities related to personal portfolios, testamentary trusts and foundations.

Benoit is keen on outdoor recreation and spends much of his free time at Mont Tremblant, either staying in shape by cross-country skiing or sailing.

Samuel Montesi, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Having acquired over 15 years of investment management experience at the Royal Bank and National Bank Financial Group, Samuel applies a Finance degree from Concordia University and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation toward a rewarding career helping clients attain their financial goals.

Samuel comes from a small family and lives with his wife in Montreal's West Island. He enjoys sharing what he has learned in his personal and professional life.

Michelle Côté, M.Sc.

Portfolio Manager

Michelle joined National Bank Financial Group in 2001 as an analyst in the research group at Individual Investor Services.

She has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance from HEC Montréal and a Master's degree in International Studies. Her interest in international issues also led her to study at Bocconi University in Milan. Now at Private Wealth 1859, Michelle is an assistant portfolio manager and participates in asset allocations and the development of comprehensive management strategies.

Richard Langevin

Portfolio Manager

Richard has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Before joining Private Wealth 1859, he was an account manager for the Private Investment Management team at National Bank Trust. He has also worked for National Bank Direct Brokerage and in National Bank branches in Vancouver and Quebec City. Richard has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance from Université du Québec à Montréal, and he is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.

The father of two children, Richard spends his free time with his family. He also enjoys sports and reading.

Specialized services

Sophie Ducharme, Notary

Vice President, Trust and Advisory Service

She was named Lawyer of the Week by The Gazette in 2010 for her efforts to make law and justice accessible to everyone.

Sylvain Chartier, M.Fisc., F. Pl.

Expert-Advisor

Sylvain received his Master's degree in Taxation in 1988. He has been working for financial institutions since 1993, specialized in drafting integrated financial planning reports.

Sylvain is a well-known lecturer and writer on tax issues. The Institut québécois de planification financière recently named him a mentor in taxation.

Sylvain is actively involved in the activities of his two teenagers. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoys coaching a team in a virtual hockey league, where he puts his analytical skills to good use.

Daniel Laverdière, ASA, F.Pl.

Expert-Advisor

Daniel has a Bachelor of Actuarial Science from Université Laval. He has been practising integrated financial planning since 1996, and he prefers to build a solid foundation for his recommendations rather than rely on intuition.

Daniel is very involved in the Institut québécois de planification financière, and has published many articles that demonstrate his passion for mathematics and statistics. In June 2009, the IQPF nominated him Member for life for his contribution to the advancement of the profession.

Daniel has two daughters. Known as "Mr. Excel," he indulges his passion for numbers by playing virtual hockey in the evening. Daniel stays in shape by hiking and mountain biking.

Richard Lalongé, CGA, F.Pl., D.Tax

Expert-Advisor

Member of the Ordre des CGA du Québec and financial planner since 1999, Richard has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry.

He has built a solid reputation as a financial planner, providing specialized tax advice to business professionals, executives and owners. He pays attention to detail, is very professional and takes a personal approach, developing integrated financial plans that are tailored to his clients' goals.

Richard has a passion for golf, and when he isn't on the golf course, he's often on a soccer field cheering on his daughters.

Susan Stefura, CFP, RFP, TEP, FCSI

Expert-Advisor

Susan has been providing complete and integrated financial planning solutions to high net worth clients for the past 20 years.

Over the years she has developed expertise in retirement planning, tax and estate planning, and insurance. Clients have commended Susan on her ability to "pull all the pieces of the financial puzzle together" and make clear, concise recommendations.

Susan spends her free time with her husband and two children. She is also an active volunteer in the financial planning community, having served on a number of boards and committees in both Canada and the U.S.

Natalie Hotte, D.Tax, F.Pl.

Expert-Advisor

Natalie has been a tax advisor and financial planner for close to 15 years. She began her career in 1993 in a large accounting firm and was there until 2007.

She is actively involved in several organizations related to her area of expertise. Natalie applies her experience to the benefit of Private Wealth 1859 clients by providing information and guiding them through the complex world of personal finance and taxation.

The mother of three and actively involved in her community, Natalie splits her free time between her family and many causes.

Private Banking

Brigitte Leblanc, CA

Vice President, Private Banking Service

She joined National Bank in 1999, and has held various positions and served a wide range of clients in film and television—one of the most specialized sectors—as well as SMEs.

Michel Roch, M.B.A.

Private Banker

Michel has over 30 years of experience in personal and commercial finance.

In 2000 he received his Executive MBA from Université de Québec à Montréal. During the summer, Michel spends his free time between golf and activities with his grandchildren.

Kerri-Lynn Thompson

Private Banker

Kerri-Lynn began her banking career in 2003 at National Bank Financial Group.

She has been in personal banking since 2006 and seeks to provide Private Wealth 1859 clients with exceptional service and the best solutions possible so that they can meet their financial goals.

Kerri-Lynn graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor's degree, majoring in Economics. Before joining the Bank, she was a business relations consultant at the U.S. consulate.

Zeina Braidy

Private Banker

Zeina has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Management from HEC Montréal and holds a Fellow Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) designation.

She has 30 years of experience in personal and commercial financial services. Since 2000, Zeina has worked exclusively with affluent clients at National Bank Financial Group, where she finds she can apply her extensive knowledge of credit as well as her creativity. She has gained the trust and loyalty of her clients by being available, energetic and committed.

Zeina loves sports. She is active in squash and tennis leagues and runs the half-marathon. She also has a great interest in travelling.

Tony Scalia

Private Banker

Tony has 20 years of experience in banking, including 7 years at National Bank Financial Group.

At Private Banking since 2005, he has provided complex banking services to a very affluent clientele. Tony has a Bachelor of Political Science and was named to the Bank's Excellence Club in 2008.

Tony has two sons and is actively involved in their sports activities.

Julien Busque, Notary, F. Pl.

Senior Manager, Business Development

Julien has over 12 years of experience in financial services as both a notary and financial planner, and in that time he has developed an expertise in trust services.

Hailing from the Beauce region, Julien went to Quebec City to pursue a career serving affluent clients and work as a lecturer in the Law Faculty of Université Laval.

Julien is very involved in the sports and school activities of his two sons, including a position as chairperson of their school's governing board.

Claudia Gagnon, B.B.A., F.Pl.

Private Banker

Claudia has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a certificate in insurance and financial planning, as well as over 12 years of experience at National Bank Financial Group.

She is specialized in providing financing to business owners, with whom she builds solid business relationships.

Claudia has two children and enjoys several outdoor sports.

John Di Libero, MBA, CFA

Senior Manager, Business Development

John has an MBA from Université du Québec à Montréal and 8 years of experience serving very affluent clients.

Before joining National Bank Financial Group in May 1996 as a financial planner, he worked for 5 years in two chartered accounting firms. He joined Private Banking in February 2001, and since February 2007 he has been the Senior Manager in Toronto, actively participating in the expansion of the service outside Quebec. John is a member of the CFA Institute in Toronto and the Institut québécois de planification financière. His extensive experience is now at the service of Private Wealth 1859 clients.

John married in 2005. He plays an active role in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Client Services

Stéphan Bourbonnais, MBA

Vice President, Sales and Services

Stéphan has over 12 years of experience in the financial service industry.

active player on their hockey team. Today, he spends much of his spare time with his young son.

Martine Beaulieu, M. Sc., Fin. Pl.

Laval, North & West Quebec

Regional Vice President

Martine has 15 years of financial market experience. She worked with entrepreneurs for more than 13 years, acquiring an excellent understanding of business leaders' needs and business strategies. Ms. Beaulieu, who has a Master's degree in Finance and is a Financial Planner, uses a comprehensive financial approach for the benefit of your personal financial needs and business strategies.

Dynamic and personable, she is passionate about both her career and her family and is the proud mother of three beautiful children.

Motto : "Our strength is the way we do things, and our client is the reason why we are in business."

Pierre Brunette, M.Tax

Advisor

Pierre is a well-known Quebec tax advisor and financial planner.

Details

For 35 years he has been helping affluent individuals implement effective wealth management strategies. His expertise in investment, insurance and taxation has allowed his clients to benefit from a multitude of alternative solutions.
Richard Cleroux, CIM, FCSI, LL.B., MBA, J.D., CFP, Pl.fin.

Advisor

Before joining Private Wealth 1859, Richard worked for 14 years in the securities industry through Canadian and American brokerage firms and with the Montreal Exchange. He also spent three years in a Montreal based law firm specialized in business law.

Details

Richard has an MBA and a bachelor degree in Civil Law from Université de Sherbrooke and a bachelor degree in Common Law from Queen's University in Kingston. He is also a Fellow of CSI, a Canadian Investment Manager, a Certified Financial Planner Professional from the Financial Planner Standard Council and a financiel planner from the "Institut Québécois de Planification Financière".

Richard is married and has two young children, Lili and Leamy. He settled in the Outaouais region with his young family in 2009 and is passionate about sailing and skiing.
Hugues Marchesseault, B.Sc., F.Pl.

Advisor

Hugues has over 12 years of experience in financial services.

Details

Over the years he has held various positions, including financial planner and, until quite recently, private banker. Hugues has a Bachelor of Industrial Relations and is a graduate of the Institut québécois de planification financière.

Today Hugues dedicates all his time to Private Wealth 1859 to provide one of the best, fully integrated wealth management services in Canada.

Jean-Sébastien Lemieux, MBA, CFA

Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec

Regional Vice President

Jean-Sébastien has worked for National Bank Financial Group for 12 years. As a regional manager of wealth management, he supervised the management of over $3 billion in assets for high net worth clients.

He has also been in charge of the Office of the National Bank Ombudsman, a position that drew on his listening skills and concern for customer satisfaction. Jean-Sébastien has a Bachelor's degree in finance from Université du Québec à Montréal and an MBA from HEC Montréal. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Jean-Sébastien has two young daughters who keep him very busy. He continues to enjoy playing tennis, a sport that he taught when he was young.

Marie-Christine Marcoux, MBA, F.Pl.

Advisor

Marie-Christine has a Bachelor of Economics and an MBA from the Université de Sherbrooke.

Details

She has over 20 years of experience at National Bank Financial Group as an advisor and financial planner to business owners. In 2006 she distinguished herself by receiving the top Club Excellence award.

Marie-Christine acquired discipline and a sense of organization through competitive swimming. A mother of three children, she is active as a volunteer in the sports activities of each of her children.
Patrick Poisson

Advisor

Details
Linda Patterson FSCI, F.Pl.

Advisor

Linda has over 20 years of experience in securities. As a fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and a financial planner, she has been working with high net worth clients for close to 15 years.

Details

With a deep concern for her clients' need for capital preservation and tax efficiency, she believes in always paying attention to the seven fundamental areas of financial planning. Linda is the co-author of two books on mutual funds.

With two sons, Linda has been a true "football mom" for 8 years.

Stéphane Maisonneuve, MBA

Montreal

Regional Vice President

Stéphane has a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Université du Québec. Since joining National Bank Financial group in 1998, Stéphane has held several positions in the Wealth Management group, including Regional Vice-President for the downtown Montreal region.

Stéphane is married and has two daughters, with whom he loves to play golf and badminton.

Dominic Blais, B.A.A.

Advisor

After having studied finance at HEC Montréal, Dominic began his career at National Bank Financial Group as a financial planner.

Details

This allowed him to build skills in portfolio management and financial planning, working with a clientele that is at once demanding and stimulating. After 10 years in planning and a period as a branch manager, Dominic has joined Private Wealth 1859 as a private advisor.

Dominic is the father of two children and has been a competitive golfer for the last 15 years.
Mario Caron, CMA

Advisor

Mario has a Bachelor's degree in accounting from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Details

For the last 10 years he has worked for National Bank Financial Group in securities, including over 3 years in compliance. Before joining Private Wealth 1859, he managed the VIP Service at National Bank Direct Brokerage.

Always active, Mario spends his free time with his wife and two children.
Michel Des Rivières

Advisor

Michel Des Rivieres has more than 15 years' experience in the financial industry with National Bank Financial Group.

Details

He has a bachelor's degree in business administration (majoring in statistics) from the University of Alberta. He also holds the Chartered Professional (Ch.P.) Strategic Wealth designation.
Alain Parisien, B.Man., F.Pl.

Advisor

Alain has a Bachelor's degree in Management from HEC Montréal and is a graduate of the Institut québécois de planification financière.

Details

He has over 20 years of experience, including providing advice to affluent clients at National Bank Trust. At this subsidiary he was responsible for a portfolio with over $300 million in assets under management. In wealth management, Alain prefers teamwork, as he finds that this allows him to propose the best solutions to his clients. He has established strong long-term relationships based on trust, respect and transparency.

As the father of two children, Alain devotes most of his spare time to family activities and his interests in music and cooking.

Normand Lessard

Quebec and Eastern Quebec

Regional Vice President