Financial advisor Ernest Huckerby has joined Blue Heron and will shortly open the proposed Blue Heron Financial Group’s Bay Street office.

Huckerby will continue to head up his London-based financial advisory business — Blue Heron’s first office — and assumes the role of senior vice president, joining the corporation’s senior management team.

“In my view, Blue Heron is poised to become a major national investment management and sales firm. They have designed their operation to meet clients’ needs, while providing a strong support and compensation framework for representatives,” says Huckerby.

“Within the investment planning community, many advisors are searching for a forward-thinking advisor-oriented approach. I am convinced that Blue Heron has the right formula for success by bringing together the advisory and direct channels.”

Gregory Levi, president and CEO of Blue Heron Financial Corp. and Stephen Freedman, president of Blue Heron Wealth Management Inc. are both enthusiastic about the skills and experience Huckerby will be adding to the organization.

“Ernest Huckerby is highly respected in our business,” says Freedman. “He has 25 years of experience, and has shared thoughtful commentary with the investing public through media appearances and speaking engagements. We feel he will be instrumental in helping Blue Heron grow into its natural place as a leader in the wealth management business.”

Huckerby studied business and economics at Waterloo Lutheran and following graduation entered law school at the University of Western Ontario. His career in financial consulting spans 25 years, during which he has held senior executive positions in three major organizations. In each of these positions he has built substantial sales forces. He is an active commentator on issues affecting personal wealth management, and holds regular seminars for groups and private investors.

Prem Malik will join Huckerby as a senior advisor in the Blue Heron Financial Group Bay Street office. “Prem has an extensive background in mutual funds gained through his senior roles in national sales management for major organizations, ” says Levi.

“He has demonstrated an ability to build strong relationships with individual and institutional channels, and is expected to be a tremendous asset to the entire Blue Heron group.” Malik is a chartered accountant with experience in mutual and pension fund administration and has practiced with a major national accounting firm.