Seventy-two Canadian investment professionals have been named TopGun Investment Minds by capital markets intelligence firm Brendan Wood International, in recognition of their investment wisdom and professionalism.
Brendan Wood International selects TopGuns annually to recognize ‘best in class’ industry professionals. The individuals typically exhibit characteristics including: independent thinking and willingness to buck the trends; strong knowledge of the investment space; diligent work ethic; and having the trust and respect of the investment community at large.
The TopGuns are selected by a panel of more than 700 investment professionals who do business with the selected TopGuns on a daily basis and see their investment decision making in process. Each panelist can submit a limited number of nominations, and TopGun status is awarded on the basis of the frequency of individual nominations.
This year, seven firms and their chief investment officers were singled out as TopGun team leaders for having the most individual professionals who attained TopGun status. They include, in alphabetical order:
- Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec – Roland Lescure
- CI Investments – Eric Bushell
- Connor, Clark & Lunn – Larry Lunn
- Fiera Capital Corporation – Jean-Guy Desjardins
- Sentry Investments – Dennis Mitchell
- RBC Global Asset Management & Phillips Hager & North – Daniel Chornous
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, CI Investments and RBC Global Asset Management each earned six TopGuns; Connor, Clark & Lunn had five; and Sentry Investments, Fiera Capital and Phillips Hager & North earned four TopGuns apiece.
“This is not a popularity contest,” said Amanda Knott, manager of the panel. “The confidential ratings assigned to individual investment professionals by the panel are disciplined to distinguish ‘Best in Class’ according to each panelist.”
Added Knott: “These disciplines establish the objectivity of selection and reinforce the fundamental criterion of respected professionalism in the investment community as a whole.”
Of over 800 potential candidates, 482 investment professionals received nominations this year. The 72 individuals who attained TopGun status represent 9% of the total universe.
Click here for a complete list of the 2012 Canadian TopGun Investment Minds.