Desjardins Securities today announced the appointment of James Gillis to the position of vice chairman, effective Dec. 20.

In his new role, Gillis will report directly to the firm’s president and will be responsible for the corporate finance and institutional equity divisions of the company.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mr. Gillis to the Desjardins Securities team. With his Deputy Minister and investment banking experience, Mr. Gillis brings a precious combination of financial acumen as well as management and negotiation skills, which we believe will help us to profitably expand our existing platform”, said Germain Carrière, president COO of Desjardins Securities.

In 2004, Gillis was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, where he was responsible for managing Ontario’s electricity supply shortage, including efforts to secure supply agreements with neighbouring provinces and independent power producers. In all, contracts for more than 7,500 MW, worth an estimated $10 billion were negotiated and concluded, effectively reversing the existing shortfall.

From 1998 to 2004, Gillis held various positions with the investment banking division of TD Securities where he was responsible for coordinating and leading an investment banking and capital markets practice, serving the needs of infrastructure, public utilities and energy sector clients.

“With his experience, expertise and strategic vision, I am certain that Mr. Gillis will enable Desjardins Securities to continue to accelerate its development in the Canadian capital markets in the years to come,” concluded Carrière.