Full service investment dealer Odlum Brown Ltd. today announced the appointment of Debra Hewson as president and CEO. Hewson succeeds Ross Sherwood, who after a six-year term will become vice chairman.

Hewson’s career in the investment industry spans more than 25 years, including 16 with Odlum Brown. She joined the firm in 1991 and has held several senior management positions during her tenure, most recently as chief operating officer, since 2001.

In addition to work with Odlum Brown, Hewson is also actively involved with investment industry associations. She is a current member of the Investment Industry Association of Canada’s B.C. Regional Committee. Hewson served as chairwowan of the Pacific District Council (2002-2005) and chairwoman of the National Advisory Committee (2003-2004) of the Investment Dealer’s Association of Canada. She is also past director of the Mutual Fund Dealer’s Association of Canada and served on the membership committee of the Vancouver Stock Exchange.

“Ms. Hewson brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the investment industry to her new position. I am confident that under her able leadership the firm will continue to build upon its strength and success in creating, managing and preserving client wealth,” says, Tony Hepburn, chairman of the board of directors of Odlum Brown.

As the firm’s seventh leader, Hewson follows in the footsteps of several notable and well-regarded British Columbians who led Odlum Brown over the Firm’s 83 year history, including Ross Sherwood, Tony Hepburn, George Sherwood, Col. William Tom Brown, and founders Gen. Victor W. Odlum and Col. Albert “Buster” Brown.