Talvest Fund Management has appointed Virginia Wai-Ping, vice president, Canadian equities, TAL Fund Management, as the new lead manager of Talvest Canadian Equity Leaders Fund.

Talvest says Wai-Ping will also act as co-manager of Talvest Canadian Multi Management Fund, since Talvest Canadian Equity Leaders Fund is one of this fund’s underlying portfolios.

Effective October 1, Wai-Ping replaces portfolio manager Denis Ouellet. Since June 15, Ouellet has acted as interim manager of Talvest Canadian Equity Leaders Fund, a core stock portfolio with a focus on Canadian leaders that offer the potential for above-average returns and superior long-term growth.

According to Talvest, Wai-Ping’s background, experience and investment style make her ideally suited to her new position. Said Paul Taylor, President of TAL Fund Management, Talvest’s investment management sister company: “We’re very pleased to welcome back Virginia Wai-Ping to our portfolio management team. She has an excellent ability to recognize companies with promising growth potential, not to mention a proven track record in managing large portfolio funds.”

Prior to being named coordinator of research technology and telecom at BMO Nesbitt Burns, Wai-Ping was a member of TAL Fund Management.

She managed the $520 million CIBC Capital Appreciation Fund (for which she won Small and Mid Cap Fund Manager of the Year in 2001) and the $140 million CIBC Canadian Small Companies Fund from 1997 to early 2001.

She has also managed Canadian equity portfolios at Gluskin Sheff, CT Private Investment Counsel and Manulife Financial. All in all, Wai-Ping brings over 13 years of Canadian equity experience to the management of Talvest Cdn. Equity Leaders Fund.

“I’m excited about working with TAL Fund Management again,” Wai-Ping said. “I’ve always been impressed with its proven approach and commitment to uncovering companies that have a leadership position in the market.”