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Meet Our Team
Westcap has established an experienced team of business professionals with extensive knowledge in their respective fields, including an executive team with more than a century of investment management expertise.
Brenda Gessner
Director of Corporate Relations
Bret Gleeson
Investment Manager
Darcy Ogrodnick
Vice President, Finance
Darryl Caudle
Vice President – Hotel Operations, Ramada Plaza Regina, Ramada Hotel Saskatoon
Glen Schuler
Technology Manager & Digital Specialist
Grant J. Kook
President/Chief Executive Officer, Founder
Heidi Loth
Administrative Assistant, Executive Office
Isaac Schacher
Investment Analyst
Jamie B. Schwitzer
Chief Investment Officer
Kudi Imasuen
Accountant
Lee Jebb
Vice President, Portfolio Operations
Natasha Hnidy
Communications Specialist
Peter Wilson
Vice President
Raeleen Mann
Communications Director
Riley Gray
Investment Manager
Robert J. Connoly
Chief Financial Officer
Sam Hodson
Investment Analyst
Tomisin Olaniyi-Laseinde
Controller
Ty Wirvin
Associate Vice President
Tyler Bradley
Vice President
Virgil Cairns
Investor Relations Manager
Wanda Hunchak
Executive Vice President
Brenda Gessner
Director of Corporate Relations
Brenda Gessner
Brenda Gessner is the Director of Corporate Relations at Westcap and is responsible for the overall administrative management of the office of the President as well as the lead liaison with the Fund's Board of Directors and sub-committees. Ms. Gessner has over 20 years of office management and administrative experience in the financial and information technology sectors.
Bret Gleeson
Investment Manager
Bret Gleeson, CFA
Bret Gleeson is an Investment Manager at Westcap and is responsible for supporting the investment team on current and prospective investments. Prior to joining Westcap, Bret worked in corporate banking with a large multinational firm. Prior to that, he also spent time with a leading Canadian agriculture-focused lender on their corporate & commercial financing team. Bret holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance from the University of Saskatchewan and is a CFA Charterholder.
Darcy Ogrodnick
Vice President, Finance
Darcy Ogrodnick, CPA, CA, MPAcc.
Darcy Ogrodnick is Vice President, Finance at Westcap. He has held management positions with various public companies since 2004. From 2008 to 2013, Mr. Ogrodnick provided financial management and reporting services as a consulting Chief Financial Officer for a number of small public companies. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Ogrodnick was the Corporate Accounting Manager for a large heavy construction contractor, where he was a member of the management team responsible for the completion of the company’s initial public offering on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. From 2004 to 2005, Mr. Ogrodnick was the Tax Manager for a large publicly traded income trust in the retail consumer products industry. Prior to 2004, he worked for both international and Saskatchewan-based public accounting firms serving clients in a number of industries. Mr. Ogrodnick holds Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.), and Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc.) designations. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan.
Darryl Caudle
Vice President – Hotel Operations, Ramada Plaza Regina, Ramada Hotel Saskatoon
Darryl Caudle
Darryl Caudle holds the position of Vice President, Hotel Operations for Westcap and oversees the Ramada Hotel in Saskatoon and the Ramada Plaza in Regina. Mr. Caudle brings 29 years of experience in hotels, has been involved with the hospitality industry in Saskatchewan for over 35 years and obtained a BAC from the University of Saskatchewan. Mr. Caudle belongs to various community groups including SKAL Saskatoon, Saskatoon Executive Club and the Saskatoon Progress Club as well as currently sitting on the DMP board.
Glen Schuler
Technology Manager & Digital Specialist
Glen Schuler
Glen Schuler is the Technology Manager & Digital Specialist for Westcap, with nearly two decades of previous experience in the online media industry. Glen is responsible for providing a broad range of digital communications expertise to Westcap and all funds under management. Supported by a diverse background of work experience, Glen is innovative and versatile in his approach to communications.
Grant J. Kook
President/Chief Executive Officer, Founder
Grant J. Kook, C.Dir., S.O.M.
Grant J. Kook is Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Westcap. Mr. Kook is the co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cheung On, an international investor syndicated fund, Mr. Kook is the current Chairman of SaskTel, the USask Properties Investment Inc. and is a member of the Investment Committee for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation pension fund. Mr. Kook also served as Chairman of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and as a director of 3sHealth Shared Services Saskatchewan. Mr. Kook was a Vice President of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) and past Chairman of the Board of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. In addition, he was the Chair of the 2013 and 2014 CIS University Cup Men's Hockey Championship, and a founding board member of the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame. Mr. Kook is the recipient of the 2013 Saskatchewan Order of Merit, as well as the recipient of the 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan), Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012, and the Commemorative Medal of the Centennial of Saskatchewan, 2005. He is the recipient of the 2014 Saskatoon Tourism Leadership award and has been recognized as the 2013 Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Award for Community Involvement, the 2013 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Volunteer of the Year Award, the 2008 B'nai Brith – We Are Proud of You Award. He has earned the Chartered Director Designation (C. Dir.) from McMaster University DeGroote School of Business.
Heidi Loth
Administrative Assistant, Executive Office
Heidi Loth
Heidi Loth is an Administrative Assistant at Westcap and supports the Executive Office directly while also providing support to operations, human resources and finance. Prior to joining the team, she completed the Human Resources Management Certificate program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. As chair of Westcap’s social committee, Heidi enjoys bringing the team together for various activities and events. Heidi has a passion for the arts and enjoys singing and playing the violin. She shares her music through her volunteer work with senior citizens.
Isaac Schacher
Investment Analyst
Isaac Schacher
Isaac Schacher is an Investment Analyst at Westcap and is responsible for supporting the investment team on current and prospective investments. Before joining Westcap, Isaac worked for Federated Co-operatives as a Business Analyst on their Corporate Development team and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance and a Certificate in Economics from the University of Regina. Isaac has passed all three CFA exams and is working towards completing his work experience to officially receive his charter.
Jamie B. Schwitzer
Chief Investment Officer
Jamie B. Schwitzer, CFA
Jamie Schwitzer holds the office of Chief Investment Officer at Westcap. Mr. Schwitzer has over 20 years of investment management experience during which he has developed and implemented rigorous and detailed due diligence processes applicable to a wide range of sectors and investment instruments. Prior to joining Westcap, Mr. Schwitzer was a partner with a private equity firm managing a $400-million-plus portfolio of investments. From 2000-2007, Mr. Schwitzer was an investment manager with a specialty finance company specializing in subordinated debt, mezzanine and equity financings across life science, manufacturing, retail and oil and gas sectors. His background also includes managing money, market and fixed income investments, public equities, currency trading and asset/liability management with Crown Life Insurance Company. Mr. Schwitzer holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Saskatchewan. Mr. Schwitzer serves as a director of a number of private Canadian companies involved in technology, manufacturing and value-added processing.
Kudi Imasuen
Accountant
Kudi Imasuen
Kudi Imasuen is an Accountant with Westcap and has extensive expertise in both accounting and finance including working with one of the Big Four accounting firms. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in accounting, which was acquired in Nigeria, and decided to further her passion and career in accounting by obtaining a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in International Accounting & Finance from the University of Windsor. Kudi is proud to now call Saskatchewan home and is looking forward to becoming a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan.
Lee Jebb
Vice President, Portfolio Operations
Lee Jebb
Lee Jebb is Vice President, Portfolio Operations at Westcap and provides active strategic support to portfolio companies under management to drive further growth and value creation. Mr. Jebb has proven expertise building companies and as a corporate entrepreneur, and for nearly two decades he played a leading part in developing Cando Rail Services into Canada’s preeminent rail services provider with 900 employees and $24 billion of product handled annually. Mr. Jebb was also the General Manager of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
Always active throughout his career in community and industry association leadership, Mr. Jebb has played a leadership role in several organizations at the local, provincial and national level including Chair of Prairie Mountain Health Authority, Chair of the Railway Association of Canada Short Line Committee, President of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada, Co-Chair of Invest Manitoba and member of the Premier’s Economic Innovation and Technology Council of Manitoba. He has also served on many boards and committees and has been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada as Executive of the Year (1997) and is an alumni of the prestigious United States International Visitor’s Program “Trade and Commerce Exchange” (1998).
Natasha Hnidy
Communications Specialist
Natasha Hnidy
Natasha Hnidy is the Communications Specialist at Westcap and brings a wide skill set in communications and graphic design to Westcap and its funds under management. Natasha is a goal oriented professional with 20 years of experience in account management, project management, marketing and design, and is passionate about improving processes and providing excellent service. She finds joy in clearing through the clutter to discover efficiencies that create simplicity and consistency.
Peter Wilson
Vice President
Peter Wilson, J.D., CFA
Peter is Vice President at Westcap. As a member of the Investment Team, Peter is involved with analyzing, reviewing and structuring prospective investments, in addition to the management of existing investments. Prior to joining Westcap, Peter practiced corporate and commercial law with a large Saskatchewan firm. Peter received a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Science from the University of Saskatchewan and is a CFA Charterholder.
Raeleen Mann
Communications Director
Raeleen Mann
Raeleen Mann is the Communications Director at Westcap and is responsible for managing and directing a broad range of communication efforts for Westcap and its Funds. She is involved in the strategic planning, development, management and implementation of various shareholder and community initiatives while contributing to the execution of other Westcap programs. Ms. Mann holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) degree in Marketing with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan.
Riley Gray
Investment Manager
Riley Gray
Riley Gray is an Investment Manager at Westcap and is responsible for supporting the investment team across all aspects of investment evaluation and portfolio management. Prior to joining Westcap, Riley was an Associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions group at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto, where he was involved in executing leveraged buyout, merger and acquisition, shareholder activism, and other corporate advisory mandates across a variety of sectors. Previously, Riley worked at RBC Capital Markets in Toronto as a Senior Associate, where he was a member of the Canadian Telecommunications and Media Equity Research coverage team. Riley holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance with honours and distinction from the University of Saskatchewan.
Robert J. Connoly
Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Connoly, CFA, CPA, CMA
Rob Connoly is the Chief Financial Officer of Westcap. Mr. Connoly has more than 30 years of investment management experience with expertise in real estate investment analysis and market research. Prior to joining Westcap in 2003, Mr. Connoly was involved in the real estate investment industry where he identified and evaluated real estate acquisition opportunities. Mr. Connoly has a strong financial background and his experience includes advising TCU Financial Group to manage the availability of capital funds and the identification of appropriate market instruments for investment. Mr. Connoly is a Vice President with the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA). Mr. Connoly chairs the CVCA’s Private Equity Committee and is Vice-Chair of the CVCA CFO Network Committee. Mr. Connoly holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) designation, and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan, the CFA Institute, and the CFA Society of Saskatchewan. Mr. Connoly serves as a director on a number of boards for companies in the manufacturing, building supply services, and consumer discretionary industries.
Sam Hodson
Investment Analyst
Sam Hodson, CFA
Sam Hodson is an Investment Analyst at Westcap and is responsible for supporting the investment team on current and prospective investments. Prior to joining Westcap, Sam was an analyst for a large institutional asset manager, responsible for market research and intelligence. Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance from the University of Saskatchewan and is a CFA Charterholder.
Tomisin Olaniyi-Laseinde
Controller
Tomisin Olaniyi-Laseinde, CPA, CA, MPAcc.
Tomisin Olaniyi-Laseinde is a Controller with Westcap and has an extensive background of experience including ten years at one of the Big Four accounting firms. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in 2012, followed by the successful completion of a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) also from the U of S in 2013 and then her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2014. Tomisin's expertise in financial analysis, risk assessment, financial accounting and reporting, taxation and strategic planning contributed significantly to the success of her clients during her tenure at the Big Four firm. Tomisin also has managerial experience in the Assurance Practice and as an Account Manager at an Estate Planning and Financial Consulting company, where she skillfully navigated the intricacies of estate planning, financial consulting, tax planning and the effective management of clients.
Ty Wirvin
Associate Vice President
Ty Wirvin, CBV
Ty Wirvin is an Associate Vice President at Westcap. As a member of the Investment Team, Ty is involved with analyzing, reviewing and structuring prospective investments, in addition to the management of existing investments. He has over two decades of investment banking and valuation experience having completed transactions totaling over $1 billion in aggregate value including raising equity (treasury offerings, secondary offerings, IPOs, blind pools, private placements and preferred share offerings) and raising debt (senior, subordinated and convertible). Additionally, Ty has completed numerous business valuation and fairness opinion assignments. This practical capital market experience spans multiple industry sectors, including real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and special situations, and businesses ranging from owner-managed to publicly traded entities, and from start-ups to industry leaders. Ty holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba and is a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV).
Tyler Bradley
Vice President
Tyler Bradley
Tyler Bradley holds the office of Vice President at Westcap. Mr. Bradley has more than 20 years of investment management experience, with a focus on private company finance. Prior to joining Westcap in 2007, Mr. Bradley was an Investment Analyst for a seed-stage investment fund from 2005 to 2007, where he was responsible for new venture investments and portfolio management. Between 2001 and 2005, Mr. Bradley worked in various corporate finance roles with start-up and growth-stage companies. Mr. Bradley received his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan. Mr. Bradley serves as a director of a number of private Canadian companies involved in the oil and gas exploration, and information technology industries.
Virgil Cairns
Investor Relations Manager
Virgil Cairns
Virgil Cairns is the Investor Relations Manager at Westcap and works with a network of Financial Advisors across Saskatchewan and is also responsible for the delivery of Golden Opportunities Fund’s Payroll Investment Plan, with experience working with employee investment opportunities since 2004. Mr. Cairns is an active volunteer in Regina minor sports having served as the President of Hockey Regina Inc. and manager of Team Saskatchewan at the Baseball Canada National championships. Mr. Cairns’ volunteer efforts as President of Hockey Regina Inc. with the southern Saskatchewan hockey community were instrumental in the creation of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Bantam Hockey League.
Wanda Hunchak
Executive Vice President
