About Us
Our Story
With decades of experience, we lead our clients through the ups and downs of the market and support our clients through the ups and downs of life. We are here to help.
Our Team
We are proud of the team we’ve built, the partners we have teamed up with and the resulting services we are able to offer to our clients.
John O'Connell
John O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager, is a leader in the wealth management industry. As Chairman of the Davis Rea Investment Committee, he provides the strategic direction for the company and for our clients.
John is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. His keen market insights, analysis and trademark no-nonsense commentary are frequently sought out by national business news media.
John, with over 3 decades working in wealth management – formerly at RBC has plenty of experience but it’s his ability to make sense of multiple, often discordant financial indicators that sets him apart and puts our clients’ concerns at ease.
Libby Wildman
Libby Wildman, Head of Wealth Advisory, has over 30 years of financial services and planning experience. She is the founder of Wildman & Associates, a highly successful management firm that provides a comprehensive set of financial services and life management products. She has the expertise and industry knowledge to provide insight and the right answers for our client’s individual questions and circumstances.
Libby has built long-lasting relationships with her clients based on sound advice and continuous follow-up. She is very engaged with her industry and community as a lifetime member of ADVOCIS and a member of CALU. Libby actively works with numerous mentoring opportunities and charities both locally and internationally involving children and women’s rights.
J.C. O'Connell
Jean-Christophe (JC) O’Connell, Advising Representative (AR), Director, Vice-President and Associate Portfolio Manager, has been an active member of the Davis-Rea investment committee since 2017, where he conducts research on North American equity and fixed income securities to help identify investment opportunities for the Davis-Rea funds. JC has experience on the trading side of the business, where he previously oversaw the equity trading and is now responsible for trading fixed income. As Associate Portfolio Manager, he is enjoying responsibilities in client communication and relationship management.
Prior to joining Davis-Rea, JC studied at the University of Western Ontario where he graduated with a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies with a Specialization in Finance. He continues to pursue further education in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program. JC is now a CFA Level III Candidate. JC has completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and is licensed with the Ontario Securities Commission as a Registered Associate Advising Representative.
John Johnston
John Johnston, Economic Advisor, has over 20 years experience in the financial sector. John provides research and advice exclusively tailored to the needs of Davis Rea clients.
JJ’s extensive background in analyzing developments in global financial markets has earned him widespread respect and provides critical insights to the investment team.
Ana Maria Galarza
Ana Maria Galarza, Treasurer, Relationship Manager. Ana Maria’s responsibilities include updating operational budgets, preparing financial statements for the Board of Directors and acting as liaison with the firm’s auditors.
Ana Maria ensures that all financial regulatory filings are up to date and serves on the firm’s Operations Committee. She earned her CPA, CGA designation in early 2018.
Ann McCulloch
Ann McCulloch, Team Lead — Relationship Management and Dealing Representative, brings over 25 years of financial services experience to Davis Rea. Ann takes a very personal interest in all our clients and brings a personal touch to all she does.
Ann is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the Davis Rea funds; liaising with our custodian, National Bank, connecting with our clients and marketing Davis Rea’s services to our potential clients.
Matthew Aspro
Matthew Aspro, Analyst is also a member of our Investment Committee. Prior to joining Davis Rea, Matthew spent two years working at RBC Capital Markets on the Equity Derivatives Sales Desk. He is responsible for equity research, operational improvements, as well as the trading of securities
Matthew studied finance and economics at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management where he received a Bachelor of Commerce – he also completed a semester abroad in Germany at the University of Mannheim. While in school, Matthew completed internships within Balance Sheet Management at Scotiabank, Commercial Banking at BMO, and FX Trading at RBC Capital Markets.
An avid runner and food enthusiast, when he isn’t working, Matthew can be found running a local marathon or whipping up a Moroccan feast for family and friends.
Diane Bell
Diane Bell, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Client Services team.
Diane has a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and an MBA from Imperial College, London. Diane is eligible for the CPA designation in both Canada and the USA having passed the CPA exam in Nevada.
Diane works on both the client services and operations side at Davis Rea. Previously Diane operated a successful web design business and has decades of experience in client services. She supports the operations and technology critical to providing the best service to our clients.
When Diane isn’t working she enjoys travelling, wild swimming, and long walks – preferably in the English countryside.
Tom Ridout
Tom Ridout, Business Development, joined Davis Rea in 2015 and is responsible for maintaining and developing private client relationships for the firm. Tom is also a member of Davis Rea’s investment committee.
Tom has 30 years experience in client service having managed corporate relationships across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Debbie Dennie
Debbie Dennie, Relationship Manager, has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her career at Imperial Life in the Group Administration Department and worked as a Group Medical Underwriter. Debbie also worked for Manulife Financial in the Individual Life Marketing Department.
Her extensive experience in the insurance industry, and her passion for “getting it right” contributes to the exceptional service she provides to our clients.
Amy Tower
Amy Tower, Accounting. Amy is an accounting professional who is a major contributor to Davis Rea’s financial team, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and industry experience. Amy gained invaluable experience working as Controller of an engineering firm and a successful fashion accessory brand, responsible for the full accounting cycle, financial reports and implementing software programs.
Amy provides bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services to Davis Rea Ltd and to our clients.
We have assembled a valued team of experts to advise us and our clients on a variety of topics:
Our Experts
Uncommon Sense Investor
Our media partner, Uncommon Sense Investor provides a forum where investors can access, on demand, independent and thoughtful views on a variety of topics.
While remaining free from the historical bias of traditional media and investment distribution platforms, USI explores subjects that are fundamental to investor decision-making. In-depth analysis assists the investor in processing the rapidly-evolving world to inform their choices.
Uncommon Sense Investor believes we are all in a new phase in the chain of evolution. We aim to expand knowledge and play our part in helping you shape the future.
Legal
Our legal experts are ready to advise and guide you through the more complicated aspects of wealth management. From business succession to trusts and wills, we have it covered.
Taxation
It is worth exploring long-term tax strategies that can minimize your tax burden. Whether it be the protection of a vacation home for the next generation, or timing the disposition of assets – every financial decision can lead to a tax liability. Advance planning is smart.
Our in-house CPA, Amy Tower, provides tax advice, bookkeeping and accounting. When your tax situation is very complex, we have experts at hand to weigh in and advise the best course of action.
Our clients come first. Always.
I’m interested, please get in touch
- We are FIDUCIARIES and as such, we are held to the industry’s highest standard: it is our legal obligation to act in the best interest of our clients.
