Prior to leaving Clarica Life (formerly Mutual Life of Canada) in early 2000 to co-found Borealis Capital, Bob was Vice President Investments with responsibility for their Canadian portfolio operations including commercial mortgages, corporate lending, real estate, public bonds and equities, private equity and Treasury and ALM operations.
Founded as Dorset Capital in 2000, control of Borealis was assumed by OMERS in 2001. Borealis raised $500 million for its private equity fund and $75 million for its financial technologies fund.
Bob was Chief Investment Officer.
Bob joined the investment arm of Manulife MFC Global Investment Management in 2002 to run their North American bond operation. After the 2004 merger with John Hancock Life and Maritime Life he accepted the mandate to develop their Canadian private debt operations.
Bob played a pre-eminent role in the development of the Canadian private placement market making Clarica the #1 non-bank lender in Canada in the 1990’s and introducing innovations such as secured term lending, lease financing, private securitizations, and project financing. Manulife has now established itself as the #2 private placement lender in Canada.
Actively involved in a number of strategic acquisitions for Clarica including the Canadian operations of Prudential Assurance and Metropolitan Life and John Hancock/Maritime Life for Manulife. Responsible for the acquisition and eventual disposition of strategic equity interests in a number of leasing companies including Newcourt Credit for Clarica.
Background and experience in different successful debt restructurings in real estate, the middle market and corporate market.
Substantial corporate governance experience with directorships in a variety of public and private companies.
