The Genus Team

Meet your team

Our dedicated
team of professionals

At Genus, we believe in diversity and inclusion. We thrive in a fast-paced environment working alongside a dynamic group of professionals in our Vancouver and Toronto offices.

A proud B-Corp employee-owned company, we offer rewarding opportunities and are committed to personal and professional growth.

Portfolio Managers / Client Relationship Managers

Jill Bester, CIM, CFP

Client Relationship Manager / Partner

As an client relationship manager, I specialize in asset management and financial planning for clients. I value honesty and transparency.  Our business is built on the understanding of our clients’ needs and objectives first and foremost. Trust is earned not granted and I strive to strengthen all relationships by doing the right thing. Continuing education throughout my career has been a professional accomplishment enabling me to reach my career aspirations. As an avid golfer, I am looking forward to getting out on the course to try out my new driver.  I also love being with my family out on our boat exploring the Salish Sea or skiing up at Mount Washington. I am the proud mother to three amazing individuals and fortunate to have the love and support of my partner.

CONTACT JILL

Email | Phone | LinkedIn Book Meeting

Darryl Brown, CFA

Head of Eastern Canada / Associate Client Relationship Manager

As the Head of Eastern Canada, my role is to empower clients and support them in making financial decisions that support the life they want to live.

I’m passionate about financial literacy and ensuring people feel included and confident when talking about money. I want everyone to understand Investing in ways that make sense to them and respect their personal values.

When not at work, I love exploring Toronto’s parks, music and food scene with my partner and our two kids who bring us an incredible amount of joy.

 

CONTACT DARRYL

Email | Phone | LinkedIn Book Meeting

Grant Conroy, CIM, FEA

Portfolio Manager / Partner

As a portfolio manager, I work with institutions, individuals, and families.

I have a long history of being dedicated to stay ahead of the markets having started my career in 1996, covering some of the world’s largest asset managers. I continue this market journey and seek to add value on a more personal basis.

As a qualified Family Enterprise Advisor, I am versed in the complexities that can come with family wealth. This can range from how to prepare and educate the next generation and communicating legacy intentions to protecting family unity.

My own values include equality, learning, and integrity.

Outside of work, I am the chief “dad joke” teller in our household and serve on two not-for-profit boards.

CONTACT GRANT

Email | Phone | LinkedIn Book Meeting

Thomas Irwin, CIM, CFP

Client Relationship Manager / Partner

As a Client Relationship Manager, my specialty is in investment management and financial planning. I am a Chartered Investment Manager and a Certified Financial Planner. Honesty, integrity, authenticity, learning and helping others are values at the core of my work. These values drive me to be ethical, transparent and put client’s needs first. I’m a firm believer that constantly learning and growing in an ever changing and challenging environment is the key to success. Outside of work I am a sports enthusiast. I love to travel and I am a volunteer board member of KidSport North Shore.

CONTACT THOMAS

Email | Phone | LinkedIn Book Meeting

Ian M Lusher, CFP, CIM

Portfolio Manager / Partner

I am a portfolio manager and financial planner, specializing in serving individuals, families, holding companies, and foundations by creating customized investment portfolios.

Outside of work, I love being active. Whether it is the gym, golfing or cycling you’ll likely find me on the go. I am an avid and long-suffering Canucks fan, and I never miss an F1 race. My wife and I love to travel. I am also a fountain of useless knowledge which makes me useful for trivia night.

CONTACT IAN

Email | Phone | LinkedIn Book Meeting

Tiffany Lusher, CIM, CFP, MFA-P

Portfolio Manager / Partner

As a Portfolio Manager, I work with individuals and families by creating investment portfolios that align with their long-term goals and values. 20+ years in the Financial Industry have enabled me to have extensive experience with professional individuals who invest through a holding company.

I believe in working closely with my clients to develop an understanding of what they really need and want. Honesty, integrity, learning and empathy are values at the core of my work. I listen.

Outside of work, you will find me exercising, spending quality time with my dog, and travelling with my husband. I am an F1, tennis, and baseball fan.

CONTACT TIFFANY

Email | Phone | LinkedIn Book Meeting

Mary Lou Miles, CFA, TEP

Portfolio Manager / Partner

I am a partner and former head of wealth management. I believe integrity, honesty, and empathy are fundamental to great results for both our clients and our staff internally.

My areas of expertise are in cash flow planning, estates, and trusts. I oversee all of these aspects into our clients’ portfolio management, including inter-generational wealth. I love to hear people’s stories and use my resources to connect them with others who can help guide them in their journey.

When I’m not working, I love to travel with my family to new and familiar places. Beyond that, I find joy in the small pleasures of reading, going for walks or volunteering in my community.

CONTACT MARY LOU

Email | Phone | LinkedIn

Sue-May Talbot, CIM

Portfolio Manager / Partner

As a portfolio manager, I work with individuals and families to help create impactful portfolios that align with their values while serving their goals, such as saving for the future or making the most out of retirement. My collaborative and solutions-driven approach has helped me to create strong client partnerships.

As Genus’ first hire in 1989, I have extensive experience and knowledge to meet my clients’ needs. I am proud to contribute to an organization that continues to innovate and has become a leader in sustainable investments. My own personal values include honesty, integrity and inclusion.

I am a total gym rat. I believe that exercise is so important for mental and physical health. I look forward every year to our family vacations with my husband and two boys.

CONTACT SUE

Email | Phone | LinkedIn

Stephanie Tsui, MSc

Portfolio Manager / Head of Foundations & Non-Profits / Partner

As the head of foundations and non-profits and portfolio manager, I work with our clients to navigate their journey in aligning their investments with their missions and values.

Ethics, integrity, equality, harmony, and accountability are the values that guide my life and career. I have always loved a systematic approach to investing and risk management. I also value the interpersonal element that focuses on trust, meaningful long-term relationships, and accountability to our communities and our planet.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my little ones. We enjoy going outdoors and exploring nature.

CONTACT STEPHANIE

Email | Phone | LinkedIn

Mike Thiessen, CFA, MBA

Chief Sustainability Officer / Co-Chief Investment Officer / Partner

As Chief Sustainability Officer, I oversee allocation of our sustainable initiatives, including the research and portfolio construction that goes into this.

I’m passionate about environmental and social issues, I need to make an impact with my career.

Outside work, I value spending time with my wife and three kids.

CONTACT MIKE

Email | LinkedIn

Huanyu (Lisa) Zhang, CFA, MSc, MA

Head of Equity Investments / Portfolio Manager / Partner

As head of equity investments, I am responsible for managing our equity investment strategies and overseeing our rebalancing, portfolio construction and trading process.

I am passionate about quantitative investment research and the cutting edge, innovative concepts that result from it.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling with my growing family.

CONTACT LISA

Email | LinkedIn

Leadership Team

Stephen Au, MBA, CPA, CGA

CEO / Partner

Since joining Genus in 2001, I’ve seen our firm evolve into a leading provider of sustainable investments. As CEO, I am proud to support delivering investment solutions to our clients.

My 2019 CFO of the Year Award was possible because of the hard work, focus, and dedication of our team. It’s also a reflection of our shared values.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter whose laughter brings balance.

CONTACT STEVE

Email | LinkedIn

Leslie G. Cliff, BSc, OC, CFA

Co-Founder & Chair of the Board

I’ve always remained intensely client-focused, promoting and personifying the attributes of accountability and transparency.

A goal of mine is to make Genus a successful firm for all stakeholders including clients, staff, shareholders and the community.

Outside of work I can be found cycling with my husband and teaching my grandchildren to swim.

CONTACT LESLIE

Email | LinkedIn

Mary Lou Miles, CFA, TEP

Portfolio Manager / Partner

I believe integrity, honesty, and empathy are fundamental for both our clients and our staff.

I oversee all of these aspects into our clients’ portfolio management. I love using my resources to connect them with others who can help guide them.

I love travelling, reading, going for walks or volunteering.

CONTACT MARY LOU

Email | LinkedIn

Sue-May Talbot, CIM

Portfolio Manager / Partner

I work with individuals and families to help create impactful portfolios that align with their values while serving their goals.

I’m proud to contribute to an organization that is a leader in sustainable investment. My values include honesty, integrity and inclusion.

I look forward to my family vacations every year.

CONTACT SUE

Email | LinkedIn

Mike Thiessen, CFA, MBA

Chief Sustainability Officer / Co-Chief Investment Officer / Partner

As Chief Sustainability Officer, I oversee allocation of our sustainable initiatives, including the research and portfolio construction that goes into this.

I’m passionate about environmental and social issues, I need to make an impact with my career.

Outside work, I value spending time with my wife and three kids.

CONTACT MIKE

Email | LinkedIn

Wayne Wachell, CFA, MBA

Executive Chair Person & Co-Chief Investment Officer

Co-founding Genus and creating one of Canada’s first fossil free funds has been a tremendously thrilling accomplishment.

My mantra is simple: focus on adding value for your clients, everything else will follow.

In my down-time I enjoy reading history and geopolitics, or spending time with my wife and two granddaughters.

CONTACT WAYNE

Email | LinkedIn

Shannon Ward, BA

Chief Growth Officer / Partner

As Chief Growth Officer, my focus is to amplify the mission and message of Genus, informing investors that it is possible to build a financial legacy that does not contribute to climate change.

My core values are mentorship, collaboration, and innovation.

I can often be found cycling, hiking or snowboarding with my husband and son.

CONTACT SHANNON

Email | LinkedIn

Fred Yeo, CPA, CMA

Chief Compliance Officer

As Chief Compliance Officer, I oversee regulatory compliance and manage compliance risk for the organization with a focus on ensuring that an effective compliance program is in place that meets the requirements of securities law and regulations.

I am passionate about continuous learning and keeping up to date with evolving regulations and accounting practices.

When I’m not working I’m actively windsurfing or playing tennis.

CONTACT FRED

Email

Virginia Yu, BSc

Head of Information Technology / Partner

I am responsible for managing IT operations and financial data processing, enabling Genus to achieve our business objectives.

Accountability, organization, and efficiency are the fundamentals to my work.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three sons.

CONTACT VIRGINIA

Email | LinkedIn

Huanyu (Lisa) Zhang, CFA, MSc, MA

Head of Equity Investments / Partner

As the head of equity investments, I am responsible for managing our equity investment strategies and overseeing our rebalancing, portfolio construction and trading process.

I am passionate about quantitative investment research and the cutting edge, innovative concepts that result from it.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling with my growing family.

CONTACT LISA

Email | LinkedIn

Carol Cheong, CPA, CMA

Head of Accounting & Fund Operations / Partner

As the head of accounting & fund operations, my role is to lead the team in maintaining fund operations. This includes reviewing fund valuations and ensuring settlements are processed properly.

I’ve led numerous process improvement projects in my career. My expertise is to improve the automation of processes to reduce the amount of manual work.

During weekends or vacations, I enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities with my husband and dog. We love travelling around as well.

CONTACT CAROL

Email

Batool Tejani, BBA, CIM

Head of Client Services / Partner

As the Head of Client Services, I focus on teamwork, efficiency and effective communication to provide clients and portfolio managers with exceptional service.

In my down time you’ll find me exploring local trails or running the seawall; or in the studio designing the latest in Pakistani fashion.

CONTACT BATOOL

Email

Investment Team

James Dick, BAH, BComm

Sustainable Investment Analyst

I am passionate about creating positive change and as a Sustainable Investment Analyst I work to provide clients with market leading impact investment products.

I believe that the honesty, passion, and continuous learning are key to building the best workplace to provide clients with maximum value.

Outside of work I can be found working out, reading, and enjoying nature.

Justin Hahn, BA

Macro Strategist / Partner

I am a Macro Strategist. My focus is on economic research and tactical asset allocation.

Innovation, time management, and efficiency are key values to good work.

Taking in the great outdoors is my favourite pastime, whether it is hiking or camping.

Sunny Huan

Investment Analyst / Partner

As an investment analyst, I conduct data analysis and equity research; helping the team make informed decisions.

Commitment and cooperation are the most important values to me.

Outside of work, I blow off steam doing yoga.

Arthur Ho

Trader/Analyst

As an analyst and a trader, I am responsible for equity trading, monitoring and conducting research on transaction costs and ensuring execution quality.

My values are trust and personal growth which help me build strong relationships with my clients and colleagues.

Outside of work you’ll often find me snowboarding, or cycling.

Kenneth Sinn, CIM

Institutional Client Relationship Manager

As an institutional client relationship manager, I am passionate about delivering high quality service to institutional and foundation clients.

I love to teach others and learn from members of my team, collaboration is key.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring different hiking trails.

Mike Thiessen, CFA, MBA

Chief Sustainability Officer / Co-Chief Investment Officer / Partner

As Chief Sustainability Officer, I oversee allocation of our sustainable initiatives, including the research and portfolio construction that goes into this.

I’m passionate about environmental and social issues, I need to make an impact with my career.

Outside work, I value spending time with my wife and three kids.

Wayne Wachell, CFA, MBA

Executive Chair Person & Co-Chief Investment Officer

Co-founding Genus and creating one of Canada’s first fossil free funds has been a tremendously thrilling accomplishment.

My mantra is simple: focus on adding value for your clients, everything else will follow.

In my down-time I enjoy reading history and geopolitics, or spending time with my wife and two granddaughters.

CONTACT WAYNE

Email | LinkedIn

Jacob Wong, MSc

Research Analyst

As a Research Analyst, I assist the investment team in researching new strategies and ideas.

Qualities I value are curiosity, open-mindedness, and equality.

Outside of work I enjoy snowboarding during the winters, and hiking or golfing in the summer.

Huanyu (Lisa) Zhang, CFA, MSc, MA

Head of Equity Investments / Partner

As head of equity investments, I am responsible for managing our equity investment strategies and overseeing our rebalancing, portfolio construction and trading process.

I am passionate about quantitative investment research and the cutting edge, innovative concepts that result from it.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling with my growing family.

Operations Team

Zameer Ahmed

Investment Management Professional

As a Portfolio Administrator, my focus is to ensure the settlement of trades and monitor the performance of our Funds.

I believe in continuous learning to enhance my professional competence.

After work, you’ll find me hitting weights at the gym and listening to EDM.

Kavya Arora

Accounting and Compliance Administrator

As the Administrator of Accounting and Compliance, my role includes reviewing and reconciling accounts, and maintaining financial accuracy.

Discipline, commitment, and teamwork are the values that I strongly believe in. I’m a keen learner and always try to strive for best.

Outside work, you will see my painting and listening to music. I love to explore new places and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Tyler Arseneault

Software Developer

As a software developer at Genus, I’m focused on quality assurance for our platform.

Commitment to open communication and understanding in my work is important to me.

I enjoy a good book and a hot cup of tea on a rainy day.

Stephen Au, MBA, CPA, CGA

CEO / Partner

Since joining Genus in 2001, I’ve seen our firm evolve into a leading provider of sustainable investments. As COO, I am proud to support delivering investment solutions to our clients.

My 2019 CFO of the Year Award was possible because of the hard work, focus, and dedication of our team. It’s also a reflection of our shared values.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter whose laughter brings balance.

Carol Cheong, CPA, CMA

Head of Accounting & Fund Operations / Partner

As the head of accounting & fund operations, my role is to lead the team in maintaining fund operations. This includes reviewing fund valuations and ensuring settlements are processed properly.

I’ve led numerous process improvement projects in my career. My expertise is to improve the automation of processes to reduce the amount of manual work.

During weekends or vacations, I enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities with my husband and dog. We love travelling around as well.

Aimee Coutts

Senior Client Service Associate

As a client service associate, my focus is to learn as much as I can from my colleagues to enable me to provide the best customer experience possible.

My values are transparency, equality, and social responsibility. I take my work seriously, never myself!

Outside of work you’ll often find me walking my dog, spending time outdoors with my friends and family, or in the gym trying to beat my personal records!

Leonardo D’Amato

Software Developer

As a software developer, my focus falls into computer science and statistics.

My core values include honesty, integrity, and cooperation, I believe these are the basis for fulfilling work.

When not at work, I like to spend time with my partner, friends, and my cats, and watching sports.

Graham Farmer, BA

Marketing Lead

As the Marketing Lead at Genus, I am responsible for elevating the messages of our team through strategy, design, and coordination. I work with our teams to communicate the real difference our clients make through their investments and produce impact investing education resources to enable the common investor. 

Creating positive impact through my work is my passion, I search for collaborative change wherever it can be found. 

I love being outdoors, whether I’m skiing, hiking, or cycling, I live for a nice day.

Carol Ngai

Client Service Associate

As a client service associate, my everyday focus is to expand my knowledge in the financial industry and provide first class client experiences.

My values are trustworthiness, patience, and acceptance. I believe as they all play a key role to strengthen myself as whole while bonding with my peers and clients.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my husband and 2 daughters.

Reshu Reshu, BBE, PBD

Compliance Analyst

As a Compliance Analyst, I ensure that we follow rules and regulations by paying close attention to our regulatory framework and to make sure our operations remain fully compliant. I believe in living an honest and respectful life.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Jay Suhr

Software Developer / Partner

As a software developer at Genus, I focus on automation and implementing new features.

My values are positivity, honesty and efficiency in my work.

When I’m not working I enjoy getting out in nature, listening to music or playing games.

Batool Tejani, BBA, CIM

Head of Client Services / Partner

As the Head of Client Services, I focus on teamwork, efficiency and effective communication to provide clients and portfolio managers with exceptional service.

In my down time you’ll find me exploring local trails or running the seawall; or in the studio designing the latest in Pakistani fashion.

Shannon Ward, BA

Chief Growth Officer / Partner

As Chief Growth Officer, my focus is to amplify the mission and message of Genus, informing investors that it is possible to build a financial legacy that does not contribute to climate change.

My core values are mentorship, collaboration, and innovation.

I can often be found cycling, hiking or snowboarding with my husband and son.

Fred Yeo, CPA, CMA

Chief Compliance Officer

As Chief Compliance Officer, I oversee regulatory compliance and manage compliance risk for the organization with a focus on ensuring that an effective compliance program is in place that meets the requirements of securities law and regulations.

I am passionate about continuous learning and keeping up to date with evolving regulations and accounting practices.

When I’m not working I’m actively windsurfing or playing tennis.

Virginia Yu, BSc

Head of Information Technology

I am responsible for managing IT operations and financial data processing, enabling Genus to achieve our business objectives.

Accountability, organization, and efficiency are the fundamentals to my work.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three sons.

Carol Yuen, BBA

Administrator / Accounting and Compliance

As the administrator of finance and compliance, my focus is on corporate accounting.

The values I hold central to my work include responsibility, reliability, and flexibility.

Outside work I love volunteering in my community.

If you’re looking to create impact through investment,
learn more about Genus.

Client impact

“Graduating from a big bank to Genus was one of the best financial steps we've ever taken. Genus has delivered reliable asset growth despite our moderate risk tolerance. As our financial security has grown, we've also been the beneficiaries of a great client experience. The company's communications have been consistently transparent and informative, including educational webinars and a well-designed web portal where we can track investments daily. Most importantly to us, our portfolio manager has always responded swiftly and thoroughly to our questions and requests. ”
Martin T.
"Having relatively diverse financial goals and needs, along with a slight reticence regarding the stock market, Genus skillfully addressed all of our concerns, and put together a truly exceptional plan: Fossil free funds and a diversified investment portfolio, check; An effective Impact investment portfolio that coincides with our hopes and dreams for a better world, check; Professional advice and assistance to create a donor advised charitable fund with immediate charitable receipts for tax purposes, check. Returns? Way beyond our expectations! We even had some fun along the way and certainly enjoyed an incredible two-year start to what will be a satisfying long-term relationship with Genus."
Marc B.
“I love the service I get at Genus.”
Chris H.
“Leslie and I were fellow board members when we met twenty years ago. For the last ten she has been thoughtful in the construction of an investment strategy for my family and is executing the strategy as planned. The team at Genus has met my expectations and are a pleasure to deal with.”
Bob Q.
“For over 15 years, I have provided selection and performance evaluation of multiple investment managers for a significant family office. Leslie and Genus have been foundational for me in my role. I have always found Leslie and her colleagues to be insightful and proactive, and found the performance of their portion of the portfolio to be well above benchmarks. And they have been a great pleasure to work with.”
Douglas H.
“Genus is a very innovative firm. I am pleased to invest in their Fossil Free and Impact strategies that help me invest in line with my values.”
Marnie C.
“Great team of professionals. Excellent website and reporting. Responds to inquiries promptly. Very pleased with the process of changing from another company to Genus as well. Kudos.”
David L.
“Genus consistently provides a good, clearly explained, comprehensive picture of the general economic and financial situation, along with an excellent account of the investment decisions made in relation to this. Genus’ equally strong concern with clients’ questions and requests for further information is also a very important part of the service it provides.”
Allan S.
“Back in 1992 when I found myself at fifty with a substantial amount of money to invest, I knew just one thing — that I didn’t want to contribute to tobacco companies, arms manufacturers, or oil. But over the ensuing years the options for socially responsible investing have become far more sophisticated and I’m very happy that this is a big part of the Genus approach. I also very much appreciate the long-term relationship with my portfolio manager, Mary Lou.”
Ann P.

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