Fred Benford, FMA, FCSI, CIM®
Fred Benford began his career in banking in 1998, and has been delivering a full-service wealth management process since 2005.
Since 2015, Fred has served his clients within CIBC Wood Gundy. He employs an extensive infrastructure of specialized professionals and solutions oriented toward the complex financial needs of high-net-worth individuals and families. Combined with his own network of professional partners and internal capabilities, these resources allow Fred to offer an in-depth wealth management process for multigenerational families, retirees, business owners and incorporated professionals. As a straightforward communicator with a calming presence, he focuses on helping clients navigate the complexities of life and wealth.
Fred holds several specialized industry credentials, including Financial Management Advisor (FMA), Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). He has also earned the Family Enterprise and Wealth Certificate, has acquired the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate (CAIA) and is an individual member of the Canadian Association of Alternative Strategies and Assets.
A lifelong martial artist, Fred enjoys hiking with his family in his spare time. He is also passionate about a number of charities, including The United Way, Children’s Aid, Food Bank, The Food Sharing Project and the Humane Society.
Jennifer Price
Jennifer is now in her twenty-first year with CIBC and has been working alongside Fred since 2022. Jennifer plays a vital role in the secure movement of client funds, with a focus on efficiency. Her responsibilities range from handling complex financial transactions to managing and maintaining essential documentation and client records. She also works closely with our clients’ other financial professionals, such as accountants and lawyers, to help streamline their financial needs. By ensuring every aspect of our operations function seamlessly, she is committed to making client transitions and account updates as smooth as possible. Her exceptional attention to detail has made her a trusted resource for both clients and colleagues.
Introduced to Sandbanks Provincial Park as a child, Jennifer developed a strong connection to nature and the outdoors, which she weaves into her travels whenever possible. Outside the office, she can be found camping, hiking, scuba diving, or kayaking. Jennifer is also passionate about supporting communities and does so by contributing to organizations like the Elizabeth Fry Society, United Way, and Main Street Community Services.
Seth O'Brien
Seth is a Bachelor of Commerce student at McMaster University, specializing in finance and pursuing minors in economics and innovation. He is currently working with the CIBC Wood Gundy team to gain valuable, hands-on experience in wealth management. Alongside providing direct operational and analytical support to investment advisors, Seth contributes to marketing initiatives for the team.
On a personal note, Seth is a varsity volleyball athlete with a passion for all sports. He enjoys exploring the world and has backpacked through a diverse range of countries, continually adding new destinations to his travel experiences.
Mark Defalco, CFP, F.Pl.
Financial Planning Specialist
Mark is a Financial Planning Specialist with CIBC Private Wealth Management working with the Advisory teams at the Ottawa Main, Kanata & Kingston Wood Gundy branches. Mark joined CIBC in 2020, and has over 16 years’ experience in financial advice and planning. He believes in a holistic and comprehensive approach to financial planning. Mark has extensive experience working with high net worth clients, both personal and corporate, to help them achieve their financial goals.
Fred Kyriazis, CPA, CA
Estate Planning Specialist
I am an Estate Planning Specialist with CIBC Private Wealth Management. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, my focus over the years has been working with private business owners, professionals and farmers in developing strategies to help minimize their tax burden at various stages in their lives, including business transitions and estate planning.
I have developed a holistic approach to estate planning and provide my clients with solutions that will help them achieve their goals as it relates to their estate by minimizing the impact that taxes can have on a family’s estate.
Nigel Newland, B.Comm., CFP
Estate Planning Specialist
As a CIBC Wood Gundy Estate Planning Specialist I work with your trusted advisor to provide you with a specialized estate plan. My expertise is rooted in financial and intergenerational wealth transfer solutions, including; preservation, estate enhancement, business succession, charitable giving, retirement income planning and tax minimization.
Before joining CIBC Wood Gundy, I worked for a private sector company based in the United States and prior to that I spent 9 years working with a large financial institution as a wealth advisor. I strive to provide you with timely professional advice that you can put into action.
Mark Defalco, CFP, F.Pl.
Mark is a Financial Planning Specialist with CIBC Private Wealth Management working with the Advisory teams at the Ottawa Main, Kanata & Kingston Wood Gundy branches. Mark joined CIBC in 2020, and has over 16 years’ experience in financial advice and planning. He believes in a holistic and comprehensive approach to financial planning. Mark has extensive experience working with high net worth clients, both personal and corporate, to help them achieve their financial goals.
Fred Kyriazis, CPA, CA
I am an Estate Planning Specialist with CIBC Private Wealth Management. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, my focus over the years has been working with private business owners, professionals and farmers in developing strategies to help minimize their tax burden at various stages in their lives, including business transitions and estate planning.
I have developed a holistic approach to estate planning and provide my clients with solutions that will help them achieve their goals as it relates to their estate by minimizing the impact that taxes can have on a family’s estate.
Nigel Newland, B.Comm., CFP
As a CIBC Wood Gundy Estate Planning Specialist I work with your trusted advisor to provide you with a specialized estate plan. My expertise is rooted in financial and intergenerational wealth transfer solutions, including; preservation, estate enhancement, business succession, charitable giving, retirement income planning and tax minimization.
Before joining CIBC Wood Gundy, I worked for a private sector company based in the United States and prior to that I spent 9 years working with a large financial institution as a wealth advisor. I strive to provide you with timely professional advice that you can put into action.
Jamie Golombek, CPA, CA, CFP®, CLU, TEP, FCPA
Managing Director Tax and Estate Planning
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.
Lana Robinson
Executive Director, Wealth Strategists
Lana leads a national team of Wealth Advisors specializing in the delivery of comprehensive financial plans for high net worth families and business owners. With over 20 years in the Financial Services industry, Lana leverages her experience to assemble an integrated team of professionals within CIBC to work closely with her clients' professional advisors to provide specialized advice and consultation on a broad range of complex and integrated financial planning strategies. Lana's educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from St Thomas University in 1994 and the Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designation. She received her Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) in 2011 from the Investment Management Consultant's Association (in affiliation with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business).
Katie Lazier, LLB
Wealth strategist
As the Director and Lead of Estate Planning and Philanthropy at CIBC, Kate specializes in assisting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families in crafting meaningful and effective estate plans and charitable gifts. Leveraging her extensive knowledge in estates, trusts, and charitable law, she assists clients in exploring strategies that facilitate seemless transitions and enhance tax efficiency. Kate is dedicated to helping families identify and prioritize the charitable causes that resonate with them, while also facilitating the communication of their values to future generations. She takes great pleasure in sharing her insights on topics such as wills, powers of attorney, charitable gifts, philanthropy, donor-advised funds, and private foundations.
Kate is a lawyer called to the Bar in Ontario and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. With 16 years of experience practicing law at a national law firm prior to joining CIBC, she has been recognized for her expertise by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Best Lawyers in Canada. Kate frequently writes and speaks on estate planning and charity and non-profit issues.
Jamie Golombek, CPA, CA, CFP®, CLU, TEP, FCPA
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.
Lana Robinson
Lana leads a national team of Wealth Advisors specializing in the delivery of comprehensive financial plans for high net worth families and business owners. With over 20 years in the Financial Services industry, Lana leverages her experience to assemble an integrated team of professionals within CIBC to work closely with her clients' professional advisors to provide specialized advice and consultation on a broad range of complex and integrated financial planning strategies. Lana's educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from St Thomas University in 1994 and the Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designation. She received her Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) in 2011 from the Investment Management Consultant's Association (in affiliation with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business).
Katie Lazier, LLB
As the Director and Lead of Estate Planning and Philanthropy at CIBC, Kate specializes in assisting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families in crafting meaningful and effective estate plans and charitable gifts. Leveraging her extensive knowledge in estates, trusts, and charitable law, she assists clients in exploring strategies that facilitate seemless transitions and enhance tax efficiency. Kate is dedicated to helping families identify and prioritize the charitable causes that resonate with them, while also facilitating the communication of their values to future generations. She takes great pleasure in sharing her insights on topics such as wills, powers of attorney, charitable gifts, philanthropy, donor-advised funds, and private foundations.
Kate is a lawyer called to the Bar in Ontario and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. With 16 years of experience practicing law at a national law firm prior to joining CIBC, she has been recognized for her expertise by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Best Lawyers in Canada. Kate frequently writes and speaks on estate planning and charity and non-profit issues.
Lizanne Ranger, CFP®, RRC, FCSI
Senior Private Banking Advisor
As a Sr. Private Banking Advisor, it is important I understand your values, dreams and goals and to provide you with the financial stewardship to help realize them. I start by understanding your financial goals—whether it's cash and credit management, investments or planning—and develop services customized to your unique needs.
You'll enjoy convenience, flexibility and peace of mind from your CIBC Private Banking team, so you can focus on other things, without worrying about your finances. My associate and I offer highly personalized and proactive attention, along with timely, professional and reactive services.
Chantal Dubé
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
As an experienced estate professional, I believe that a key component of wealth management is an estate plan that protects your assets, preserves your legacy, and ensures your estate is efficiently distributed. With the support of a team, I provide customized estate, trust, and incapacity solutions. Prior to joining CIBC Trust Company, I worked in the financial services industry for over 15 years before finding my vocation in estate and trust administration. In my former role as a Trust Officer, I was responsible for managing the administration of complex accounts. I am also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP Canada) and became a Certified Estate and Trust Administrator in 2020. With a career focused on building client relationships, my goal is to provide you and your family with confidence and peace of mind.
Lizanne Ranger, CFP®, RRC, FCSI
As a Sr. Private Banking Advisor, it is important I understand your values, dreams and goals and to provide you with the financial stewardship to help realize them. I start by understanding your financial goals—whether it's cash and credit management, investments or planning—and develop services customized to your unique needs.
You'll enjoy convenience, flexibility and peace of mind from your CIBC Private Banking team, so you can focus on other things, without worrying about your finances. My associate and I offer highly personalized and proactive attention, along with timely, professional and reactive services.
Chantal Dubé
As an experienced estate professional, I believe that a key component of wealth management is an estate plan that protects your assets, preserves your legacy, and ensures your estate is efficiently distributed. With the support of a team, I provide customized estate, trust, and incapacity solutions. Prior to joining CIBC Trust Company, I worked in the financial services industry for over 15 years before finding my vocation in estate and trust administration. In my former role as a Trust Officer, I was responsible for managing the administration of complex accounts. I am also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP Canada) and became a Certified Estate and Trust Administrator in 2020. With a career focused on building client relationships, my goal is to provide you and your family with confidence and peace of mind.