The CBGF Team
The CBGF team was built with one thing in mind – helping mid-sized Canadian businesses grow.
With over 100 years of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and investing, our team brings a broad perspective and a successful track record across a broad range of industries, investment types, and geographies.
We have a passion for entrepreneurship and growth; no matter the opportunities or challenges that lie ahead, our team is here to help!
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- Abigail GriffithsHR GENERALIST
- Anna GilliattMANAGER, OFFICE OF THE CEO
- Arlene PatersonSENIOR ASSOCIATE
- Ashley LoweADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
- Brian HefterDIRECTOR, PORTFOLIO
- Clarissa CampoliASSOCIATE
- Cole BradleyANALYST
- Dale TingleyPARTNER
- Erica CalizonEXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
- Erica CarnicelliANALYST
- George RossolatosCEO & MANAGING PARTNER
- Hai Tran-VietPARTNER
- Jamie LearmonthASSOCIATE
- Jason ZhouCRM APPLICATION DEVELOPER
- Jordan AllenASSOCIATE
- Karoline ElkindCFO & PARTNER
- Keith TownsendVP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- Kyle ZacksDIRECTOR
- Lilian WongSENIOR MANAGER, ACCOUNTING
- Marisa TartariASSOCIATE
- Mark D’SilvaPRINCIPAL
- Naxin ZhangSENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Nelson ZhangDIRECTOR
- Sheri HerblumVALUATION MANAGER
- Tiffany WanASSOCIATE
Abigail Griffiths
HR GENERALIST
At the Canadian Business Growth Fund, Abigail is responsible for conducting and administering various HR functions such as HRIS data management, onboarding and offboarding, recruitment, policy and benefits administration, and performance management processes.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2022, Abigail worked as a Talent Acquisition Specialist with experience in HR support, administration, and customer service roles. Outside of work, Abigail enjoys reading, travelling, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.
Abigail holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from University of Guelph. After completing her degree, Abigail went on to complete her Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Sheridan College.
Anna Gilliatt
MANAGER, OFFICE OF THE CEO
At the Canadian Business Growth Fund, Anna is responsible for supporting the CEO in achieving the Fund’s strategic objectives. In addition, she is responsible for managing marketing & branding initiatives, supporting the HR function and business development, as well as overseeing the day-to-day office operations of the Fund.
Anna has four years of administrative and customer service experience in the public sector. Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Anna worked with the York Region District School Board where she was responsible for assisting with the development, implementation and monitoring of student support strategies in the classroom.
Anna graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree with a Major in Psychology and Minor in Linguistics.
Arlene Paterson
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Arlene is involved in all aspects of the investment process. She is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities and monitoring portfolio investments.
Arlene joins CBGF with 8 years of experience in corporate development, strategy and investment banking. Prior to joining CBGF in 2020, Arlene worked at Purdue Pharma (Canada) and CIBC Capital Markets. Arlene graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with an Honours Business Administration with Distinction and spent time studying at the National University of Singapore.
Ashley Lowe
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
At the Canadian Growth Business Fund, Ashley is responsible for supporting the day-to-day administrative operations of the office and supporting the broader CBGF team with marketing, business development and other initiatives.
Ashley has 10 years of combined customer service and administrative experience. Prior to joining CBGF in 2022, Ashley worked as an Administrative Assistant in the packaging industry working alongside the Human Resources and Accounting departments to provide general office operations and payroll support. Ashley graduated from Humber College with a diploma in the Fashion Arts and Business program.
Brian Hefter
DIRECTOR, PORTFOLIO
Brian is responsible with leading follow-on investments and value creation for CBGF portfolio companies. He also works closely with CBGF’s portfolio companies management teams and helps monitor overall portfolio financial and operational performance.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Brian worked at BMO Capital Partners, Grant Thornton Corporate Finance, and TD Securities. He received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and holds the Chartered Business Valuator designation.
Clarissa Campoli
ASSOCIATE
Clarissa is involved in all aspects of the investment process. She is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2019, Clarissa worked at KPMG LLP in the Transaction Services practice where she was responsible for performing financial due diligence in relation to buy-side transactions. Clarissa also spent several years in the Audit & Assurance practice, specializing in real estate and funds.
Clarissa graduated from the Ivey School of Business with an Honours Business Administration with Distinction and holds a Chartered Professional Accounting designation.
Cole Bradley
ANALYST
As a member of the investment team, Cole is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities, and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2022, Cole worked as an Investment Analyst at ScaleUP Ventures. He enjoys snowboarding and playing basketball and golf. He also enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines along the way.
Cole holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Finance from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University.
Dale Tingley
PARTNER
Dale helps to lead the investment team’s activities in origination, execution, and portfolio management. Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, he enjoys partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs and helping them take their business to the next level. In addition, he assists the CEO in management of the Fund.
With 18 years’ experience in private equity, Dale has invested $750 million in over 50 companies. His investments have ranged from early-stage companies to large growing enterprises with thousands of employees.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Dale worked at BMO Capital Partners, CAI Capital Management, and Working Ventures. He received an MBA from Schulich School of Business, a BA Economics (Honours) and a Diploma of Engineering from the University of Prince Edward Island, and holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Erica Calizon
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
At the Canadian Growth Business Fund, Erica is responsible for supporting Dale Tingley and Hai Tran-Viet, Partners at CBGF, and overseeing the administrative aspects of the investment team.
Erica has over 6 years of combined customer service and administrative experience. Prior to joining CBGF in 2019, Erica worked in the restaurant industry taking on increasingly senior roles. Erica was responsible for managing the front of house staff, a team of between 7-10 people, to ensure smooth operations and a high quality of service.
Erica Carnicelli
ANALYST
As a member of the investment team, Erica is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities, and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF full time in 2022, Erica completed a summer internship at the firm as a recipient of the CBGF Women in Private Equity Scholarship. She previously completed internships at Brookfield and RBC. She enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, and travelling to explore new cultures.
Erica holds a Commerce degree with First Class Standing from Queen’s University.
George Rossolatos
CEO & MANAGING PARTNER
George Rossolatos has over 20 years’ experience as an investor, entrepreneur, and leader. At CBGF, he is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the Fund.
George joined CBGF as its founding CEO in January 2018, bringing a passion to help entrepreneurs across Canada grow their companies and ‘think bigger’. Prior to CBGF, George was CEO of Avante Logixx Inc. (TSXV:XX). As an investor and operator at Avante for 7 years, his mandate was to determine the company’s strategic direction and vision and execute the go forward plan which included an operational turnaround.
Hai Tran-Viet
PARTNER
Hai is primarily focused on leading the investment team’s activities in transaction origination, execution, and portfolio management. In addition, he assists the CEO in management of the Fund.
Hai joins CBGF with over 17 years of experience in private equity and investment banking. He is passionate about working with entrepreneurs and has a track-record as an active partner with portfolio companies.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Hai worked at Regimen Equity Partners, Signal Hill Equity Partners, and TD Capital (TD Bank’s merchant banking group). Hai graduated with an MBA from Columbia Business School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Jamie Learmonth
ASSOCIATE
Jamie is involved in all aspects of the investment process. He is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2019, Jamie spent work terms at Brookfield Financial, InstarAGF, and KPMG LLP. He enjoys sports, especially hockey and golf, and travelling abroad.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (High Distinction) with a specialization in finance from the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jason Zhou
CRM APPLICATION DEVELOPER
As a member of the Information Technology team, Jason is responsible for supporting CBGF’s IT infrastructure including designing and building sophisticated customizations and enhancements to support key business stakeholders and providing general IT support to the team.
Before CBGF, Jason worked as Dynamics CRM Developer at The United Church of Canada. He enjoys playing basketball, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his cats and dog.
Jason graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree with a Major in Clinical Laboratory Science. After completing his degree, Jason went on to complete a Software Engineering Diploma from Centennial College.
Jordan Allen
ASSOCIATE
As a member of the investment team, Jordan is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities, and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF full-time in 2020, Jordan completed a summer internship at the firm. He previously completed internships at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Isaac Operations. He enjoys hockey, flag football, behavioural psychology, and cooking.
Jordan holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Applied Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University.
Karoline Elkind
CFO & PARTNER
Karoline oversees the finance team’s activities in financial reporting, tax, and investment valuations. She is the liaison to our shareholders and assists the CEO in management of the Fund.
Karoline joins CBGF with over 15 years of experience ranging from financial statement audit through accounting policy and reporting. In addition, Karoline led her Corporate Expense Team through the transition to a controllership model, executed financial due diligence on over 20 transactions ranging from $5 million to over $1 billion for private and public corporations, as well as private equity and worked on the Asset Backed Commercial Paper and Nortel restructurings.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Karoline worked for major institutions such as BMO Financial Group, and Ernst and Young LLP and acted as advisor to large and small corporations in audit and transaction advisory. Karoline has an Honours Degree from Queen’s University where she graduated cum laude, a Masters in the Science of Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame, and holds the Certified Public Accountant designation (Illinois).
Keith Townsend
VP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Keith is responsible for managing Information Technology for CBGF, including implementation and maintenance of current systems and planning future improvements and innovations.
Keith brings over 20 years experience in an Information Technology leadership role, delivering innovative solutions for both public and private sector organizations – from SaaS start-up with a small team, to multi-national corporations with thousands of employees.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2019, Keith was Director, Management Information Systems and Data Analytics for the Avante Logixx companies, overseeing all of their Information Technology needs. He earned a Bachelor of Technology – Mechanical Engineering, from Ryerson University.
Kyle Zacks
DIRECTOR
As a member of the investment team, Kyle is primarily responsible for managing key components of CBGF’s investment process. In addition, he is responsible for assisting in identification of new investment opportunities, managing and mentoring Analysts and Associates, and monitoring portfolio investments.
With a passion for sports, Kyle enjoys playing tennis and following the NBA. Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Kyle worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse in Toronto. Kyle holds an HBA from Ivey Business School, graduating with Honors and Distinction.
Lilian Wong
SENIOR MANAGER, ACCOUNTING
As Senior Manager, Accounting, at CBGF, Lilian is responsible for supporting the financial and accounting function under the direction of the CFO.
Lilian joins CBGF with over 7 years of public accounting and industry experience. Prior to CBGF, Lilian worked at Wittington Investments and KPMG LLP.
Lilian graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting. She also holds a Chartered Professional Accounting designation.
Marisa Tartari
ASSOCIATE
Marisa is involved in all aspects of the investment process. She is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2020, Marisa spent work terms at Hemlock Capital Partners and SAI Global. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (with High Distinction) in Finance and Economics from the Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto.
Mark D’Silva
PRINCIPAL
As a member of the investment team, Mark is primarily responsible for managing key components of CBGF’s investment process. In addition, he is responsible for assisting in identification of new investment opportunities, managing and mentoring Analysts and Associates, and monitoring portfolio investments. Mark enjoys partnering with entrepreneurs to help them realize their growth plans.
Mark has over 10 years of experience in junior capital investment and investment banking. Prior to joining CBGF in 2019, he worked at RBC Capital Partners and TD Securities. Mark holds an HBA from Ivey Business School, graduating with Honors and Distinction.
Naxin Zhang
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
As a senior accountant at CBGF, Naxin is responsible for supporting the financial and accounting function under the direction of the CFO.
Naxin joins CBGF with over 15 years of accounting experience in both private and public sectors. Prior to joining CBGF in 2018, Naxin worked as a senior financial analyst at a public company where she was responsible for co-ordinating month-end closing process, assisting the CFO in the production of consolidated Corporate financial statements and ad hoc analysis.
Naxin graduated from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accounting. She also holds the CPA Ontario designation.
Nelson Zhang
DIRECTOR
As a member of the investment team, Nelson is primarily responsible for managing key components of CBGF’s investment process. In addition, he is responsible for assisting in identification of new investment opportunities, managing and mentoring Analysts and Associates, and monitoring portfolio investments.
Nelson joins CBGF with 8 years of experience in both private equity and capital markets. Prior to CBGF, Nelson worked at BMO Capital Partners, InstarAGF and Scotia Capital. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Toronto.
Sheri Herblum
VALUATION MANAGER
As a member of the Finance team, Sheri is responsible for leading the valuation process and supporting the ongoing monitoring of CBGF’s investment portfolio.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2022, Sheri worked at FTI Consulting where she specialized in valuations and the quantification of economic losses for international disputes. Sheri also held various finance and consulting roles at TD Bank and Deloitte.
Sheri holds an Honours Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University. Sheri also holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and a Chartered Business Valuator designation.
Tiffany Wan
ASSOCIATE
Tiffany is involved in all aspects of the investment process. She is responsible for carrying out research, analyzing new investment opportunities and monitoring portfolio investments.
Prior to joining CBGF in 2021, Tiffany worked at CIBC in the Strategy & Corporate Development group where she was responsible for supporting the development and implementation of business strategies and executing transactions. Tiffany also spent several years in Corporate Banking, specializing in the financial services industry. Tiffany graduated from the Ivey Business School with an Honours Business Administration degree with Distinction.