Sheetal Chetan
VP, Corporate Finance & Treasury
Sheetal is a proven finance leader, backed by over 25 years of hands-on experience in both public and private companies.
At Equiton, Sheetal plays a critical role within our finance team and serves as the resident expert on all aspects of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). She oversees the operations of our Corporate Accounting department, implements new processes and best practices, and works closely with both internal and external financial stakeholders.
Sheetal is a CPA, CA which demonstrates her extensive knowledge and expertise in financial management and accounting.
Jack Shields
Associate, Business Development
Jack Shields is a business-driven professional with a passion for alternative investments and real estate.
At Equiton, he provides support for the Private Capital Markets team by continuously identifying growth opportunities and providing excellent customer service to clients.
Jack holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Queen’s University and a Master of Financial Economics from Western University.
Kimberley Crescini
VP, Sales and Marketing
Kimberley Crescini has established herself in the real estate industry as a leader in pre-construction sales. With nearly two decades of experience, she has launched sales events resulting in over 10,000 units sold for high profile developers. Her expertise has been instrumental in the success of some of the GTA’s fastest selling and most talked about projects.
At Equiton Developments, Kimberley is responsible for developing and executing successful sales and marketing strategies for all condo development and construction projects. She expertly manages all brand awareness initiatives while focusing on delivering exceptional homeowner experiences. Through her strong relationships with brokers, home buyers, and the community, Kimberley has developed an in-depth understanding of the condo sales market, allowing her to market condo sales projects that are in high demand with target consumers.
Kimberley has a Bachelor of Business Management from Ryerson University and is licensed by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Remberto Tobar
Associate, Business Development
Remberto Tobar is a dedicated customer-service professional with experience at one of Canada’s largest banks.
At Equiton, Remberto supports the Private Capital Markets team by delivering personalized client care and uncovering new opportunities to meet the needs of our investors.
Remberto is a graduate of the Business Administration Program at Mohawk College.
Sudeen Burnett
Administrator, Investor Services
Sudeen Burnett is a highly motivated administrative professional with several years of experience in the financial services industry.
With a background of financial customer service at one of Canada’s biggest banks, Sudeen is responsible for helping Equiton’s clients, sales teams and advisor network as well as providing general administrative support to the company as a whole.
Sudeen has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Technology, Jamaica and an Advanced Diploma in International Business/Trade/Commerce from Nova Scotia Community College.
Darine Arar
Senior Administrator, Investor Services – Client Services
Darine Arar is a financial services administrative professional with over a decade of experience at a leading Canadian financial institution.
At Equiton she is responsible for helping our clients, sales teams and advisor network as well as providing general administrative support to the company. Her primary focus is to build strong relationships with existing and new customers and ensure a seamless and smooth investment experience.
Darine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Brock University.
Michael Kowalczyk
VP, Investment Finance & Asset Management
Michael Kowalczyk is an accomplished financial professional with over 20 years’ experience and expertise in real estate-focused funds and asset portfolios. Michael has a track record of effectively managing internal and external stakeholder relationships and executing long-term strategic, operational and financial initiatives. At Equiton, he is responsible for providing timely and high-quality financial analysis, reporting for all aspects of Equiton’s real estate investment funds, driving financial performance, and the execution of asset focused value maximizing strategies.
Michael is a CPA, CA and has a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Economics and Administration and a Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Niraj Dave
Associate, Business Development
Niraj Dave is a leader in customer service. His previous experience as a Mutual Funds Investment Specialist allowed him to gain a deep understanding of clients’ needs throughout the investment process.
Niraj possesses exceptional prioritization and organizational skills which he implements to maximize client outreach. At Equiton, his ability to evaluate and analyze quality leads makes him an asset to the Private Capital Markets team.
Niraj received his Honours Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance and minor in Economics from Brock University.
Alan Li
Associate, Business Development
Alan Li is a solutions-oriented professional with experience in sales, risk analysis, and client relationship management.
At Equiton, Alan supports the Asian Canadian Markets team by providing tailored client support and identifying new opportunities to meet investors' needs.
Alan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Algoma University and is also proficient in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Khalida Shah
Associate, Client Support
Khalida is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in the financial services industry, excelling in client relations, sales support, and team collaboration across both banking and investment roles.
At Equiton, Khalida supports the Private Capital Markets team in managing administrative tasks and contributing to a high-performing, collaborative environment that prioritizes client satisfaction and operational excellence.
Tania Angemi
VP, People & Culture
Tania is a senior human resources leader with extensive global experience in driving transformational change through innovative people strategies. With a proven track record of success, she excels in areas such as talent acquisition, learning and development, and strategic communication. Tania is passionate about creating impactful solutions that empower individuals and teams to thrive, making her a vital contributor to any organization.
At Equiton, Tania plays a pivotal role in shaping forward-thinking talent strategies that align with the company’s objectives, enabling key business decisions and fostering long-term organizational success. Her leadership ensures that Equiton remains a dynamic and thriving workplace.
Tania holds a Bachelor of Sociology from McMaster University, and a Human Resources Management Diploma from Humber College.
Taylor Jenkin
VP, Business Development, Advisor Channel
Taylor Jenkin is an accomplished financial services professional with over 15 years of experience in investment sales, capital raising, and business development. Throughout his career, Taylor's expertise in alternative investments, private equity, and real estate finance has been instrumental in empowering investment advisors to grow their businesses, enhance client portfolios, and achieve outstanding sales results.
Taylor is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), with a deep understanding of wealth management, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks, including CIRO guidelines. He has built and managed high-performing sales teams, developed strategic partnerships, and leveraged his industry expertise to drive revenue growth. At Equiton, Taylor plays a pivotal role in expanding our advisor network, raising capital for private real estate investments, and driving strategic growth initiatives.
Taylor has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University.
Nicholas Stavropoulos
Sales Coordinator, Wholesale
Nicholas Stavropoulos is dedicated to fostering lasting relationships and has a strong background in sales, operations, and customer service, including experience working with various public entities.
At Equiton, Nicholas is focused on supporting our Advisor Channel to ensure advisors receive the highest level of service.
Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Economics from Queen’s University.
Raymond Sawicki
Senior Vice-President, National and Strategic Accounts
Ray is a strategic and innovative investment management executive with expertise in private wealth, asset management, and multi-asset portfolio construction. With over 25 years of industry experience, he is known for building transformational businesses and leading high-performing teams. He has a proven track record of driving success through strategic opportunities and long-term partnerships.
At Equiton, Ray leads the organization’s efforts to develop wealth channel distribution and platform availability, strengthen advisor relationships, and establish a standardized onboarding and service approach for National Dealer Relationships. Prior to joining Equiton, he was an integral member of the senior leadership team for one of Canada’s fastest-growing independent wealth management organizations and has served in a leadership capacity with a number of leading wealth management and asset management organizations.
Ray holds an MBA from York University's Schulich School of Business, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce & Finance degree from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management and is a CFA Charterholder.
Christopher Wein
Chief Operating Officer
Christopher has over 25 years of experience in real estate development, including C-suite and senior executive positions in large-scale development companies operating throughout Canada and the United States. He has led development initiatives for all asset classes and is adept in all types of construction including low-rise, master-planned communities, resorts and skyscrapers. He is an innovator in utilizing new technologies, sustainable eco-friendly building solutions and engineering ingenuity within the development and construction industries.
At Equiton Developments, Christopher is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership, overseeing projects, ensuring efficiency and profitability, and fostering a high-performance culture to drive long-term growth.
Christopher is currently the Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society, and a member of the Board for Elevate, Canada’s largest tech and innovation festival. His recent past appointments include chair of the Design Exchange, chair of Prostate Cancer Canada and a governor of the North York General Hospital Foundation as well as a long history of service as a member of many other health, philanthropic, arts and community boards. He was also the recipient of Calgary Inc.’s Top 40 Under 40 award in 2004.
Rishi Sharma
Associate, Business Development
Rishi Sharma is a dedicated customer service professional with extensive investment knowledge from one of Canada’s largest banks.
At Equiton, Rishi drives business growth by supporting the Private Capital Markets team with tailored client service and identifying new opportunities to meet investor needs.
Rishi holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western University.
Matthew Spironello
VP, Construction
Matthew is a seasoned construction professional with over 25 years of experience leading high-value projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and managing construction operations for high-rise, residential, and commercial developments throughout North America and the Caribbean.
At Equiton Developments, Matthew takes an active role in every stage of the construction management process. He leads multiple projects throughout the development lifecycle from preconstruction through to completion and final delivery. Additionally, Matthew manages purchasing and contract administration while contributing to the design and planning of construction projects.
Ultimately, Matthew is dedicated to driving excellence and leveraging his expertise to lead projects with strategic, hands-on leadership.
Sean Tousaw
Associate, Business Development
Sean Tousaw is a driven finance professional with a strong background in investment analysis, client relations, and sales.
At Equiton, Sean applies his financial acumen, analytical skills, and client-centric approach to support investors in navigating the private real estate market. His combination of technical knowledge, sales experience, and a competitive mindset allows him to build strong relationships and drive strategic growth.
Sean holds a Bachelor of Economics and Business Management from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jason Roque
CEO and Founder
Jason is the CEO and founder of Equiton. He has over 25 years’ experience in real estate finance, investment and development, and has spearheaded the exponential growth at Equiton.
Throughout his career he has overseen all aspects of the real estate investment life cycle including: acquisitions, financing, governmental approvals, construction and operations management. Jason is committed to maximizing returns for partners and investors while upholding the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Jason received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto.
Aaron Pittman
SVP, Head of Canadian Institutional Investments
Aaron has over 20 years of experience in institutional asset management and has guided multiple firms through transitions from Retail to Institutional focus. His diverse career includes roles in business development, investor relations, client servicing, consultant relations, and content management, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of institutional asset-gathering.
At Equiton, Aaron oversees all aspects of the Institutional business related to the firm's investment strategies for Institutional clients. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and growth opportunities, Aaron is focused on leveraging the growing global demand for Canadian real estate among diverse sources of capital.
A frequent speaker at major industry conferences, Aaron offers valuable insights and presents innovative perspectives on key market trends. Click here to view his upcoming speaking engagements.
Ryan Donkers
VP, Investments
Ryan Donkers is a seasoned real estate acquisition professional with 20 years of experience and is highly regarded for building, leading and inspiring high-performing investment teams. Widely known as an innovator, outstanding communicator, relationship builder and mentor, he has a demonstrated track record of trusted and deep relationships across Canada with brokers, principals and other real estate professionals for purchases, divestiture and joint venture opportunities.
At Equiton, Ryan is responsible for identifying and acquiring a diversified portfolio of investments to create value and asset appreciation for our partners. He will also pursue organic growth opportunities and ensure there is an active pipeline of new investment opportunities.
Ryan has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a CPA and CA.
Alan Dillabough
VP, Development
Alan is a highly regarded business executive with over 20 years of experience in real estate development and asset management. He is a seasoned professional that has developed several billion dollars worth of commercial properties in Canada and is responsible for the leadership of Equiton’s development unit, including the strategic planning, financial returns and execution of its office, retail, residential and mixed-use development platform.
At Equiton, Alan also manages and represents the firm throughout the approval and construction processes with various cities, municipalities, government, and other agencies.
Alan has his Masters of Urban and Rural Planning from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Kathy Gjamovska
VP, Marketing & Communications
Kathy Gjamovska is an expert marketer with more than 20 years of experience building and leading highly effective teams. Kathy managed a team that executed strategies to increase retail customer growth for one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, driving enterprise value through acquisition and retention campaigns. She has also held senior marketing executive positions at Canada’s oldest and most recognized telecommunications companies and its subsidiaries.
At Equiton, Kathy is responsible for running the marketing and communications department in the strategic development, execution, and optimization of the marketing plan to increase brand awareness, acquisition, and loyalty. Kathy creates aggressive goals and leverages data and analytics to develop revenue-building strategies that make a measurable impact.
Kathy has her BBA and MBA, Marketing from the Schulich School of Business, York University in Toronto.
Bill Flinders
Chief Technology Officer
Bill has over 25 years’ experience working for a diverse group of rapidly growing businesses where he was responsible for systems and IT teams. These industries include real estate investment and development, healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture. At Equiton, Bill is responsible for all technology-related operations, including software development, systems processing, network infrastructure and staff support. He assists senior management in developing proprietary systems while maintaining IT security and governance.
Bill has extensive experience with systems platforms, network and database infrastructure and various programming languages. In addition to ongoing education in programming and systems development, Bill has also studied Business Administration and Computer Programming/Analysis.
Helen Hurlbut
President, CFO and Co-founder
Helen is an experienced, award-winning senior executive, with over 30 years’ experience in the commercial, industrial and residential real estate industries. She has held executive leadership roles at several leading real estate investment and development companies.
At Equiton, Helen specializes in strategic and operational planning, including financial decision-making. She is responsible and provides support for Equiton’s overall financial, development and operational growth, including security.
Helen is a CPA and holds an Honours B.A. in Economics and Business from York University.
Her achievements include:
2025 Enterprising Women of the Year
2024 BPM Elite Women
2024 Women2Watch
2022 5-Star Leading Women in Wealth
Greg Placidi
Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
Greg is an accomplished investment professional with a strong track record across a wide array of investment portfolios. He has more than 25 years of global financial services experience, including senior roles in asset management, strategy consulting, insurance, real estate and financial services regulation. At Equiton, Greg is responsible for managing and monitoring investment activities, including overseeing financial analysis and assisting with strategic investment initiatives. He is also responsible for business development and maintaining good investor and partner relations.
Greg is a CFA and has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Finance & Accounting, Queen’s University and an MBA, Finance & Marketing, University of Toronto.
Don Cant
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Don has more than 25 years’ experience in the financial services and real estate industries. Most recently, he spent over 20 years in senior legal and regulatory compliance roles in wealth management and capital markets at several Canadian chartered banks. An accomplished risk-management professional, he has in-depth knowledge and experience in operations, compliance, governance, and building and developing effective relationships with key regulatory organizations. Don also has valuable real estate experience working for national firms where he assisted with their real estate portfolios.
At Equiton, Don is responsible for overseeing all legal and compliance matters.
Don has an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University and a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.
William Woods
Independent Board Member
William Woods has a wealth of international securities market experience and specific corporate government expertise. He is a known governance expert for investment funds and public companies. He has advised governments and supra-national aid agencies, such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, on securities laws and financial services. William also has 20 years’ experience in business development and strategic planning for stock exchanges, including over six years as the CEO of the Bermuda Stock Exchange. He has helped design capital markets and the marketing and business development for exchanges in Hong Kong, China, India and Canada.
He has served as an independent director on the boards of several hedge funds and as an Independent Review Committee member for several Canadian investment fund groups. William is the President and CEO of Woods & Co. Limited, a firm specializing in sound governance for funds and companies.
He obtained an LL. B from the University of Manchester and is permitted to practice in Bermuda, England, Wales and Hong Kong. He obtained the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) in June 2017.
Robert Mongeau
Independent Board Member
Robert Mongeau is President of Axeum Inc., a consulting firm providing advisory services to real estate and retail organizations. Previously he was Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited and President of Canadian Tire Real Estate, Limited. There, he led the acquisition, development, construction and management of Canadian Tire’s network of owned and leased retail locations across its ten banners as well as a portfolio of office, industrial and distribution properties. He was part of the senior leadership team involved in the acquisition of the Forzani Group, a $771M transaction, and helped launch CT REIT’s initial public offering.
Prior to joining Canadian Tire, Robert was responsible for the real estate development of the “Maxi” and “Maxi & Co.” supermarkets at Loblaw Companies Limited/Provigo Inc. Before this, he practised real estate and commercial law for seven years; he holds a Bachelor of Law from Sherbrooke University and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1989.
Simona Tofan
Director, Finance - Income-Producing Properties
Simona Tofan is a versatile Chartered Professional Accountant with over a decade of experience in finance and accounting.
At Equiton she plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates the operation of the Lease Administration and Accounting Departments. She is accountable for the effective operation of the Property Administration and Accounting functions and adds value by leveraging hands-on experience in real estate, retail, and professional services firms as well as in the not-for-profit sector.
Simona is a CPA with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University.
Kumar Lamichhane
Senior Administrator, Investor Services
Kumar Lamichhane is a results-driven administrative professional with over a decade of experience working as an administrator at various financial institutions.
Kumar is responsible for helping Equiton’s clients, sales teams and advisor network as well as providing general administrative support to the company as a whole. His primary focus is to build a strong administrative system that provides excellent support to customers and the investment sales team.
Kumar has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance.
Bill Zigomanis
Independent Board Member
Bill Zigomanis is a senior executive with experience in investment banking, corporate lending, risk management and the rental housing real estate development and management industries. As Vice President of Investments for Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust for the past eight years, Bill promoted Boardwalk as the landlord and stock of choice in the investment banking community.
Prior to that, he worked for TD Bank Financial Group as the Associate Vice President, Multi-Unit Residential Mortgages, where he was responsible for the unit’s performance. While there, he built the largest multi-family mortgage portfolio in Canada and increased new business originations and related profitability. He also has over 25 years of experience with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Insurance Program.
For 14 years, Bill was chairman and a board member for the Federation of Rental Providers of Ontario, the largest apartment association in Ontario, representing more than 2,200 members who own and manage over 350,000 rental units.
He has a Business Administration Diploma (Marketing) from Centennial College. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (University of Toronto) and a graduate of the TD Leadership Academy, Ivey School of Business, at Western University.
Shane Cronin
Senior Associate, Private Capital Markets
Shane is an accomplished financial sales executive with a successful track record of performance and managing teams of professionals in the institutional financial sales environment. He is very proficient at cultivating and maintaining client relationships and achieving results. At Equiton, he is responsible for developing long-term relationships with both existing and prospective clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the DeVry Institute of Technology, in Chicago, Illinois.
David Hamilton
Independent Board Member
David has over 35 years of legal experience, recently as a partner with Gowlings WLG in the Financial Services Group. While there, he specialized in capital and commercial markets lending transactions; real estate development and project financing for condominiums, commercial and residential real estate projects; and asset-based lending, acting for major financial institutions such as RBC Capital Markets, RBC Royal Bank, CIBC, GE Capital, TD Bank and National Bank. He also structured, negotiated and provided counsel on domestic and cross-border lending transactions.
Prior to Gowlings WLG, David was a partner with Aylesworth (now Dickinson Wright) where he served a diverse clientele and developed a practice in banking, commercial real estate, commercial lending, asset-based lending, mortgage remedies and debtor/creditor rights. He represented financial services firms including RBC Royal Bank, Swiss Bank Corporation Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, KPMG, BDO, GMAC and GE Capital. For several years, he also served as general counsel to the board of directors of Allied Van Lines Limited.
Aida Tammer
Independent Board Member
Aida Tammer brings over 30 years of experience in the capital markets, corporate governance and real estate investment realm, having advised on numerous REIT IPO and M&A transactions, debt and equity offerings and property trades. She spent 19 years with the CIBC Group of Companies, including over a decade as a real estate investment banker at CIBC World Markets and, prior to that, in progressively senior roles at CIBC Development Corporation. Her real estate consulting work since 2010 has included providing written opinions as an expert witness. Aida holds the MBA (Finance) degree from the Rotman School of Management, CFA designation, specialized training in derivative securities and financial risk management (Canadian Securities Institute) and undergraduate degrees from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture and became a licensed architect early in her career. She holds the ICD.D designation and has served on a number of public company boards.
Scot Caithness
Independent Board Member
Scot Caithness has more than 40 years of commercial real estate, consulting and management experience in Canada and around the world. He has provided strategic consulting to companies on their real estate portfolios from acquisitions and dispositions to facility management and development. He led or was part of the senior team involved in projects in the Middle East, the Baltic States and North America with a focus on Western Canada. Fluent in English and French, Scot holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Urban Planning and Development, Marketing and Finance from the University of Alberta. He is also a professionally accredited appraiser and chartered surveyor.
Scot has served on a host of community service and professional boards, delivered numerous talks on key valuation issues and is currently Chairman of the Calgary chapter of the Appraisal Institute of Canada.