Private Equity has long been a powerful engine of growth, innovation, and transformation in the global economy. The sector is shifting to adjust for macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, new fundraising dynamics and investor demands, and changing investment strategies. How are Private Equity leaders positioning themselves for success?
Join Canadian Club Toronto on June 11 for its third annual deep dive into the state of the Private Equity sector, with a timely and insightful panel discussion featuring key voices from across the ecosystem. From global giants to mid-market innovators and emerging strategies in secondaries, our distinguished panelists will explore the opportunities, headwinds, and evolution shaping today’s private equity environment.
Moderated by Sandra Bosela, Co-Group Head, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Private Equity, OPTrust, this panel will feature:
*For virtual attendees, please note that the live stream will begin at approximately 12:40 pm ET & the link will be provided closer to the event date*
Tate Abols
Managing Partner, Corporate Development and Private Equity, Forum Asset Management
Tate is responsible for the Corporate Development and Private Equity activities at Forum and a member of the investment committee. Tate has spent the majority of his career in the private markets and is responsible for building out new asset classes and platforms as Forum grows its business.
Prior to joining Forum, Tate spent fifteen years with Onex Corporation. During his career at Onex, Tate worked both as an investor in Onex’ private equity fund and as corporate development for the parent public company. Tate was directly involved in investing over $5 billion of capital in businesses covering sectors including asset management, healthcare, services and building products. Tate combines his investing capability with operating expertise, having held senior executive positions at two operating businesses owned by Onex. Prior to joining Onex, he worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at RBC Capital Markets where he was involved with over $18 billion of transactions.
Tate holds an Honours Business Administration degree (with Distinction) from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Huron University College, University of Western Ontario.
Tori Buffery
Senior Director, Secondaries, Nicola Wealth Management
Tori brings extensive experience to her role as Senior Director, Secondaries at Nicola Wealth, where she leads a dedicated Secondaries fund strategy and collaborates with the private capital team on Secondaries opportunities.
With a background in private equity, including roles at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Morningside, where she played a pivotal role in growing the firm to over $400 million in assets under management, Tori is known for her expertise in fund management and strategic leadership. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Business and Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and actively contributes to the community as a board member at Urban Squash Toronto, a member of the Finance Committee at North York Harvest Food Bank, and as a member of the Capital Connection committee for the Association of Corporate Growth, Toronto chapter.
Rob Normandeau
Managing Partner and President, SeaFort Capital
Rob co-founded SeaFort in 2012. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Clarke Inc., a TSX-listed investment company. He previously practiced law in the Toronto office of Skadden, Arps, a major New York-based law firm. Rob was recognized in 2009 as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. He holds a BA (Scholar’s Electives) from Western University, a law degree from University of Toronto, an MBA from University of Toronto and is called to the Bar in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New York. He has served on the Boards of several TSX-listed and charitable entities.
David Nowak
Managing Partner, Private Equity, Brookfield Asset Management
David Nowak is a Managing Partner in Brookfield’s Private Equity Group, responsible for investment origination, analysis and execution across North America.
Mr. Nowak joined Brookfield in 2011 and has deep experience in principal investing and the execution of mergers and acquisitions. He chairs the board of directors of One Toronto and Scientific Games.
Mr. Nowak holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University, where he graduated as a Fuqua Scholar, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario.
Sandra Bosela
Co-Group Head, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Private Equity, Private Markets Group, OPTrust
Sandra joined OPTrust in 2012 and is responsible for jointly managing the Private Markets Group, as well as overseeing the strategy and execution of the global private equity program. Prior to joining OPTrust, she spent over 12 years at EdgeStone Capital Partners, Inc., a Canadian-based middle market private equity manager, with her last role as president and managing partner. Sandra began her career in investment banking.
She holds an honours business administration degree from Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario and completed the general management program at the Harvard Business School. Sandra was named one of the Women’s Executive Network’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada in 2017 and 2020.
