Our Leaders

Steven Ranson is the President and CEO of HomeEquity Bank, a federally-regulated, Schedule 1 Canadian bank and the only national provider of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage^®solution.  Appointed President in 1998 and CEO in 2001, Mr. Ranson has led HomeEquity Bank through the public offering of Home Equity Income Trust in 2002 and the subsequent creation of HomeEquity Bank in October 2009.

Under Mr. Ranson’s leadership, HomeEquity Bank has substantially expanded and has been named one of PROFIT 500’s fastest growing companies in both 2016 and 2017.  In his role, Mr. Ranson is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Bank and has continued to grow the business by creating sustainable, long-term value and delivering performance consistent with the interests of its clients, the general public, employees and owners.

As the only Canadian bank that deals exclusively with seniors, Mr. Ranson is frequently asked to speak about topics related to aging in place, financial planning, proactive home equity release, the real estate market and mortgage trends.

Mr. Ranson holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and a Masters, Business Administration from York University. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has served on the Audit Committee for First Capital Realty Corp.

As a community leader and avid cyclist and skier, Mr. Ranson has served as Alpine Ontario’s Director and Treasurer and participates in the annual Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support.  Mr. Ranson is also a member of the SSGF Campaign Cabinet for the YMCA of Greater Toronto.

As EVP & CFO, Mr. Chandra is responsible for the Finance, Treasury and Credit functions supporting the growth and development of the Bank. He provides oversight and leadership for a team that manages all accounting, financial and regulatory reporting, budgeting and planning, internal and external audit, underwriting, capital management and funding requirements of the Bank, and is a member of the Executive Committee.

Mr. Chandra joined HomeEquity Bank in 2016, and has previously served as CFO in the financial services industry for 10+ years.

Mr. Chandra has served as a Director on the Boards of The Scarborough Hospital and Oakville Hydro Corporation, where he was also the Chair of the Audit Committee.

Mr. Chandra, a Chartered Professional Accountant, graduated from an Indian Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and holds an MBA from Queen’s University.

As Executive Vice President, Operations and Legal, Ms. Cuthbertson is responsible for all mortgage operations, and human resources. In addition, as the Bank’s general counsel and corporate secretary she is responsible for legal affairs and the Bank’s overall corporate governance. Ms. Cuthbertson is a member of the Executive Committee.

Ms. Cuthbertson joined Canadian Home Income Plan (CHIP, the predecessor to HomeEquity Bank) in 2002.
Ms. Cuthbertson graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law and she is also a member of the Ontario bar.

As Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Chief Marketing Officer Ms. Ziomecki heads up Marketing and Consumer Sales operations and is responsible for developing sales, marketing strategy and vision for HomeEquity Bank.

Reporting directly to the CEO, Ms. Ziomecki is responsible for driving originations growth and increasing revenues through successful implementation of marketing initiatives, brand strategy, research, pricing, product marketing, marketing communications, advertising and public relations.

Ms. Ziomecki is a member of the Executive Committee.  Ms. Ziomecki joined HomeEquity Bank in 2013.

Ms. Ziomecki graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts and she also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Schulich School of Business.

Eric Bisaillon joined HomeEquity Bank in 2007 and as Senior Vice-President of National Sales he is responsible for managing the entire B2B sales and sales support organization across the country.  This involves overseeing all referred channels of distribution through the direct reporting relationships of the Sales Leadership Team. A member of the Executive team, the role requires active participation at the senior management level, as well as working to define and achieve corporate objectives including growth and profit initiatives.

Before joining HomeEquity Bank, Eric was Regional Manager of Eastern Canada for ING Bank Financial Advisors Services, working in partnership with financial advisors and their clients, where he lead and implemented the strategy for the bank’s entry in Quebec. He has also worked many years, in both Quebec and Europe, for various institutions in the financial services sector. He holds an MBA in International Finance from the School of Management at UQAM.

As Executive Vice President, Data and Technology, Mr. Favero is responsible for Data and Information Technology for HomeEquity Bank.  As a member of the Executive Committee, Mr. Favero is the CIO and leads the Bank’s data management strategy which includes stewardship and enabling capability to leverage the data in driving business results.

Prior to joining HomeEquity Bank in 2020, Mr. Favero held senior executive positions in Information Technology with a large Canadian pension plan and global credit card company.

Mr. Favero graduated from McMaster University with Honors Bachelor of Science.

As Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Dr. Haddad is responsible for corporate-wide risk oversight and internal control policies and practices, and for ensuring compliance with all regulatory obligations and requirements. Dr. Haddad provides leadership and direction with regards to the Bank’s enterprise and business risk management and compliance strategies.

Dr. Haddad joined HomeEquity Bank in 2012.

Dr. Haddad graduated from St-Joseph University with an MD degree.

As Vice President, Enterprise Systems, Mr. Bell is responsible for all aspects of strategy, execution and operation of HEB’s integrated national business systems environment. He successfully leads delivery of systems capability for all functions, including sustainable development of workflow and business transformation in the bank’s heterogeneous IT landscapes.

Mr. Bell is responsible for the management of systems and platform design to support the necessary changes required for increasing revenues and growth of the bank.

Mr. Bell joined HomeEquity Bank in 2014 and has over 18 years experience in IT services. He graduated from the Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Science

As Vice President, Finance, Mr. Cameron is responsible for financial reporting, cash management, and mortgage underwriting. He also has oversight of the deposit business.

Mr. Cameron joined Canadian Home Income Plan (CHIP, the predecessor to HomeEquity Bank) in 2000 as Director of Finance and became Vice President, Finance in 2001.

Mr. Cameron, a Chartered Accountant, graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute with a Bachelor of Business Management.

As Vice President, Mortgage Operations & Portfolio Administration, Mr. Côté is responsible for mortgage operations, credit and operational project management. He joined HomeEquity Bank in 2017 and has over 18 years experience across diverse roles within multi-national financial services companies.

Mr. Côté graduated from Ivey Business School with an Executive MBA.

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Dondo heads up the Human Resources, Internal Communications and Office Services functions, and is responsible for developing and executing the talent strategy for HomeEquity Bank.

Ms. Dondo joined HomeEquity Bank in 2020 and has significant global experience in financial service companies including Franklin Templeton, a global investment management company, where she held progressively senior positions over the past 20 years.

Ms. Dondo graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts and is an International Coach Federation (ICF) recognized professional coach (PCC).

As Vice President and Treasurer, John Garofano is responsible for interest rate and liquidity risk management, coordination of bank financing activities, and oversight of banking and cash management, cash forecasting and short-term investing activities.

John joined HomeEquity Bank in 2014.

He is a Chartered Accountant, holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and has a Certified Treasury Professional designation.

As Vice President, Marketing, Ms. Gauci is responsible for increasing brand awareness and affinity, driving originations growth through digital and direct to consumer channels, and supporting sales teams in their efforts to expand HomeEquity Bank’s reach through banks and mortgage broker channels.

Ms. Gauci joined HomeEquity Bank in 2015 and has over 18 years of experience in global financial services companies and in marketing consultancy.

Ms. Gauci graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and she also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Schulich School of Business.

As Vice President, Strategy & Analytics, Dr. He is responsible for helping senior leaders within the bank to drive sustainable and profitable growth, and ultimately increase business value. She develops the overall bank strategy as well as business unit strategy by leading the annual strategic planning process. She also oversees the implementation of cross-functional, strategic initiatives such as new product launches and dynamic pricing. Dr. He also stands up a Data and Analytics team to help enable more actionable customer insights, and data-driven decision making across the executive team.

Dr. He joined HomeEquity Bank in 2017 and has extensive strategy and management consulting experience for global financial institutions from both the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Monitor Deloitte (ex Monitor Group).

Dr. He graduated from University of Toronto with a Ph.D. Degree in Business.

As Vice President, Referred Sales, Western Canada, Mahmood is a key member of our leadership team with responsibilities across the Western Provinces from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Southwest Ontario.  Leading our Sales Team across Western Canada including our office in Vancouver, Mahmood is accountable for the growth of our business in Western Canada, working primarily with our Sales Team.  His responsibilities also include Business Development in Western Canada for key Mortgage Broker Partnerships as well as Banking and Wealth relationships.

Mahmood joined HomeEquity Bank in 2016 after 25 successful years in Financials Services in various Senior roles including Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and Specialized Sales.

Mahmood is a graduate of BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) where he majored in Finance and went on to complete his Executive MBA at the University of Athabasca.

As Vice President, Infrastructure Operations and Data , Mr. Malik is responsible for planning and execution of the overall Infrastructure and Data Management roadmaps to ensure a technology enabled organization that supports the achievement of the Bank’s business priorities. Mr. Malik leverages his extensive leadership experience in the areas of project execution, infrastructure, operations and data solutions.

Mr. Malik joined HomeEquity Bank in 2020, and previously, led Information Technology of Global Investments divisions at OMERS, where he held progressively senior positions for over 16 years.

As Vice President, Consumer Sales, Mr. Nasmith is responsible for managing all aspects of consumer sales, including our contact centre and our team of specialists. Leading our consumer sales, Mr. Nasmith will help our consumer business with its momentum in growth so that more Canadians can live their retirement dream by staying in the home they love.

Mr. Nasmith joined HomeEquity Bank in 2019 after 21 years as a strategic sales leader in financial services. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Bishops University in Quebec.

Sue Pimento is the Vice President of Sale for Eastern Canada at HomeEquity Bank. A dynamic sales leader and innovative entrepreneur, with extensive experience in both the broker and lender arenas, Sue has garnered a solid reputation in the industry. Sue has a BA from York University and a diploma in business management from George Brown College. Sue is also a Coach, having completed her training at the Adler Learning Institute.

Sue’s passion is empowering others to be the best version of themselves. She is an engaging presenter and a prominent industry speaker.

Sue served on the Board of directors of Mortgage Professionals Canada during 2009, 2010 ,2015 and 2016. She has also been active in the community on behalf of numerous charities, such as the Ride to Conquer Cancer, Angels in the Night, Breast Cancer Society and the Aids Walk Toronto.

John co-founded Birch Hill in 2005 and prior to that co-founded the Canadian mid-market Private Equity Group within TD Capital, Birch Hill’s predecessor organization.  John is Chairman of CCM Hockey and HomeEquity Bank.  He has served on the Boards of ACE Bakery, Bluewave Energy, COM DEV International, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Nealanders International, Persona Communications Corp. and Vector Intermediaries.  John has also played a key role in Birch Hill’s investments in Celestica International and St. Mary’s Paper.

From 1995 to 2004, in addition to his role on several key Birch Hill investments, and as a senior advisor to the Birch Hill group, John’s other duties included: President of TD Capital and Head of TD Global Private Equity business: 1995-2000; Vice Chair and Global Head, Investment Banking, TD Securities: 2000 to 2002, and Advisory Committee member on all the alternative investments funds with TD Capital: Fund of Funds, Mezzanine and Venture Capital.  Prior to joining TD Securities in 1987, John was with Ernst & Young LLP.

Outside of Birch Hill, John serves on the Board of YMCA Toronto and is the Chair of Our Children’s Medicine (“OCM”).  Birch Hill is the founding supporter of OCM, an Indigenous employment program which connects First Nations, Metis and Inuit job seekers with entry level positions across the country.  John is also the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, an Infantry Regiment of Canada’s Reserves.  He was a Director of the Community Foundations of Canada, a Director of the Toronto Foundation (Past Chair), a Director (and past Chair) of Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, a Director of St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, and Director of Calmeadow Foundation.

John is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, a Chartered Business Valuator and holds a B. Comm. (Honours) from Queen’s University.

After a distinguished career of 40 years in investment banking, John retired in December 2015 from Scotiabank where he held the role of Vice-Chairman, Global Investment Banking.  John was responsible for senior executive relationships with major Canadian corporations as a trusted advisor. John established and led the foremost Financial Services Group on Bay Street, which was instrumental in a number of landmark transactions, notably the demutualization of the Canadian life insurance industry and played a lead role on the largest IPO in Canadian corporate history: $2.4 billion IPO of Manulife Financial.

John has been actively involved in a wide range of board and philanthropic activities:

Executive Committee, Institute of Corporate Directors

Chair, Children’s Aid Foundation

Vice-Chair, Bridgepoint Health Foundation

Director, Mt. Sinai Health Foundation

Director, Toronto Foundation

Trustee, Toronto Symphony Foundation

Director, SMC Alpha Man Holdings

Director, Sunnybrook Hospital & Foundation

Director, Duke of Edinburgh Award for Canada, Charter For Business

National Board of Governors, Canadian Centre For Diversity

Major Gifts Cabinet, United Way of Toronto

John was educated in the UK at Oxford University and the City of London Business School before emigrating to Canada in 1974.

He holds the ICD.D form the Canadian Institute of Directors and the F.C. S. I. from the Canadian Securities Institute.

Mr. Galloway was Chair of the Bank of Montreal from 1998 until he stepped down in 2012.  As well, he served on the audit, human resources, governance and risk review committees of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Montreal.  He has also served on the Board of a number of public companies, including Abitibi, Cognos, Shell Canada, Hudson's Bay Company, Westbourne Inc., Clearnet Communications, Toromont Industries and Scripps Networks Interactive.

Mr. Galloway joined Torstar (owner of The Toronto Star, Metroland Newspapers and Harlequin books) in 1981 and served as CEO of Harlequin from 1982 to1988 and CEO of Torstar from 1988 to 2002.  Prior to joining the Harlequin/Torstar group of companies, for ten years, he was a founding partner of the Canada Consulting Group - a leading strategic management consulting firm, which was acquired by the Boston Consulting Group in 1992.

Mr. Galloway is a director of GDI Services and Cozzini Bros.

Mr. Galloway holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

Mr. Jauernig is a Corporate Director and President & Chief Investment Officer of NCM Capital Inc.  From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Jauernig was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX:EFN), one of North America’s leading fleet management and equipment finance companies. Previous to that, Mr. Jauernig was the Chief Executive Officer of Classified Ventures LLC., a provider of online classified advertising products in the United States and owner and operator of Apartments.com and Cars.com (NYSE:CARS).  He joined Classified Ventures in 2000 having previously worked at Toronto-based Newcourt Credit Group Inc., where he served as Chief Financial Officer and President of the Newcourt Services division from 1991 to 1999.  Prior to Newcourt, Mr. Jauernig worked at Arthur Andersen's Toronto office in its international taxation group from 1986 to 1991.  Mr. Jauernig currently also serves as a Director of Torstar Corporation and is a member of its audit committee.  He is also a Director of YourMechanic, Inc., Splend Automotive, and Landlord Web Solutions.

Mr. Jauernig is a Canadian Chartered Accountant, a Certified Management Accountant and a United States Certified Public Accountant and he holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo.

Mr. Lebel has been Chairman of Imperial Metals Corporation since 2003.  Mr. Lebel is also a director of West Kirkland Mining Inc., Business Council of British Columbia, and Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Mr. Lebel holds a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University, a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University and a law degree from The University of Western Ontario.  He is a retired (2011) member of the Law Society of British Columbia.

Mr. Kunica is currently a Partner at Birch Hill Equity Partners, one of Canada’s leading mid-market private equity funds.  Mr. Kunica has been with Birch Hill since 2003 where he has been involved in acquiring and/or acting as a Director of several companies including Hi-Pro Feeds, Bio Agri Mix, Aquaterra Corporation, Creation Technologies, Holiday Canada Retirement Group, Lift Technologies and Persona Communications.

Prior to joining Birch Hill, Mr. Kunica worked in the investment banking groups of both Credit Suisse First Boston and BMO Nesbitt Burns in Toronto.

He received his Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Steven Ranson is the President and CEO of HomeEquity Bank, a federally-regulated, Schedule 1 Canadian bank and the only national provider of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage^®solution.  Appointed President in 1998 and CEO in 2001, Mr. Ranson has led HomeEquity Bank through the public offering of Home Equity Income Trust in 2002 and the subsequent creation of HomeEquity Bank in October 2009.

Under Mr. Ranson’s leadership, HomeEquity Bank has substantially expanded and has been named one of PROFIT 500’s fastest growing companies in both 2016 and 2017.  In his role, Mr. Ranson is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Bank and has continued to grow the business by creating sustainable, long-term value and delivering performance consistent with the interests of its clients, the general public, employees and owners.

As the only Canadian bank that deals exclusively with seniors, Mr. Ranson is frequently asked to speak about topics related to aging in place, financial planning, proactive home equity release, the real estate market and mortgage trends.

Mr. Ranson holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and a Masters, Business Administration from York University. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has served on the Audit Committee for First Capital Realty Corp.

As a community leader and avid cyclist and skier, Mr. Ranson has served as Alpine Ontario’s Director and Treasurer and participates in the annual Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support.  Mr. Ranson is also a member of the SSGF Campaign Cabinet for the YMCA of Greater Toronto.

Ms. Tory retired in 2015 from Ernst & Young LLP where she was an audit partner with responsibility for clients in a variety of industries.  She is currently involved as a Board member with a number of organizations.  Her current positions include being a Board member and Chair of the Audit Committee at Atomic Energy of Canada, MaRS Discovery District, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto Press and George Brown College.  ‎‎

Ms. Tory is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.  She holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto, Trinity College.