JD Lees

Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor

My career began in 2005 where I worked as a Registered Representative at the trade desk for MD Management.  I joined BMO Nesbitt Burns as an Investment Advisor in February 2008.  At that time I was fortunate to have Matt Kenny as my mentor, and in 2009 we formed a partnership.  I have completed the Certified Financial Planning Education Program, the Level II Insurance License program and have achieved the designation of Chartered Investment Manager CIM. 

I have been on the Investment Committee at the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health for many years and am very active in the fundraising community.  When I am not working, I am spending time with my two boys (Rocco & Ozzie) and my beautiful wife Renee.  I enjoy golfing, skiing and being outdoors.

Joshua Wood

Investment Advisor

Joshua is a thoughtful Investment Advisor who strongly believes in the value of providing holistic financial planning and wealth advisory services. Joshua brings over 16 years of financial services experience beginning his career at the young age of 19. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation conferred by FP Canada, completed the prestigious and internationally recognized Trust and Estates Practitioner (TEP) designation with STEP Canada and possesses a deep understanding of the operations and tax implications of trusts and the use of trusts for tax planning and family protection. Prior to joining BMO Private Wealth in March 2022, he specialized in retirement transition planning and integrating investments strategies as a Financial Planner, Investment and Retirement Planner in Ottawa for more than 11 years.  Joshua is also in the final of stages of completing the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

Joshua has spent more than 6 years as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. A very socially conscious individual, he has also volunteered as a mentor with the Immigrant Women Mentoring Network (IWMN), helping women from countries around the world to integrate into Canadian society and enter the financial industry. In his personal time, he is a fitness advocate who maintains an active lifestyle with various modes of training and sports that include sailing, hiking, running, cycling, snowboarding, and golfing. He and his wife reside in Ottawa and have two young daughters.

Emmanuelle Brière

Senior Client Service Associate

Emmanuelle has worked in the banking industry with BMO Bank of Montreal for over 11 years.  In 2018 Emma moved to BMO Nesbitt Burns to join the team in the role of Sales Assistant. She has an undergraduate degree in Financial Mathematics with a Minor in Economics. With her education and banking experience she brings a well-rounded wealth of knowledge to our clients. Her analytical and problem solving skills make her an asset to our team.
 
In her spare time Emmanuelle enjoys spending time with her family and is a dodgeball enthusiast.

William Aitkens

Client Service Associate

William graduated from Carleton University with a Commerce degree concentrating in Finance, where he also completed the Co-operative Education program. Through his co-op terms, he gained valuable hands-on experience working at BMO Nesbitt Burns, building a strong foundation in wealth management and client service.
He has completed both the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) and the Wealth Management Essentials (WME®) and is fully licensed. William brings a detail-oriented and client-focused approach to his role, supporting the team in delivering efficient, reliable service and helping clients navigate their financial needs with confidence.
Outside of work, William enjoys spending time at his cottage, playing golf, fishing, and skating on the Rideau Canal.