Paying tribute to our past president, Carl Robert, CFA, and his remarkable contributions to CFA Montréal

The word “dedication” is a fitting one when describing Carl Robert’s involvement with CFA Montréal. He has been working with the Society for over a decade, culminating with his tenure as president from 2019 to 2021. His leadership, his collaborative mindset and his commitment to shining the spotlight on his fellow team members have all helped strengthen our governance and get four strategic committees off the ground, which will serve as the pillars for our long-term growth.

In his capacity as president, Carl was a driving force behind the creation of the ESG Committee, supported the launch of ESG certification in Quebec and played a key role in reviewing the CFA Montréal investment policy to incorporate a sustainable investment thrust. He has also been active in promoting the Fintech Committee and the Women in Investment Management initiative, both of which have garnered a great deal of attention and respect since their creation. The remarkable initiatives spearheaded by CFA Montréal in 2020–2021 earned us the 2021 Initiative for the Advancement of Women in Finance Award from the AFFQ.

Carl has been particularly adept in navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic, which has enabled us to keep hosting events aligned with the career development and upskilling needs of CFA charterholders and candidates alike. It is in no small part thanks to him that we have been able to adapt to the circumstances at hand and lead strategic initiatives that have set, and continue to set, the pace.

In the past year, CFA Montréal has adjusted to current realities to put forward new types of content. These efforts were shaped by a member survey on the economic outlook in response to COVID-19. The findings of the survey were covered extensively in the Quebec media, including a number of interviews that gave Carl the opportunity to promote the CFA designation and the expertise of our members.

In addition to his position on the Board, Carl has played a front-line role in planning a number of major events over the years, bringing in high-profile, sought-after guest speakers such as celebrated U.S. journalist Bob Woodward.

Highlights and achievements of CFA Montréal under Carl’s leadership:

• Participation in developing new strategic priorities for 2021–2024
• Launch of ESG investment certification in Quebec
• COVID-19 economic outlook survey
• Changes to the CFA Montréal investment policy to incorporate ESG factors across the entire portfolio
• Creation of four strategic committees
• Reworking of the Society’s bylaws
• Hiring of a new Executive Director (Jo-Ann Hajdamacha) and confirmation of a permanent team

 Awards won by CFA Montréal during his tenure:

• AFFQ Initiative for the Advancement of Women in Finance Award (2021)
• CFA Institute Outstanding Research Award, as part of the 2020 Society Awards Programme

Through it all, Carl has brought incredible energy to CFA Montréal and inspired a whole new level of commitment. We are confident he will represent us with honour and integrity as a newly elected member of the Board of Directors of CFA Societies Canada.