“Demonstrating commitment to senior leaders through an executive coaching program has proven to drive business results. It’s also proven to be an effective retention strategy for businesses,” said Caroline Dabu, Chair of WCM. “Having a trusted executive coach helps these focused individuals harness their strengths and provides them with the confidence and self-awareness to achieve their business and personal goals. It’s a win-win.”

The 2009 Career Coaching Award winners are Laura Isidean, Managing Director – Scotia Capital, Heather Kirk, Vice President – National Bank Financial, Sandra Lokoff, Managing Director - RBC Capital Markets, Annie Ropar, Partner - RBC Capital Partners and Laurie Russell, Vice President – CIBC Capital Markets.

The five winners were chosen from applicants across a broad range of Canadian financial institutions. This unique program is directed only to applicants with a minimum of 10 years experience and who have already achieved significant success in their careers. Candidates must be currently employed in the Canadian capital markets, which include the issuing, buying, selling or trading of securities, currencies and derivatives and must demonstrate how the award would help them further their career goals in an environment still dominated by male professionals.

“BMO Nesbitt Burns is very proud to be a collaborative presenting sponsor of this important program. In partnership with WCM and Knightsbridge, the WCM Executive Coaching Award Program is opening up significant opportunities for women in the workplace – ensuring competent and talented women reach their pinnacle in the corporate world,” said Charyl Galpin, Chief Operating Officer, BMO Nesbitt Burns – Private Client Division. “BMO Nesbitt Burns is committed to being a leader in diversity and workplace equity and we firmly stand behind the advancement and growth of women in the Canadian financial services industry.”

“The opportunity to provide leadership coaching for women with great potential is consistent with the value proposition of our company,” said David Shaw, CEO of Knightsbridge. "We are extremely delighted to be working for a second year with both WCM and BMO Nesbitt Burns on this initiative.”

About Women in Capital Markets
Women in Capital Markets (WCM) is a non-profit organization that aims to support and advance female leaders in business, foster accountability for diversity in the industry, and recognizes leaders who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women in the capital markets. Through innovative programming, WCM offers its members diverse and creative opportunities for networking, career growth and personal development, and mentoring and coaching of both students and professionals. More information is available at www.wcm.ca.

About BMO Nesbitt Burns
BMO Nesbitt Burns and its predecessor companies have been helping investors meet their financial goals since 1912. In August 1987, BMO Bank of Montreal acquired Nesbitt Thomson—then one of Canada’s oldest and most respected investment houses. In 1994, Nesbitt Thomson and Burns Fry—also recognized as one of the largest worldwide dealers of Canadian equities and debt securities—merged. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. emerged as a member organization of BMO Financial Group, offering a broad range of wealth management and investment products and solutions.

Today, as one of Canada's leading full service investment firms, BMO Nesbitt Burns has an established reputation within the financial services industry. With over 70 branches and 1200 Investment Advisors (as of March 31, 2009) BMO Nesbitt Burns is committed to helping clients meet their wealth management objectives in the same tradition of professionalism, integrity and innovation.

About Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions
Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions is Canada’s leading integrated human capital management consulting firm. From recruitment and selection, to building organizational and leadership capacity, to career management and career transition, Knightsbridge helps clients unleash the power and potential of their people at every stage in the employment cycle.

For more information about WCM and the Capital Markets Coaching Awards Program, please contact: