Haywood Securities Inc. has enhanced its research coverage by appointing Justin Stephenson and David Denduk to its life sciences team.

Haywood says the appointments of Stephenson as senior life sciences analyst and Denduck as associate demonstrate the independent investment dealer’s ongoing commitment to ensure its clients receive the best advice about the growing sector.

“Justin’s extensive hands-on investing experience in venture capital and his industry positions in Canada and abroad bring an impressive depth and breadth of experience to his research,” says Rob Blanchard, president and CEO of Haywood Securities.

In 2004, Stephenson founded Galiano Ventures Inc, a Vancouver-based venture capital firm specializing in life sciences. From 1998 to 2003, he led the global activities of the life sciences team at RBC Capital Partners as managing partner.

In addition, Stephenson has served on the board of directors of a number of private and public life sciences companies including Chromos Molecular Systems, Cytovax Biotechnologies and Kinetek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Vancouver-based company developing drugs targeting diabetes and cancer.

Denduk hs direct investing experience, having worked as a portfolio manager at Tisch Investment Advisory in Michigan. His finance experience includes roles in project finance and corporate banking at two leading Canadian financial institutions.

Denduk earned a degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Western Ontario, an MBA in investment finance from the University of Windsor, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

“Justin clearly brings to Haywood a wealth of research and investing experience across a broad spectrum of emerging and established life sciences companies. His record of successful investing in the life sciences sector validates the objective perspective that we are committed to providing our clients,” says Rob Goff, head of research at Haywood. “Furthermore, David’s background reflects our move to add direct investing and finance experience within our research team.”

Stephenson will be rejoining his former venture capital colleague, Dev Bhangui, who recently launched technology research coverage for Haywood. Haywood now offers experienced analysts and quality coverage in the technology, life sciences, telecom, oil and gas, and mining sectors.

Stephenson is the former manager of Haywood Life Sciences Limited Partnership I fund. As a result of his new analyst duties at the firm, the fund has been wound down.