AGF Management Ltd. has appointed John F. Schucht as a director of the AGF Trust Co. board, effective immediately.

Schucht has had a well-established career in the financial services and the trust industry dating back to the 1960s. Following his retirement as chief operating officer at CT Financial Group of Cos. in 1997, he remained on the company’s board as its vice chairman until the company was acquired by TD Bank Financial Group in 2000.

Since 2001, he has been serving on the board of Highstreet Asset Management Inc., a London, Ont.-based investment counsel firm. In 2006, AGF Management Ltd. acquired 80% of Highstreet Partners Ltd., which wholly owns Highstreet Asset Management Inc. He also sits on the board of Ellis Don Inc., having served as chairman since 1999, and chair of the Human Resources Compensation Committee and as a member of its Audit Committee.

Schucht has also served as vice chair of the Robarts Research Institute. Other community involvements include being campaign chairman for one of the most successful fundraisers for London area hospitals in which he helped to bring in more than $150 million.

“John brings great strength to our board as a seasoned executive with many years of senior management and board experience in the financial and real estate industries,” said Blake Goldring, chairman and CEO of AGF. “Having someone of John’s calibre with such a successful track record, business knowledge and commitment to the community will be extremely beneficial.”

“As the trust company continues its significant growth, John’s exceptional background in mortgage financing and retail banking will be a real asset and further strengthen our board,” added Mario Causarano, president and chief operating officer, AGF Trust Co.