Altamira has hired James Whitman as its new senior vp of sales. Based in Toronto, Whitman will be responsible for the strategic aspects and management of Altamira’s two lines of business: the direct market, and the dealer market, which includes independent brokers and financial planners. He will assume his new role on April 10.

Whitman comes to Altamira with a successful retail investment industry background. Originally from Halifax, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Saint Mary’s University. He started his career as an investment broker and a private banker. In 1993, he joined Fidelity Investments, where he spent nine years in a succession of business development roles with growing responsibilities. Whitman’s last role with Fidelity was regional vice president of sales for Western Canada.

Whitman spent the last four years at Brandes Investment Partners & Co. as regional director, GTA and Atlantic Canada. Since the creation of Brandes’ fully owned Canadian retail business in 2002, he has been a consistent leader in business development activities and sales results.