John Donnelly has joined Raymond James to lead the firm’s flagship Toronto branch as senior vp and branch manager.

In a memo to Raymond James staff, Terry Hetherington, national sales manager, said “John is an outstanding addition to our team and widely respected in our industry.”

Donnelly arrives from First Associates where he managed the firm’s main branch in Toronto. Throughout a career spanning over 25 years, he has held senior roles at a number of both large and small firms.

Of particular significance, he was the chief architect behind the impressive growth of the Jones Heward Group of Cos. that is currently the investment management business for Nesbitt Burns and the Bank of Montreal. Serving as president and CEO during the nineties, Jones Heward experienced significant growth under Donnely’s leadership as this investment management business grew from approximately $840 million in assets to more than $14 billion in just eight years.

Donnelly has coached baseball teams for many years including the Ontario & National Champions (1995-96). He is also a licensed pilot. In addition, he is an active volunteer and supporter of several charitable organizations including Sharelife, United way and the Etobicoke General Hospital Foundation.

He is also a director of Catholic Charities which funds 28 different charities in the Archdiocese of Toronto and currently chairs their pension committee.