Our team.
Vice President, Wealth Strategy & Advisor Enablement
Ali Fardan is the Vice President of Wealth Strategy & Advisor Enablement at Designed, where he focuses on developing the offerings available to advisors as they determine how best to evolve their practices. Working closely with current advisors enables him to help them find sustained success and expand their networks and resources.
With a background in compliance and product due diligence, Fardan provides valuable insights and guidance to advisors. A Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), he serves on Designed’s Product Review and Managed Accounts Committees and contributes to Designed’s Advisory Board.
Controller
Shilpa Chopra is the Controller at Designed, bringing over 14 years of experience in accounting and finance. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), she oversees the firm’s financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all reporting activities. Shilpa leads the finance team’s day-to-day operations and supports the firm’s long-term strategic objectives.
She is passionate about developing talent and fostering a culture of excellence within the finance team. Shilpa mentors and supports colleagues to encourage continuous improvement and strong financial governance across the firm.
Vice President, Digital Infrastructure & Innovation
Richard Holland is the Vice President of Digital Infrastructure & Innovation at Designed, where he focuses on leveraging data insights and technology to support growth and informed decision-making. He ensures the firm continues to adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape while maintaining strategic alignment across all systems.
A Project Management Professional (PMP®), Richard brings a unique perspective to implementing secure, scalable, and data-driven platforms that support the firm’s long-term success.
Managing Director
Michael Konopaski is the Managing Director of Designed Wealth and brings 30 years of experience building and leading investment dealers across Canada and the U.S. As a former Portfolio Manager (PM) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), he provides strategic direction and guidance to advisors as they develop and grow their practices.
Michael is the founder of the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) Small and Independent Dealer Committee. He has served as Vice-Chair of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) Financial and Operations Advisory Section and is currently a member of the CIRO Ontario District Council. He holds a Master’s in Finance, a PhD in Management, and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designations.
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Compliance Officer
Gillian Kunza is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Designed. Recognized for her strategic vision and collaborative leadership, she brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and a creative, inclusive approach to the firm’s client-and-advisor-first philosophy.
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®), Gillian combines her financial and compliance expertise with a commitment to modernizing the wealth management space. She serves as Chair of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization’s (CIRO) Conduct, Compliance & Legal Advisory Section Committee and is an elected member of the CPA Ontario Advisory Council. Gillian is also an advocate for industry innovation and gender representation in senior leadership.
Vice President, Compliance
Kevin Mark is the Vice President of Compliance at Designed, where he oversees all regulatory compliance activities and ensures the firm maintains alignment with industry standards, legal requirements, and ethical practices. With almost 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, he brings deep expertise in risk management, mitigation, and audit and reporting.
Kevin helps shape Designed’s compliance framework and contributes to the development of strategies that address both regulatory and operational risks. His work ensures the firm’s business objectives are pursued with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to best-in-class compliance principles.
Portfolio Management Supervisor & Designated Supervisor
Russell Mitchell is a Portfolio Management Supervisor and Designated Supervisor at Designed, where he oversees registration functions and regulatory compliance initiatives across the firm. He plays a key role in ensuring advisors have the knowledge and resources needed to uphold the firm’s standards of excellence.
Russell contributes to the education and professional development of investment-industry professionals through his volunteer work with FP Canada as a faculty member and with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). He holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP™), and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®) designations, as well as a graduate certificate in Financial Planning.
Vice President, Strategic Operations & Growth
Jessica Smith is the Vice President of Strategic Operations & Growth at Designed, where she focuses on advisor recruitment, business development, and transitions. She ensures the firm’s operational framework remains attractive in the market and positioned for sustained growth, while shaping how Designed builds relationships and supports advisors in serving their clients effectively.
A Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Associate Portfolio Manager (PM), Jessica leverages over 15 years of experience in wealth management to support Designed’s operational strategy and long-term growth objectives. She is a member of the Managed Accounts Committee, the Women of Designed Group, and contributes to Designed’s Advisory Board.
Team Lead, Operations
Tyler Shettell is the Team Lead of Operations at Designed, where he focuses on advisor support, workflow optimization, and the smooth execution of daily operations. With a service-first mindset, he plays a key role in ensuring advisors receive consistent, high-quality support across the firm.
Tyler brings hands-on experience in account administration, service processes, operational risk management, and relationship development. Known for his attention to detail and solutions-driven approach, he contributes to process improvements, change-management initiatives, and strategic projects. Tyler is a graduate of St. Lawrence College with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with Distinction.
Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Ankor Tewari is the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Designed, where he leads projects that enhance operational efficiency and business performance. With over a decade of experience in financial services—including wealth management operations and custodial services—he brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to product development, workflow improvements, and process optimization across the firm.
Ankor holds a Master of Science in Economics from Lund University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from Trent University, along with multiple industry proficiency certificates. His contributions have been recognized through Annual and Quarterly Star Achiever awards.
Vice President, Operations
Evan Warsh is the Vice President of Operations at Designed, where he focuses on enhancing the interface between operations, compliance, and back-office protocols to create the best possible experience for advisors. He works across departments to ensure service excellence and to implement new ideas that improve advisor and client experiences effectively and promptly.
With an extensive background in compliance and experience within advisory practices, Evan brings robust insight into the support advisors need to run successful practices. He is a Portfolio Manager (PM) and a member of Designed’s Managed Accounts Committee.