Our Leadership Team
A dedicated team committed to delivering an unrivalled client experience and becoming the best mid-market custodian in Canada.
Bjorn Frohnsdorf
President, CWB Trust Services
Bjorn joined CWB Trust Services in 2020 with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior
to joining CWBTS, Bjorn served as AVP, Client Strategies for CWB Wealth Management where he was instrumental in supporting executive leadership in the development of wealth and business strategies. Prior to joining CWB Financial Group, Bjorn was a Vice President at Lysander Funds Ltd., and previously held roles at RBC Global Asset Management including serving as their Vice President, Regional Sales for Western Canada. Bjorn is passionate about coaching individuals, building teams and growing businesses, while supporting his local community along the way.
Bjorn Frohnsdorf
President, CWB Trust Services
Gillian Hitchmough
Head, Client Experience
Gillian joined CWB Trust Services in 2021 with over 15 years of experience and performance excellence in the finance industry. Her former roles include Commercial and Corporate Lending, Treasury & Payment Solutions, and Regional Sales Leadership. Currently as Head, Client Experience, Gillian oversees Business Development, Relationship Management and Marketing and is committed to delivering an unrivalled client experience and driving breakout growth for CWBTS.
Outside of the office, Gillian can be found facetiming her three Gen Z kids and exploring the west coast with her Bernedoodle, Bosco. If she’s not enjoying the outdoors, she is likely taking in Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene.
Gillian Hitchmough
Head, Client Experience
Jaspreet (Jessi) Takhar
Head, Strategy & Optimization
Based in Vancouver, Jessi is responsible for directing CWB Trust Services’ Strategy and Optimization teams. He has over 22 years of financial industry experience, including 17 years at CWB Trust Services where he has been instrumental in leading various functions throughout his career, including Operations, Marketing, Client Experience and Business Development. As Head, Strategy & Optimization, Jessi brings a deep understanding of the business and a strong focus on CWB Trust Services’ future growth and success.
Jaspreet (Jessi) Takhar
Head, Strategy & Optimization
Catherine Pal
AVP, Compliance, CWT, Regulatory Compliance Team, CWB
Catherine joined CWB Trust Services as AVP Compliance in 2022, with nearly 20 years of experience in financial services. Her former roles include Compliance and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Legacy Privacy Trust, Director of Trust Services and Programs at Manulife Bank, and Senior Account Manager/Team Leader of RBC’s Bare Trustee Services. Catherine is also an LSO Licenced Paralegal with five years of experience as a small business owner of legal and professional writing services. She holds a Master’s in Political Economy, has completed courses in Governance (GPC), Privacy (IAPP/C), Fraud (ACFE), Mediation (ADRIO), and has the STI Estates & Trust designation. With the CSI, Catherine acquired the CSC, CPH, Certificate in Investment Dealer Compliance, BMC, UIDB, AIDC, CCO, PDO, among others. Catherine values inclusion, collaboration, responsiveness and results. Out of the office, she enjoys fitness, travel and the outdoors in general.
Catherine Pal
AVP, Compliance, CWT, Regulatory Compliance Team, CWB
Jamal Siddiqui
AVP, Relationship Management & Client Service
Jamal joined CWB Trust Services in 2019 with over 13 years of Relationship Management and Client Service experience in Trust and Custody. Some of his previous roles include Associate Director Coverage, Manager Coverage and Sr Relationship Manager. As AVP, Client Service and Relationship Management, Jamal leads CWBTS’ client facing team and is responsible for the client experience model of delivering an unrivalled client experience at every touchpoint. He grew up in Vancouver and holds the CPA and CGA designations, as well as a BBA in Finance from Simon Fraser University.
An active industry contributor, Jamal is the current chair of the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute (CPBI) Pacific and co-chair of Pacific education/programs. Outside of the office, he is involved with his 3 children and enjoys camping, traveling, renovating and home improvement.
Jamal Siddiqui
AVP, Relationship Management & Client Service
April Chow
AVP, Custody Operations
April joined CWB Trust Services in 2005. With over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, she started as a mutual fund trust administrator before progressing to a Team Lead, Manager of Securities, and Senior Manger, Operations prior to her current role as AVP Custody Operations. Before joining CWB Trust Services, April worked within retail banking at three other financial institutions. In her current position, she oversees the operational teams that support our Asset Servicing and Private Real Estate Investing lines of business.
Outside of the office, April can be found spending time cooking or eating out while pursuing deep and meaningful conversations with both family and friends.
April Chow
AVP, Custody Operations