FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC – Following a strategically planned transition, Will John steps into the role of Chief Investment Officer, effective today, succeeding John Nicola. In this role, Will takes on leadership and stewardship of the firm's asset management function and investment philosophy. John Nicola continues as Founder, Executive Chair and Wealth Advisor.
The appointment is the final step in a transition that began when Will was named Deputy CIO in July 2025, and one he and John Nicola have worked through together since. It follows the firm's broader leadership evolution, including the transition of the Chief Executive Officer role from John Nicola to Chris Nicola, and reflects Nicola Wealth's long-standing approach to thoughtful succession planning.
"Over the past year, Will has demonstrated the leadership, judgement, and long-term perspective required for this role," said Chris Nicola, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Few people combine his depth in global markets with his instinct for the long term. He is exactly the right person to lead our investment strategy forward."
Will was selected following an extensive internal and external search. He brings two decades of experience in financial markets, including senior leadership roles at RBC Phillips, Hager & North, Barclays Capital, and Deutsche Bank Securities, along with a background as a high school mathematics teacher. Throughout 2026, he has progressively assumed greater responsibility, including day-to-day investment management and strategy decisions, Asset Mix Committee oversight, and direct leadership of the firm's Office of the Chief Investment Officer and Asset Management teams.
"I'm honoured to be stepping into this role, and grateful for the support and guidance over the last year," said Will John, Chief Investment Officer. "I look forward to evolving our investment options in the years ahead while staying true to the philosophy that has always guided us."
The firm's approach continues to focus on positioning portfolios to weather volatility while staying aligned with clients' long-term goals.
As Founder, Executive Chair and Wealth Advisor, John Nicola continues to serve on the firm's board while sharing his perspective on markets and investing, advancing his philanthropic work, and returning to where it all began: working directly with clients.
"Since taking on the Deputy CIO role in 2025, Will and I have worked together to ensure a smooth transition, like two relay runners readying for the baton handoff," said John Nicola. "Retirement has never been my goal; contribution has. I look forward to continuing to work with Will and the entire Senior Leadership Team as we plot a course for our next 30 years and beyond."
About Nicola Wealth
Nicola Wealth is one of Canada’s leading independent wealth management firms, managing over $17 billion in assets for high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. With advisors across BC, Alberta, and Ontario, the firm provides an institutional-caliber investment platform offering access to public and private asset classes including real estate, private equity, private debt, and commercial mortgages. For more information, please visit www.nicolawealth.com.
For all interviews and media inquiries please contact media@nicolawealth.com.
