CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CEO – FORTRESS INSURANCE
Shafeen has played an instrumental role in sourcing, executing and managing acquisitions for Western. He brings knowledge and passion to Western and works with business owners and their management teams on strategic planning to build long-term value at our portfolio companies. Joining Western in 2016, Shafeen was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Western in 2017. He has led the development of our newest associate, Fortress Insurance, and in 2021 was appointed President and CEO of Fortress. While he devotes the majority of his time now to growing a strong insurance company, Shafeen continues to act as advisor to Western where he serves on the board of each of our portfolio companies.
Shafeen has over twelve years of experience advising clients on mergers and acquisitions and capital raises in a variety of sectors including energy, infrastructure and power and utilities. He started his investment banking career in Toronto as an Associate at CIBC World Markets and in Calgary at UBS Securities Canada as Director. Over the past 12 years Shafeen has executed more than twenty M&A and financing transactions exceeding $3 billion.
Shafeen completed his MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelors in Actuarial Science from Simon Fraser University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter holder and an Associate from the Society of Actuaries.
Selected Achievements
- Lead on Western’s Qualifying Transaction with GlassMasters.
- Deep experience in M&A and financings with over $3 billion in transactions
Qualifications
- MBA, Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario.
- BSc, Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University.
- Chartered Financial Analyst Charter holder.
- Associate from the Society of Actuaries.
Industry Experience
- Over ten years of investment banking experience.
- Focused on developing and executing strategic plans to create long-term value.
- Entrepreneur at heart.