Montcrest Team

As the Founder, President, and CEO, Yashar focuses on senior business relationships and investment strategy. He has more than 18 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate. With an abundance of knowledge in planning, finance, development, and construction of real estate assets, Yashar leads the Montcrest team to unlock potential and create value through redevelopment, repositioning, and professional asset management, ensuring higher-than-expected returns for its partners.

Yashar holds a Master of Business Administration in Real Property Development from the Schulich School of Business and a Bachelor of Engineering from Ryerson University.

Max has more than 21 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and has invested on behalf of some of Canada’s largest institutional investors, including BCI, AIMCO, HOOPP, Greystone, PSP, Canada Post, and CBC. He has managed portfolios in excess of $3 billion across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. His experience includes investment management, analysis of acquisition opportunities, asset and portfolio management, valuation, financing, development, and disposition of properties.

Max holds a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business, a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, and is a licensed Realtor with the Toronto Real Estate Board.

Armin has more than 15 years of experience in engineering consulting and the real estate industry. With a background in project management and financial modelling, he is responsible for all aspects of the project evaluation, due diligence, and transaction execution. Prior to joining Montcrest, Armin worked as a Design Engineer and Project Manager for AMEC NSS, where he managed more than $100 million of design and construction projects at Bruce Power Nuclear Station.

Armin holds a Master of Business Administration from the Rotman School of Management as well as a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He also holds the Professional Engineering designation.

Tim has over 18 years of experience in the land-use planning and development industry. As the Vice President of Development, he oversees due diligence efforts on candidate properties, helps to envision the highest and best use for projects, and effectively manages projects to obtain the necessary land entitlements required to achieve the highest and best use.

Previously, Tim was an Associate at Weston Consulting, a well-respected planning consulting firm in the Greater Toronto Area, where he helped clients navigate the development approvals process for residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. Tim has worked on projects across Canada and in the United States, giving him a breadth of experience working in multiple regulatory environments.

Tim is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) and holds a Master of Environmental Studies, specializing in urban planning, from York University.

As Vice President of Finance and Accounting, Suzanne provides strategic leadership for Montcrest’s business and finance functions, as well as for the management of its financial and capital resources. Suzanne oversees the budgeting, financial reporting, accounts receivable and payable, sponsored projects accounting and financial systems.

Suzanne has over 20 years of progressive experience in finance departments and operations management in both public and private companies. Suzanne was most recently the Regional Controller at Impark (Imperial Parking Corporation), one of the largest parking management companies in North America. Prior to that, Suzanne held a number of senior roles in the consumer-packaged goods industry from her tenure at George Weston Limited, Kraft Canada-Kraft Heinz Company and Spin Master. Her experience includes controllership, financial reporting, corporate accounting, customer finance, accounting standards & policies, and audit.

In addition to her CPA (CA) designation, Suzanne has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of McGill and is an alumna from PwC Montréal. Suzanne is trilingual in English, French and Cantonese.

As Vice President of Investments, Jimmy is responsible for establishing new partnership opportunities and sourcing new projects, as well as participating in an active role in the Business Development of Montcrest and its partners.

Jimmy has a wealth of experience investing in commercial real estate, with over 30 years of expertise investing in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Jimmy has worked closely with both high-net-worth individuals and development partners in his roles.

Prior to focusing on real estate, Jimmy worked as a private banker at Citibank and Credit Suisse. Jimmy is located in Toronto and speaks English, Mandarin, Chinese, and Japanese.

As a Project Accountant at Montcrest, Amir's role is pivotal in ensuring the financial success of real estate investment endeavors. He is responsible for budget management, financial analysis, risk mitigation, and compliance. With a commitment to accuracy and financial integrity, he plays a crucial part in guiding projects toward profitability and growth.

Before becoming a part of Montcrest, Amir amassed valuable experience as an Associate Accountant at GenNext Chartered Professional Accountants, a distinguished accounting firm. Furthermore, He ventured into the dynamic realm of telecom and banking with Telenor Pakistan. This diverse career journey has provided him with a unique blend of financial expertise and product management insights, which he now leverages in his role as a dedicated Project Accountant at Montcrest.

Amir is currently advancing his credentials by pursuing an ACCA certification from the  Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK. He holds a Diploma in Accounting & Payroll Administration from the Canadian Business College, underpinned by a solid foundation in Information Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree from IQRA University Pakistan. Additionally, he has earned an MBA in Finance from the prestigious Institute of Management Sciences (IM|Sciences) in Pakistan, underlining his commitment to excellence in both financial and technological domains.

As Manager of Accounting, Hassan oversees all Montcrest’s financials. Hassan has over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance services, including 14 years in residential construction and real estate development with Monarch Corporation, now owned by Mattamy Homes. At Monarch, Hassan managed portfolios in excess of $250M.

Hassan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration.

As Manager, Investments & Asset Management, Kelvin is responsible for all facets of acquisitions, asset management, financing, and dispositions for the Montcrest portfolio. With over 8 years of real estate experience, he has completed over $1 billion in acquisitions, dispositions and equity and debt financing across Canada, in all major asset classes. 

Prior to joining Montcrest, Kelvin worked on the Development Team at First Capital REIT where he was responsible for development analytics for large mixed-use communities across the nation. He also worked in the Capital Markets Group at Avison Young where he supported the disposition of over $500 million in commercial real estate assets for institutional clients.

Outside of work, Kelvin is a Board Member at Woodgreen Community Services, which focuses on poverty alleviation in Toronto. Additionally, he is a Co-Chair for a real estate networking group geared towards young professionals called Future of Real Estate Toronto, which hosts panel discussions and industry events.

Kelvin holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a specialization in Economics with high distinction from the University of Toronto. He is currently pursuing his MBA at the Schulich School of Business.

As Manager, Corporate and Investor Services, Melissa brings a passion for organizational operations and compliance to Montcrest’s corporate culture, with over 6 years of executive administrative experience and an extensive background in the hospitality and client service industry.

In her role, Melissa is vital to the growth and development of the firm as a leading business in the private equity real estate industry. She helps manage Montcrest’s seamless investor relations experience and is a driving force in maintaining organizational processes and procedures.

Melissa has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Communications & Media Studies from Carleton University, Ottawa.

As Office Manager, Monica is an experienced leader and team player. She is passionate about creating a safe work environment with strong workplace communication. Her previous executive positions exposed her to an expansive network of asset management, client research, and event management. With over 5 years of executive administrative experience and a background in corporate and private aviation management and client services, Monica is driven by results and well-appointed to contribute to Montcrest’s ever-growing success.

Monica has a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Social Psychology, with an additional certification in Leadership & Management in Business from McMaster University.

As an Associate of Investments & Business Development, Patrick is responsible for supporting the Investments Team during all phases of Montcrest’s projects. In his role, he provides analytical and investor reporting support for both potential and active deals in the residential, industrial, and self-storage asset classes. He utilizes his bilingualism in English and Mandarin to assist in sourcing and securing new projects and partnerships.

Prior to joining Montcrest, Patrick has more than five years of experience in the finance industry, specializing in private equity. He focused heavily on relationship development with accredited investors and worked closely with commercial real estate developers in the Greater Toronto Area.

Patrick holds a Master of Financial Accountability, majoring in Accountability Reporting from York University and a Bachelor of Management from Dalhousie University.

Sabina has more than 15 years of experience in financial analysis and accounting. She assists in budgeting and annual audits, maintains general ledgers, prepares financial statements and sales tax reports, and analyzes investment projects.

Prior to joining Montcrest, Sabina worked in both public accounting firms and private corporations. Her experience includes financial analysis, corporate accounting, tax consulting, and auditing.

In addition to her CFA designation, Sabina has a Master’s Degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Sun Yat-Sen University.

Suran is a Planner and Consultant with over 8 years of working experience in the land-use planning and development industry. He has worked in both public and private sectors for the likes of the Regional Municipality of York, Mattamy Homes, and OC Transpo. Prior to joining Montcrest in 2019, Suran was a Junior Planner at Malone Given Parsons, a well-respected planning-consulting firm in the Greater Toronto Area.

Suran has been involved in a variety of planning projects across the GTHA, Vancouver, and Montreal, including community master planning, site feasibility and highest and best use analyses, and coordinating numerous OPA, ZBA and Site Plan applications.

Suran is a Planning graduate from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies (BES), a double specialization in Land Development and Urban Design, and a minor in Geography and Environmental Management.

Tammy is the Manager, Marketing & Investor Services at Montcrest. She has over 6 years of experience in private equity and real estate. She is integral to the ongoing development and management of internal and external marketing and communication initiatives to support the company’s brand and culture strategy. Tammy also oversees investor relations and assists with Montcrest’s corporate governance, securities compliance, and reporting requirements.

With her exposure across all divisions and levels of the organization, she is a liaison between all stakeholders and is able to influence and drive results.

Tammy holds a Cum Laude, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a specialization in marketing from Laurentian University.

As an Associate Architect, Nelly is responsible for providing support in early project phases leveraging her specialized skills and deep understanding of architecture to to guide advisement on the firm's project portfolio.

As a registered architect, she has an extensive background in the public sector, predominantly designing institutional and community buildings. Her specialization in natatorium design caters to both competitive aquatic training and recreation, along with post-secondary student housing and learning environments. Her architectural designs are celebrated for boosting community engagement and enhancing user well-being.

In academia, Nelly serves as an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture, leading design studios where she plays a decisive role in molding the next generation of architects by sharing practical skills and theoretical insights.

Nelly's research intersects environmental psychology and cognitive philosophy with architectural design, significantly enriching her professional practice. Her work focuses on how this interdisciplinary approach can create emotionally resonant and socially responsive spaces, essential in the development of architectural and urban planning projects.

Nelly holds a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia. Her innovative architectural perspective is showcased in her published thesis "Scripted Conversations," which explores the dynamic interplay between performative arts and architectural spaces.

As a Co-Founder and Director with over 40 years of real estate and business experience, Ahmad advises the team throughout all stages of Montcrest’s projects.

Before Montcrest, Ahmad was the president and majority shareholder of Enirox Group Inc., a real estate development company with a stellar background in developing luxury houses in Toronto’s upper-class neighbourhoods. In addition to his role at Montcrest, Ahmad is the President and owner of Issatis Inc., successfully leading the company for over 20 years in the international trade markets. Ahmad’s extensive international experience stems from his 20 years of service as the deputy managing director at one subsidiary of Siemens Co., a German engineering conglomerate and the largest corporation in its field in Europe. Ahmad had supervised and directed over 300 employees in the operational management department and participated in representing Siemens for business infrastructure project agreements of €6 billion in volume.

Ahmad holds a Bachelor of Economics and Business Law.

Saied is the Co-Founder and Director of Montcrest Asset Management.

In addition to his role at Montcrest, Saied is also the Founder and President of Halifax Inc. Since 2002, Halifax Inc. has partnered with several large developers in the Greater Toronto Area to build various real estate asset classes, such as single-family detached homes, townhomes, high-rise condominiums, and many notable commercial buildings. With over 30 years of real estate experience, Saied advises the executive team throughout all stages of Montcrest’s projects. Among his many accomplishments, Saied was previously the Co-Founder and CEO of Sanaye Chasb Sina Co., one of the largest manufacturers of industrial adhesives and tapes in the Middle East.

Saied holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from the Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic).

Andre Kuzmicki is a corporate director, community builder, a former university professor and real estate investment executive.

Currently he is a director of Dorsay Development Corporation (2010-). Until recently he served on the board of Chartwell Retirement Residences, where he chaired its Investment Committee (2005-23). Andre has also served on the boards of Dream Unlimited Corp.; RealNet Canada Inc.; Bentall GP (now BentallGreenOak); Artis REIT; Apex Corporation; and Bentall Corporation.

At various times between 1998 to 2023 Andre served as Adjunct Professor, Executive Director, and/or Executive in Residence at the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate and Infrastructure (now known as the Real Assets Area) at the Schulich School of Business, York University. There he inspired a culture of engagement, built a unique learning ecosystem of alumni, industry supporters, and faculty to support the student experience, and was honoured by his students with the School’s highest teaching award. In 2017 he founded its innovative Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure degree program and co-created its groundbreaking Leadership in Real Estate and Infrastructure sequence of courses. From 2009 to 2013 he also taught in the MSRED program at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University, New York.

Prior to launching his teaching career, he managed the real estate investment portfolio for the Canadian branch of the Prudential Insurance Company of America (now Prudential Financial), at the time the world’s leading institutional real estate owner and developer.  

Andre has served on numerous professional association and community organization boards. He is a former Distinguished Fellow of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; past president of NAIOP’s Greater Toronto Chapter; and the founding chairman of its prestigious annual REX Awards and Gala. In 2017 the Chapter recognized his contribution to the industry with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Andre holds a BA and an MBA from McGill University.

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Laetitia is Managing Partner and the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Epic Investment Services. As part of the Executive Leadership team, Laetitia is responsible for the execution of business strategy across North America, as well as overseeing corporate and operational services to support the company’s strategic direction and corporate culture. With 20+ years of finance experience, Laetitia’s fundamental reporting standards, combined with her multidisciplinary and strategic approach, drive value-based business decisions for the organization and for clients.

Before taking her current role, Laetitia was Executive Vice President, Business Development, at MDC Group, where she led growth initiatives across its North American platform, overseeing 12 million sq. ft. of cross-border commercial real estate and spearheading MDC’s second U.S. Multi-Family Fund. Before that, she was a founding member and President of Strathallen Capital Corporation, which closed its largest transaction with the privatization of One REIT, acquiring 44 assets with a value of $703 million. Originally from Australia, Laetitia moved to Toronto to join Caber Capital Inc., a trader of commercial real estate focusing on value-add projects.

Laetitia earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern Cross University in Lismore, Australia, and obtained the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo and is a Registered Professional Planner with membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and the Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute.

Mark began his career with the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Toronto in 1982. From 1984 to 1989, he worked for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, where he worked as a Policy Analyst and, subsequently, Manager of Section Services. In these capacities, he was responsible for developing municipal positions, achieving consensus amongst various types of municipal governments, and advocating such positions to various Ministries on an array of legislation and regulations.

Mark joined Weston Consulting in 1989 to lead the company’s Land Investigation Services Division, analyzing properties on behalf of prospective investors and financial institutions as well as working on a wide variety of planning and development projects.

In 1995, as Vice President, Mark oversaw Business Development activities and a range of operational functions of the firm. He has been involved in the management of a broad cross-section of land use planning and development projects across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. A substantial amount of his work was geared toward property positioning and asset disposition strategies on behalf of corporate and institutional landowner clients.

Since 2007, Mark has been President of Weston Consulting. He is responsible for the management and sustained growth and development of the firm. To this day, he continues to focus on Business Development activities, project management, staffing and growth strategies for Weston Consulting. Recent work includes adapting the firm to reflect recent reforms of the planning approval process and the implementation of changes throughout multiple municipalities. Mark has been instrumental in the continued growth of Weston Consulting to its existing size of 75 staff throughout two offices located in Vaughan and Toronto.