RBC Global Asset Management continues to strengthen its advisory solutions team across the U.S.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 7, 2016

"At RBC Global Asset Management, we are committed to building out our multi-channel distribution capabilities to complement our expanding investment capabilities," said Matthew Appelstein, Head of Distribution for RBC GAM. "Today's announcement is the latest demonstration of how we're growing our footprint in the professional buyer marketplace across the U.S. We are pleased to continue to extend our reach through the expansion of our client service offering and investment expertise that are led by investment centric and solutions driven professionals."

These new hires will join the growing U.S. advisory solutions team of 10 professionals at RBC GAM.

Edward (Eddie) Bernson, Associate Director of Advisory Solutions
Mr. Bernson is responsible for developing relationships and representing RBC GAM investment strategies to financial intermediaries. Prior to joining RBC GAM this year, Mr. Bernson worked for Putnam Investments as an internal wholesaler. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire and holds FINRA Series 6, 7 and 63 licenses. He is also a Level I CFA candidate.

Charleen (Charlie) Sheehan, Associate Director of Advisory Solutions
Ms. Sheehan is accountable for maintaining relationships and illustrating RBC GAM investment strategies to financial intermediaries. Prior to joining RBC GAM this year, she also worked for Putnam Investments as an internal wholesaler. Ms. Sheehan earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Haverford College and holds FINRA Series 6, 7 and 63 licenses. She is also a Level II CFA candidate.

David D. Smith, Director of Advisory Solutions
Mr. Smith develops relationships and represents RBC GAM investment strategies in the Midwest region. Prior to joining RBC GAM, he worked as an external relationship manager at Credit Suisse. Mr. Smith has been in the investment industry since 2008, previously working at William Blair and American Funds. He earned his Bachelors of Business Administration degree in accounting from Western Michigan University and holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses and has CAIA and CIMA® designations. Additionally, Mr. Smith is an Associated Person with the National Futures Association.

Alexandra Zhmakina, Junior Associate Director of Advisory Solutions
Ms. Zhmakina is an internal wholesaler for RBC GAM's Advisory Solutions Group, where she supports external wholesalers to identify, research and approach clients. She holds a FINRA Series 7 license and earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University.