James Cole joined AIC Investment Services Inc. (now Portland Investment Counsel Inc.) in February 2000 as Senior Vice-President and Portfolio Manager.

James has 26 years of investment experience, including 17 years as a portfolio manager responsible for Canadian equities. James assumed management responsibilities for AIC Diversified Canada Fund on January 4, 2010. He also has been the lead portfolio manager of AIC Canadian Focused Fund since its inception.

Prior to joining AIC, James was a portfolio manager with Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc. and, prior to this, was Vice President and Portfolio Manager with Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd. and also spent nine years as a securities analyst.

James holds a degree in Economics from Trent University and earned his CFA designation in 1986.