TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2011 /CNW/ - ScotiaMcLeod today announced Shane Jones is joining the group as their new Chief Investment Officer (CIO). With the addition of Mr. Jones, ScotiaMcLeod has become the only bank-owned full-service brokerage to have their own dedicated CIO.

"Shane Jones is a welcomed addition to our team of experienced professionals here at ScotiaMcLeod," said Hamish Angus, Managing Director & Head of ScotiaMcLeod. "His arrival reinforces our commitment to providing the most comprehensive financial solutions and professional portfolio management for our clients."

Mr. Jones joins the group from Scotia Asset Management. He will be responsible for the advisory services in ScotiaMcLeod's Portfolio Advisory Group, including the market and investment strategy of the firm, asset allocation, recommended lists and trade ideas.

"Shane's arrival will make us a unique bank-owned brokerage in having a dedicated CIO. Having someone with his breadth of industry experience, solid reputation and excellent leadership skills will help us support our experienced Advisors to even better serve our clients," said Mr. Angus.

Mr. Jones was recently announced as one of the "50 Canadians Top Gun Investment Minds," according to Brendan Wood's International 2011 annual survey.

"I am excited about this opportunity to continue my Scotiabank career with the dedicated team at ScotiaMcLeod," said Mr. Jones. "I look forward to working with them to provide the best source of advice, products and services for our clients."

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $567 billion (as at July 31, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.