John Portelli has been promoted to the position of senior vice-president of investments at LOM Financial Ltd in Bermuda.

He joined LOM in 2010 and has more than 20 years of investment experience. Prior to joining LOM, he worked for the investment arm of Scotiabank in Toronto for about nine years. Mr Portelli holds a Professional Financial Planning designation and has completed a number of certifications including the Canadian Securities Course.

Mike Greaves, LOM sales manager, said: “We are thrilled to see how far John has come during his time at LOM, he is a huge asset to the company and his clients and has played an integral role in the success of LOM over the past few years.”

While Mr Portelli said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with LOM Financial over the past seven years as we have refocused our commitment to being a reliable source of investment help as a world class boutique investment firm. I consider myself very fortunate to work with some incredible clients, friends, colleagues and business supporters.

“Given all that is going on these days globally, it is increasing imperative that one keeps their investments simple, understandable and personally relevant.

“I know how people feel when I hear them say things like ‘I’m not sure what I should do, buy or sell or just sit in cash’. I have felt the same way in the past but I have found that those that keep their heads in the game, sticking to their investment strategy while making only small adjustments according to the markets, tend to do better over the long term. Obviously, having an investment professional on your team also helps.”