Team

Julian Klymochko

CEO & Chief Investment Officer

Julian Klymochko is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Accelerate. A recognized leader in the alternative investment industry, Julian has built his career at the intersection of fintech innovation, entrepreneurship, and disciplined capital allocation.

With more than 15 years of experience managing hedge funds, private credit, and special situations investing, Julian is widely regarded as a pioneer in bringing institutional-caliber alternative strategies to a broader investor audience. At Accelerate, he oversees investment strategy, portfolio management, and the development of innovative investment solutions that seek to democratize access to pension-style asset allocation.

Julian is also a respected author, speaker, and podcast host. Through his writings, media commentary, and the Absolute Return Podcast, he provides investors with insight into global markets, merger arbitrage, private credit, and the evolving landscape of alternative assets. He has been featured in some of the world’s top financial and business media including Bloomberg, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, BNN, Business Insider, and The Globe and Mail.

Prior to founding Accelerate, Julian held roles at leading Canadian financial firms where he gained deep expertise in mergers & acquisitions, event-driven investing, and portfolio management. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science (Engineering) and a Bachelors of Commerce (Finance), both with distinction. Julian is a member of the Board of Directors of the CFA Society Calgary.

Beyond investing, Julian is passionate about building Calgary’s financial community and mentoring the next generation of investors. He is a frequent guest on financial media, a sought-after speaker at industry events, and an advocate for investor education.

Michael Kesslering

CFO & Head of Capital Markets

Mike is the CFO & Head of Capital Markets of Accelerate. Prior to Accelerate, he was a Senior Analyst and Trader at Ross Smith Asset Management and prior to that, an Investment Banking Analyst at FirstEnergy Capital. He assisted in managing an award-winning market neutral hedge fund and a top performing Canadian alternative fund in 2017. Mike attended the University of Regina where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Distinction), majoring in Finance. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) level 3 candidate.

Derek Euale

CTO & Executive VP

Derek is a capital markets professional with deep experience spanning 25 years in portfolio management, multi-asset trading & product development, and quantitative research & risk management. Among his accomplishments, Derek delivered proprietary trading strategies, structured products and processes at CIBC World Markets and was Manager of Investment Risk & Research for a large public pension plan. Derek is a Portfolio Manager, CIM®, and graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Master Mathematics degree in Applied Mathematics.

Michael Lee Hing

COO & Chief Compliance Officer

Michael has many years of financial and investment experience including roles in fund valuation at BMO and Dejardins, risk management at BCE Inc., and Chief Compliance Officer for Auspice Capital, Ross Smith Asset Management ULC and most recently Carecana Management Corp. Michael attended the Concordia University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and then a Masters of Business Administration.

Frederick Mannix

Executive VP

Frederick Mannix is Executive Vice President at Accelerate with a CIM® and degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. Frederick is an ambitious and entrepreneurial investment professional known for his adaptability, sharp analytical instincts, and ability to deliver results under pressure. As the lead architect of the Standard Wealth strategy, he is deeply focused on identifying emerging trends and opportunities across Bay Street and Wall Street—constantly assessing who’s winning, who’s losing, and why. Frederick thrives in fast-paced environments where insight, agility, and conviction drive competitive edge.

Charles Sam

Associate VP, Investment Management

Charles is Associate VP, Investment Management at Accelerate. He has over 5 years experience in banking, asset management and investment operations. Charles is a CIM®, has a PhD degree in Actuarial Science, and a Master of Science degree in Statistics from the University of Calgary.

Jason Checkryn

VP, CLIENT SOLUTIONS

Jason has been in the investment industry for over two decades, initially starting on the client facing side of the business before moving into investment solutions. In that time, he has represented all facets of managed investments including mutual funds, SMAs, ETFs and both liquid and illiquid alternatives. With his broad experience and knowledge base, Jason has demonstrated the ability to understand advisor’s unique practices and help them understand, explain and implement strategies to improve their client’s experience.

Ali Naqvi

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Ali is an accomplished professional in the asset management industry, serving as a Business Development Manager at Accelerate since June 2024. With a focus on expanding Accelerated presence, Ali leverages his industry knowledge, strategic acumen, and client-focused approach to drive growth and foster respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with advisors across Canada.
Ali has honed his skills and developed a deep knowledge of the industry while taking on increasing responsibilities with some of the largest Fund companies in Canada. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) from Seneca Polytechnic, earned in 2020, and achieved his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation in May 2024.

Zacharey Melin

ASSOCIATE
Zach Melin is an Associate at Accelerate, specializing in business development. He started his career with competitive internships at Aligned Capital Partners and BMO Nesbitt Burns, where he gained broad experience in the investment industry. Zach studied at SAIT, has completed the Canadian Securities Course, and is pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.