Montreal, September 1st, 2026 – As Van Berkom Global Asset Management celebrates its 35th anniversary, the firm announces the official retirement of its founder, Sebastian van Berkom. This milestone formalizes a leadership transition that has been carefully planned and implemented over more than a decade, ensuring continuity for the firm’s clients, employees and partners.

Founded in 1991, Van Berkom has grown from an entrepreneurial firm specializing in small-cap equities into an independent, employee-owned investment manager, today managing nearly C$5 billion on behalf of institutional investors in Canada and internationally.

Since the firm’s inception, Sebastian has shaped Van Berkom around a simple belief: long-term success begins with people. This philosophy has influenced both the firm’s investment approach and the culture it has built over the years, one grounded in trust, collaboration, discipline and a long-term perspective.

It is in this spirit that Van Berkom’s leadership transition and succession have unfolded gradually over more than a decade. Over the years, the firm has progressively welcomed new partners into its ownership structure, strengthening its employee-owned model and developing the next generation of leaders from within. Another important milestone was reached in 2021, when Mathieu Sirois was appointed President of the firm. Throughout this period, Sebastian van Berkom progressively transferred his responsibilities, allowing the transition to take place thoughtfully and seamlessly over time.

His official retirement therefore marks the culmination of a succession process that is already well established. For the firm’s clients, this announcement brings no change to portfolio management, Van Berkom’s investment philosophy or the teams serving them. Mathieu Sirois continues to lead the firm as President and Chief Executive Officer and will continue to manage the U.S. Small Cap strategy alongside the same experienced team of investment professionals.

“When I founded Van Berkom 35 years ago, I wanted to build a firm that could endure through market cycles and across generations,” said Sebastian van Berkom. “What I am most proud of today is the people who make up this firm. Seeing a new generation of partners fully step into their roles and continue what we have built together allows me to retire with tremendous confidence and pride.”

For Mathieu Sirois, this new chapter is a natural continuation of the firm’s evolution.

“Sebastian has passed on far more than an investment philosophy. He created a collaborative culture where people are empowered, ideas are rigorously debated and our clients’ interests always come first,” said Mathieu Sirois. “That is the legacy we will continue to carry forward. Our team, our approach and our commitment to our clients remain unchanged, along with our determination to continue building for the long term.”

As Van Berkom celebrates its 35th anniversary, this announcement reflects both the legacy of its founder and the strength of an organization already firmly focused on the future.

 

About Van Berkom Global Asset Management

Founded in 1991, Van Berkom Global Asset Management is an independent, 100% employee-owned investment management firm specializing in Canadian, U.S. and international small-cap equity strategies. Through an active investment approach grounded in rigorous fundamental research, the firm manages nearly C$5 billion on behalf of institutional investors, including pension plans, foundations and endowments.