Robert was born and raised in Montreal. He graduated from Concordia University in 1990 with a B.A., Communications & Journalism and began his career in financial services as an agent for North American Life in September of that year.

In 1994, he moved his practice to Toronto and joined Manulife when the company merged with North American Life in 1996. In 1995, Robert entered the Schulich School of Business at York University, from which he graduated with an MBA, Specialization in Finance & Financial Services, in 1998.

Over the years, Robert has obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) & Professional Financial Planner (PFP) designations and has sat on investment industry and insurance industry advisory boards.

Married to Denise and father to Emily & Adam, Robert is an avid runner, a voracious reader and obsessive fan of both the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Red Sox.