Prior to joining Wicks, Mr. Smith was a Managing Director in the Credit Capital Markets Division of CIBC Oppenheimer. In that capacity, he was responsible for managing CIBC's $40 billion U.S. loan portfolio, serving some 700 corporate customers across the United States. Mr. Smith assumed this position in March 1998.

Previously, Mr. Smith was a Managing Director in the Media Corporate Finance Group of CIBC Oppenheimer. In that capacity, he was responsible for originating investment banking and corporate lending business with communications and media companies in the U.S., including mergers and acquisitions, equity and high yield debt underwriting, senior debt, project and mezzanine debt, and private placements.

Mr. Smith started CIBC's U.S. media and telecommunications lending practice in 1989. Prior to his move into corporate finance in 1996, Mr. Smith was responsible for building a $4 billion media and telecommunications lending practice at CIBC. His clients ranged from small entrepreneurial family and venture capital controlled companies to large integrated companies.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Media and Entertainment Sector of the New York City Investment Fund. He is a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable Television Association, and the Wireless Cable Association.

Peter Smith received Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master of Arts, and Master of Public Administration degrees from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.