Crawford Adjusters Canada announces appointments

Crawford Adjusters Canada has appointed Bill Johnstone vice president, Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region.The company described the promotion in a press release as “part of a larger realignment of Crawford’s operating divisions across Ontario.”Crawford has restructured its Ontario market into three regions: the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario South West and Ontario North East. Rod McDonald will continue as director of Crawford’s Ontario South West operations, while Reno Daigle will retain responsibility as director of operations for Ontario North East. Johnstone will retain responsibility for Global Technical Services (GTS) Canada. “Bill has displayed a strong commitment to quality and customer service over the years and Crawford’s key goals will be well supported by this change,” Crawford CEO John Sharoun said in a press release.Johnstone began his insurance career in 1987 after receiving his business degree at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He joined Crawford in 1989; 10 years later, he became a member of Crawford’s Global Technical Services division. He was appointed assistant vice president in 2005.Johnstone’s area of expertise is in motor truck cargo, warehouseman’s legal liability, and environmental losses. Other specialties include film and entertainment and contingency claims, including cast, faulty, non-appearance, and casualty-related losses.

Crawford has also appointed Pat Van Bakel as its assistant vice president, Field Office Operations-Ontario.Van Bakel will work closely with the Crawford’s three regional areas to provide the support and resources to ensure success in the marketplace.”In this new role, Pat will be proactively assisting our operations in the key areas of professional standards, quality, and customer service,” said Sharoun.Van Bakel joined Crawford in 1992 as a co-op student. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree fromWilfrid Laurier University in 1993, Van Bakel joined Crawford full-time as an adjuster.Van Bakel is a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and his expertise is in accident benefits and dispute resolution. He is also involved in investigations of motor vehicle liability claims.

In addition, Crawford has announced the appointment of Brent Hackett as assistant vice president, Catastrophe Services (CAT). Hackett will be responsible for the company’s catastrophe services division while continuing with his current duties as manager of the Kitchener claims services branch.”Brent’s professionalism and commitment to customer service in the face of major catastrophes have earned him a strong reputation in the industry,” said Sharoun. “Clients today are looking for innovative catastrophe pre-planning, CAT response, and on-the-ground solutions.”Brent’s promotion will give us the opportunity to respond to these needs and grow our catastrophe services division across Canada.”Hackett began his career with Crawford in 1984. He is a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP), has handled losses in all lines, and has been a member of the Canadian CAT team as well as a TEAM leader and CAT team participant with Crawford Adjusters Canada’s Caribbean response units.