ICLR selects Co-Operators’ Bardswick as chairman

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) has appointed Kathy Bardswick, CEO of The Co-Operators Group, as its new chairman, effective immediately.Bardswick will replace David Wilmot, who recently announced his intention to retire from the ICLR and his role as senior vice president and chief agent for Canada of Toa Re, following a reinsurance career spanning 35 years.Wilmot was a member of the original Insurance Bureau of Canada committee which recommended the creation of ICLR, and has been a board member ever since.I am looking somewhat forward to toning down my insurance activities, but ICLR is one of the things that I will greatly miss, he said at the ICLRs last annual general meeting.Bardswick has been a member of the ICLR since 2004 and CEO of The Co-Operators since April 2002.I would like to thank board members for their confidence to have me step into what are very large shoes left by David, Bardswick remarked.It will be a challenge, however we will be sure to continue the important work done by ICLR and build on the momentum that has been created over the last nine years.The board also elected Jean-Jacques Henchoz, president and CEO of Swiss Reinsurance Company Canada, as a director.The depth and breadth of the research and public education being produced by ICLR is impressive, Henchoz said.I am most proud to be associated with this important organization.