On the Scene (August 02, 2007)

PPG Canada Inc. has announced a shuffle within its automotive refinish group, with five staff members receiving new appointments. The appointments include: Lee Smith, current director of Refinish Canada, has been promoted to director of strategic growth and acquisition for PPG Automotive Refinish, North America; Brian Roberson, will serve as Smith’s replacement; Denis Cloutier is the new insurance services manager for Eastern Canada; Jennifer Rosiak-Wong, has become Canadian advertising manager; and Bruce Young is district manager of collision programs. In his new position, Smith will be responsible for developing growth strategies for short- and long-term objectives. Roberson will oversee the CertifiedFirst Network for PPG Canada. Cloutier will work with the Canadian insurance industry to communicate the value- added services the network can provide to insurers and their policyholders, throughought Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Rosiak-Wong will assume the responsibility of coordinating and implementing marketing and advertising programs for the automotive refinish division, including public relations, trade show activities and internal communications. As district manager of collision centre programs, Young will manage the company’s value-added programs for the western region (Manitoba to British Columbia), including TPS and Lean Six Sigma training for collision repair facilities, as well as ongoing support for the region’s MVP and CertifiedFirst program members.

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Crawford & Company expands alliance with MJM Investigations

Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. is expanding their strategic global alliance with MJM Investigations into Canada.

MJM provides investigative products and services to insurance carriers and is Crawford’s preferred provider of both surveillance services and global insurance fraud mitigation and claims services worldwide.

“I am pleased to announce the expansion of our global partnership with MJM Investigations,” Crawford CEO John Sharoun said in a release. “This partnership will continue to support Crawford’s key objectives of quality, customer service and teamwork as our clients gain access to some of the best-trained investigators in the industry. In designating MJM as our preferred provider, we will also be in a position to better serve our clients anywhere across Canada.”

The assets of the Crawford Investigation Services division will be transferred over to MJM and any surveillance handled by MJM on behalf of Crawford will be done under the moniker Crawford Investigation Services, Powered by MJM.

“This partnership with Crawford allows us the opportunity to provide a global insurance investigation service to the industry, with the best trained investigators,” Michael J. Malone, founder and CEO of MJM, said. “The strength of Crawford’s Investigation Services brand and global relationships, coupled with MJM’s core investigative services and commitment to fighting insurance fraud, will assist our clients in the domestic and international marketplace.”

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IBC president and CEO announces retirement

After serving the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry for 32 years, Stanley I. Griffin, president and CEO of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), has announced he will retire at the end of this year.

Griffin joined the IBC in 1975, ultimately reaching the position of president and CEO in 2002, says an IBC release.

“IBC achievements under Stan’s guidance include unprecendented auto insurance reform in six provinces and a very significant improvement in consumer confidence in the industry following a very difficult hard market,” IBC chair Mike Donoghue, president and CEO of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, said in a statement.

Griffin helped to guide the IBC through its mandate renewal process and the development and current implementation of Standards of Sound Marketplace Practice.

“Mr. Griffin was also the first vice president of the Ontario region, where he spearheaded many negotiations with successive governments in the province, resulting in substantial changes to Ontario’s auto insurance law,” the statement adds.

Replacing him will be Mark Yakabuski, currently the vice president, Ontario and federal affairs, IBC.

“I am very pleased that IBC’s board of directors has unanimously approved the recommendation that Mark succeed me as president and CEO,” Griffin said in a statement.

“I know that Mark will bring to his new role his passion, enthusiasm and commitment to IBC and our industry.”

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Kernaghan Adjuster’s Toronto Office has New Executive Adjuster

Mike Lowthlan has joined Kernaghan Adjusters’ Toronto office as an executive adjuster.

“Mike’s illustrious career has spanned over three decades, during which time he has earned a well-deserved reputation as a respected executive adjuster in the Ontario market,” Patti Kernaghan, president and CEO, said in a release. “Mike is well-known for his excellent judgment and thorough investigative ability.”

Recently, Lowthlan has been working with complex casualty loses, including commercial liability, products liability and professional E&O.

“His proven technical knowledge, plus sound interpersonal and communication skills, make him an important asset to the continuing growth of our Toronto team and the company across Canada,” Kernaghan added.

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Crawford launches Canadian commercial auto services branch

Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. has announced the creation of a commercial auto services branch, which will oversee programs in the commercial auto sector.

Working with Crawford’s global branch network, this new team will manage programs within the commercial auto sector, such as car and truck rentals, taxis, couriers and commercial fleets.

CEO John Sharoun notes in a release that those in the new branch have widespread experience working with commercial auto claims all across the country, including bodily injury, accident claims and property damage.

“Clients today are looking for innovative approaches to claims management,” Sharoun, said in a press release. “This new branch will give us the opportunity to respond to our clients’ needs and grow our commercial auto services across Canada.”

The company has announced the appointment of Brian Hambly as the manager of the new commercial auto services branch.

Hambly has been with Crawford since 1995, after graduating from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts. He is a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), handling all lines of claims, with a specialty in commercial auto and CGL claims.

He has been a control adjuster for a number of car rental accounts while at Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc.

The new branch will operate out of the company’s Toronto West branch.

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More than 70 CARSTAR Collision Repair Centres across Canada participated in the fourth annual CARSTAR “Soaps it Up” for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) National Car Wash Day raising mor than $65,000 for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“This year’s ‘Soaps it Up’ fundraising campaign has been the best yet,” Sam Mercanti, president and CEO CARSTAR Automotive Canada, said in a release. “Our franchisees and partners as well as the CCFF Chapter volunteers and the volunteers from local fundraising groups across the country continue to wow us with the effort they put in to making this event such a great success. We are very thankful to everyone for all of their hard work and support.”

CARSTAR volunteers, community groups and local chapters of the CCFF helped ‘soap up’ over 5,000 vehicles during the event, which took place on Father’s Day weekend. A major focus of this year’s campaign was recognizing dads and especially the dedicated dads who care for children with CF.

CARSTAR has been a dedicated supporter of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for several years, after it was discovered that the granddaughter of a CARSTAR franchis ee was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. To date, CARSTAR Collision Repair Centres have helped raise over $1.5 million to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Visit www.ccff.ca for more information on CF.

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Crawford Appoints Two New Staff Members

Craig Duncan has been appointed manager of Crawford’s newly created Regional Claims Centre in Ontario.

Reporting to Greg Smith, vice president, national programs, Duncan will work with the Regional Claim Centre project team in establishing Crawford’s first location in Mississauga, Ont.

“The Regional Claims Centre introduces a new concept in client-focused claims service,” Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. CEO John Sharoun said in a press release. “Craig will play a leading role in assembling and orienting a new staff group, implementing innovative claims handling processes, and developing a branch culture focused on quality, service, and teamwork.”

Duncan joined Crawford in 1990 in the Toronto branch and has been the manager of Crawford’s Mississauga and Oakville branches since August 2003.

Evan Miles has been appointed branch manager of Crawford’s Vancouver branch, effective immediately.

“Evan’s dedication to customer service, and his track record in both claims investigation and claims management provide a great starting point for success in this new role,” Jim Eso, Crawford vice president, operations, British Columbia, said in a press release. “He has certainly demonstrated these qualities throughout his time with Crawford and most recently as assistant manager of operations for British Columbia.”

Miles joined Crawford in August 2000 after nine years in the insurance industry, working in both the company and independent adjusting areas. His early career included extensive experience in fire services for the City of Fort McMurray and as a fire and arson investigator for the City of Edmonton.

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Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. Appoints Christine Lithgow

Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. has announced the appointment of Christine Lithgow as executive vice president, national client service, market relations for Aon Reed Stenhouse and as a member of the national executive committee.

Lithgow began her career at Reed Stenhouse in the United Kingdom as an account executive trainee, when in 1981 she moved to Edmonton, where she held various positions in the company including broker, casualty manager, marketing manager, director of operations, regional broking manager and Edmonton branch manager, says an Aon release.

In 1995 she was appointed vice president, and to senior vice president in 1998.

She was also part of the Alberta Regional Executive Committee and serves on the Canadian National Service Board.

“Christine brings clear vision, strong and dynamic broking strength, and a true collaborative approach to meeting the needs of our clients,” says the company statement.

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CNA Appoints Vice President, Marine Manager for Canada

Greg Knowles has been appointed to vice president, marine manager for Canada at CNA. In addition to leading the marine book of business, Knowles will be responsible for developing, supporting and executing new initiatives including construction and HealthPro. He has been with the company since 1998, when he began as an underwriting manager in the Calgary branch.

Michael O’Connor is now the branch manager in Montreal. He joined CNA in 2004 as a senior underwriter. His appointment is a reflection of the strong contribution he makes to CNA, the company said in a release.

Knowles and O’Connor will both assume their new roles effective July 2.

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CIAA New Members

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

HBA Adjusters Ltd.

Christopher TrollopeCalgary, ABStudent

Mark R. Van Der Wee, CIPCalgary, ABInvestigator

E.R. Jones General Insurance Adjusters Ltd.

Amanda HenitsThunder Bay, ONStudent

Marsh Adjustment Bureau Limited

Michael WardKentville, NSStudent

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The CIAA Pacific Region Executive meeting and Annual CIAA/CICMA Joint Luncheon held on Apr. 4, 2007 at the Terminal City Club, Vancouver.

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The XL Insurance companies hosted a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception on May 23, 2007 in the breathtaking setting of the University of Toronto’s Hart House. Along with XL staff, over 200 of XL’s business partners and clients enjoyed the evening within the walls of Hart House — considered on of Toronto’s architectural masterpieces, with its soaring stained glass windows, marble floors and oak timbered ceilings.

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WICC Ontario Chapter, teed up for its 8th Annual golf tournament at Angus Glen Golf Club — just one week before the club hosted the Canadian Open, to raise funds for research and education in the fight against cancer.

Everyone came out a winner, with a cheque for $200,000 being presented to Peter Goodhand, president of the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. A barbeque lunch, fine dinner, draw prizes, and two silent auctions also tantalized guests throughout the event.

A very hearty thank-you went out to all golfer participants, tournament sponsors, hole sponsors, hole-in-one sponsors, prize and auction item donors, the many outstanding volunteers, WICC Corporate Sponsors, as a special congratulations to golf Organizing Committee chair Heather Matthews (Crawford & Company [Canada] Inc.) and her dedicated Organizing Committee: Karen Barkley (ACE INA Insurance); Ashley Chinner (Simmlands Insurance Brokers Ltd.); Dororthy Davenport (Zurich Insurance); Karen Forsey (Pinnacle Adjusters Group Inc.); Elizabeth Kepes (The Personal Insurance Company); Hoa La (Able Translations Ltd.); Christina Martin (KRG Insurance Group); Dawna Matton (Insurance Institute of Canada); and Jennifer Mullet (The Co-operators).

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CIAA Ontario Region’s Annual General Meeting and Convention, Jun. 14 – 16, 2007 at the Delta Pinestone Resort, Haliburton, Ont.

The Members of the 2007 – 2008 CIAA Ontario Region executive (group photo, left) are as follows:

Seated L – R: Teri Mitchell, 2nd vice president; John Seyler, president; Mary Charman, immediate past president; Richard Swierczynski, 1st vice president.

Standing L – R: Wendy Lebskin, education; Judy Smith, central region director/catastrophe; Fred Silvestri, advisory; Peter Maurer, Western region director; Steve Del Greco, secretary; Dorothy Lowry, convention/sick & vigil; Joan Jones, CICMA/CIAA Joint Conference.

Absent: Joel McQuilkin, treasurer; David Marshall, Northern region director; Edgar Lethbridge, licensing; Chrissy Atley, membership; Dan Spencer, editorial.

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CIAA Ontario Region would like to recognize the Conference Sponsors for their support:

1) Custom Rehab & Assessment Canada 2) Palings 3) First General Huronia 4) Strone Construction 5) Total Cleaning & Restoration Bracebridge 6) First General Muskoka 7) ServiceMaster Midland 8) Sibley & Associates 9) CGI Adjusters Inc. 10) WINMAR Canada 11) ServiceMaster Aurora/Newmarket 12) The WRI Group 13) Focus Assessments

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CIAA Nova Scotia Region hosted a seminar on Jun. 28, 2007. Barry Mason, trial lawyer at Presse Mason Law Office gave a very informative presentation on his client’s application to overturn the Injury CAP in Nova Scotia. In the picture is Jane Richardson, CIAA Nova Scotia Region President and Barry Mason.