New commercial lines senior VP for Canada’s largest P&C insurer

Intact Financial Corp. announced Thursday that Darren Godfrey will become Intact Financial Corp.’s senior vice president, commercial lines on Jan. 1.

Godfrey, currently senior VP of personal lines, will replace Alain Lessard, who retires at the end of the year.

Isabelle Girard, the company’s vice president, actuarial, personal lines, will be promoted to senior vice president, personal Lines, effective Jan. 1.

Lessard joined the company eight years ago when Intact acquired the Canadian operations of Paris-based AXA.

“He has been a driving force in the company, helping to grow and modernize commercial lines over the years, working closely with brokers to deliver new and enhanced commercial solutions, and initiating the launch of Intact’s specialty lines division in Canada,” stated Intact, which leads the Canadian property and casualty insurance market when measured by premiums written.

In 2017, Intact undertook a major expansion in the commercial segment when it bought commercial specialty insurer OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd, based near Minneapolis, for US$1.7 billion.

Godfrey will oversee the product, pricing and underwriting strategy across all channels, Intact said, Thursday.

“Under Darren’s leadership, Intact developed leading technology platforms and products which have helped shape the Canadian marketplace and solidify Intact’s outperformance in personal lines.”

Two years ago, Intact announced the retirement of its then-president, Jean-Francois Blais, who had led AXA Canada’s operations for seven years as a board member and chief executive.