Moves (June 01, 2007)

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) has appointed Kathy Bardswick, CEO of The Co-Operators Group, as its new chair, 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. Wilmot has a 35-year career in the industry. He was a member of the original Insurance Bureau of Canada committee that 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,” Wilmot said at the ICLR’s 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 in having 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.

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Brian K. Hammond, director, risk management and insurance at BDC, is retiring after 20 years of service. “During Brian’s time with us, BDC has benefited from his sound advice and wise counsel on risk management, insurance matters and claim-related problems,” Paul Buron, BDC executive vice-president and chief financial officer, said in a press release. “In this specialized role, he has earned much deserved respect, both internally and externally, for his technical knowledge and expertise.” He often served as a master of ceremony for company events in addition to singing, dancing and golfing. “Many who have had the opportunity to work (and play) with Brian will miss his warmth and great sense of humour,” Buron said.

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Aviva Canada Inc. has appointed Robin Spencer as its new president and CEO, effective July 12, 2007. Tom Reikman has assumed the role of senior vice president, marketing. Spencer is currently the executive vice president and chief financial officer with Aviva Canada Inc. “Robin’s accomplishments, experience and ability to drive organizational success will be a real asset to the Aviva Canada team,” said Tom Godlasky, chief executive of Aviva plc’s new North American Region. Prior to his January 2005 appointment, Spencer was global finance transformation director for Aviva plc. In his new role, Reikman will be responsible for leading the corporation marketing team and working closely with the regional teams and broker partners to continue to build Aviva’s market presence, an Aviva release says. “He brings extensive industry experience spanning leadership roles in marketing, underwriting and technology for major property and casualty companies,” the statement says. Reikman most recently held the position of president of a large Canadian wholesale insurer.

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Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. has announced the creation of a commercial auto services branch that 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 said 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. The new branch will operate out of the company’s Toronto West branch.

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AMAC Consultants Inc. has announced the appointment of Paul M. Green as vice president. Green will primarily be responsible for growing the firm’s Ontario business and serving its clients in Eastern Canada from AMAC’s downtown Toronto office. Prior to joining AMAC, Green was director, corporate marketing and broker management with Royal & SunAlliance Insurance Company. He has more than 31 years of experience in business development and broker relationship management on a national level with a number of insurers. He has been a member of the National CIP Society Council and a past president of the Insurance Institute of Ontario. AMAC is a Vancouver-based general management consulting firm providing merger and acquisition, executive search and other specialised services to the insurance industry nationwide.