On the Move (June 01, 2004)

Along the election of Nancy Chambers of Waterloo Region Municipalities Insurance Pool as president of RIMS, fellow Canadian Joseph Restoule, senior risk consultant for NOVA Chemicals Corp. was named vice president, chief risk officer and secretary of the RIMS executive council. Canadians joining Chambers on the board of directors are: Joseph Hardy (Hudson’s Bay Co.); Kim Hunton (City of Ottawa); Janice McGraw (McGill University); and Craig Rowe (City of St. John’s).

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) has named Larry Jefferies its chair for 2004-2005. Jefferies is executive vice president and co-founder of CARSTAR Automotive Canada, with over 30 years automotive industry experience.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has named Lee Stem as vice president of information technology, a role he has filled on a part-time basis since late 2003. Previously he was CEO of Chartwell Inc., and he has served as a consultant to IBC since 1992.

The Innovation Group (TIG) has appointed Jeff Bilbrey as vice president of product management for its technology solutions division, as part of the company’s move to grow globally. Bilbrey brings 11 years of experience to the new role, most recently as program manager for a large insurance carrier.

Custard Insurance Adjusters have appointed Yvonne Spencer as branch manager for their Kitchener office, which has relocated to 30 Duke St. West, Suite 902. Spencer has more than 22 years insurance industry experience, including 15 years in independent adjusting, most recently as branch manager for a Toronto-based firm.

Tri-Can Reinsurance Ltd. announces the appointment of vice presidents John Iacono and David Silva. Each comes from Manulife Reinsurance and brings more than 15 years experience to their new roles.

The Toronto Insurance Conference 2004 executive committee includes: president Robert Jones, past president Shardie Stevenson, vice president Brooke Hunter, secretary-treasurer Brenda Rose, and directors-at-large Justin MacGregor, Cedric Gyles, Brian Wilcox, Lorie Guthrie Phair, Rick Messier and Paul Martin.

The legal affairs and risk management division of Canada Post has moved its location to 225 Bridge St, Suite 210, Montreal, QC. The risk management division can be reached at 514-345-4338.

At a recent award ceremony in Toronto, Don Strong, vice president and general manager, Concordia CARSTAR Collision Centres, Ottawa, was recognized by the Honorable Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for Building Jobs & Growth within The Ontario Apprenticeship Program. Concordia CARSTAR Collision is the only collision repair facility of 16 recipients to receive this award.

I Promise Program executive director Gary Direnfeld announces the young drivers’ safety program is now being offered at no cost. “There is no reason whatsoever for every insurance company not to participate,” says Direnfeld, who encourages insurers and brokers to direct parents to www.ipromiseprogram.com to download the “parent-teen safe driving contract”.

Insurance Technology Advisors (ITA) has been commissioned to study the information technology profile of Canadian p&c companies. The study will gather empirical data and qualitative analysis of current technology deployment, functional areas of current interest, vendor management issues, including pricing models, delivery options and IT risk management profiles, says ITA principal David Plouffe.

MSA Research Inc. is now offering several information products aimed at the Canadian p&c and life-health industries. Founder Joel Baker is offering a suite of p&c statistical and benchmarking tools as well as analysis. The products can be found at www.msaresearch.com.