SCM Insurance Services Appoints New CEO to Drive Further Innovation and Growth

Bob Fitzgerald succeeds SCM founder Larry Shumka who takes on new role of Executive Chairman

EDMONTON and TORONTO, January 20, 2015 – SCM Insurance Services, Canada’s largest independent, privately owned insurance services provider, today announced the appointment of Bob Fitzgerald as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding the corporation’s founder Larry Shumka who has assumed a new role as SCM’s first-ever Executive Chairman. The two executives will manage the transition together through 2015, with Mr. Fitzgerald overseeing SCM’s strategy and operations while he and SCM continue to benefit from Mr. Shumka’s legacy of successful leadership, entrepreneurship, knowledge and relationships.

Since its inception SCM has strategically expanded its brand through targeted acquisitions and complementary services to provide a breadth of insurance solutions unparalleled in Canada.

“I’m extremely proud of how our corporation has grown since 1986 from a single office in Edmonton to a corporation of seven companies with 200 offices and more than 2,600 employees serving our clients across Canada,” said Mr. Shumka. “But we’re poised for even more growth in the years ahead, so this is the perfect time to pass the torch to Bob, whose leadership will take SCM to the next level and ensure that we continue to deliver innovative world-class solutions for our customers.”

Mr. Fitzgerald has 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, serving most recently as President of SCM’s adjusting and claims management company, ClaimsPro, which he joined in 2011. He has also held senior executive roles with other major insurance organizations in Canada and is an industry leader in the fields of claims, strategy, underwriting, marketing and risk management.

“SCM is already a top-class company providing a full range of insurance services in Canada, and I’m delighted to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead its further growth, innovation and strategic investment,” said Mr. Fitzgerald. “I’m also looking forward to meeting with our customers and our great team of employees over the coming weeks to share ideas for the future.”

 Mr. Fitzgerald will continue as President of ClaimsPro until a permanent successor is announced.

“Great companies are the result of great employees who challenge the status quo and are always looking for better ways to create value for clients,” said Mr. Shumka. “I am confident that the great team we’ve built across all SCM companies will continue to use their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.”

Biographical notes on Larry Shumka and Bob Fitzgerald are attached.

About SCM Insurance Services

SCM Insurance Services has been servicing Canada’s insurance and corporate industries for the past 29 years with over 200 locations and 2,600 employees. As a privately owned provider of claims adjusting, risk management, investigative, surveillance, risk mitigation, medical services, forensic engineering services and risk intelligence, SCM has distinguished itself through innovative technology, expert staff and solid customer service. The SCM Insurance Services include ClaimsPro, Xpera Risk Mitigation & Investigation, Cira Medical Services, Sibleys & Associates, MDAC, TRM, Pario Engineering & Environmental Sciences, SCM Risk Management Services (RMS), Opta Information Intelligence and International Programs Group (IPG). Visit www.scm.ca for more information.

Media contacts:

• Bikram Daulay
• Vice President Marketing & Communications
• SCM Insurance Services
• T: 780-902-5294
• E: bikram.daulay@scm.ca

 

• Sarah Bain
• Senior Account Director
• Hill+Knowlton Strategies
• T: 613-786-9974
• E: sarah.bain@hkstrategies.ca

 

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES:

Larry Shumka, FCIP:

Larry Shumka became SCM Insurance Service’s first-ever Executive Chair in January 2015 after serving as SCM’s President and CEO since he founded the company in 1986. Under Larry’s leadership, SCM grew from a single branch in Edmonton, Alberta, into Canada’s largest independent, privately owned insurance services provider, with more than 200 branches and 2,600 employees from coast to coast.

As Executive Chair, Larry is responsible for guiding SCM’s CEO in the development of the strategic and operating plans and budget of the corporation and for the implementation of those plans. Some of his other duties include assisting the CEO in his role as chief spokesman for SCM, identifying acquisition targets and working with the CEO on execution of approved acquisition deals, and ongoing communication clients at the C-Suite level.

A member of Canada’s insurance services industry for nearly 40 years, Larry has served as Past President of the Alberta Association of Insurance Adjusters and the Insurance Institute of Canada. His specialties include Major Property Loss, Course of Construction, Arson and Fraud Investigation and Detection, Computer Loss, Fidelity and Surety Loss, Business Interruption, and Construction Liability, among many others.

Larry holds the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation and a certificate in Business Management from the University of Alberta. He also has degrees and certifications from Vale Technical, Vermilion College and the University of Southern California.

Bob Fitzgerald:

In January 2015, Bob Fitzgerald was appointed Chief Executive Officer of SCM Insurance Services, Canada’s largest independent, privately owned provider of claims management, risk management, medical services, data analytics, investigations and risk mitigation, forensic engineering and related services.  As CEO, he oversees SCM’s strategy and operations, and is responsible for leading and executing a strategic plan to grow and mature the business.      

Bob has 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, serving most recently as President of SCM’s adjusting and claims management company, ClaimsPro, which he joined in 2011. He has also held senior executive roles with other major insurance organizations in Canada, including as President, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President. His experience includes working for Aviva Canada, AXA Canada and Safeco Insurance Company of Canada.

An industry leader in the fields of claims, strategy, underwriting, marketing and risk management, Bob is a major supporter of the Property & Casualty Industry in Canada. He has been an active member on several Insurance Bureau of Canada committees and is a past chairman of the Board of Directors at the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations.

Bob holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfred Laurier University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor, and is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program of Columbia University.