One of Canada’s leading insurers has announced the appointment of a new president and CEO.
The Co-operators has named Rob Wesseling as president and CEO effective Dec. 1, according to a news release.
Wesseling is currently the executive vice president of property and casualty operations for The Co-operators General Insurance Company and chief operating officer for The Sovereign General Insurance Company. He’s spent 19 years with The Co-operators in various leadership positions.
“Rob has the ability and desire to lead our organization while positively impacting the co-operative movement. He's an inspirational and innovative leader who will ensure The Co-operators relevance, strength and sustainability long term,” said John Harvie, chairperson of the company’s board of directors. “In addition to Rob, the number and quality of internal and external candidates who came forward to fill this leadership position speaks to the reputation of our organization, and I'd like to thank each of them for their commitment to this process. My gratitude also goes to the CEO search committee who dedicated their time to carefully interview and recommend the best candidate for the job.”
“The Co-operators is more than just a financial services company,” said Wesseling. “Our co-operative nature guides our bone-deep commitment to our members and to the clients and communities we serve. We look to the future from a position of strength, recognizing that our relevance is dependent on our ability to anticipate and respond to their changing needs and preferences. I am eager to engage with the entire Co-operators team as we write the next chapters of the story.”
Wesseling will replace current president and CEO Kathy Bardswick, who announced her retirement in February. She will stay on in the position until Wesseling assumes the role in December.
