Silvy Wright appointed head of IBC’s board of directors

Northbridge Financial President and CEO Silvy Wright has been elected to lead the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s board of directors, effectively immediately.

IBC is in a unique position, Wright noted in a statement, as the industry faces an “unprecedented pace” of change with new challenges ahead.

“These challenges span from…advancing the country’s preparedness for severe weather events, to auto insurance reforms across Canada, to new technologies and industry disruptors,” she said. “Through IBC, property and casualty insurers will continue engaging governments and stakeholders across Canada to drive changes that will benefit Canadian businesses and consumers. I look forward to continuing this important work and representing the shared values of our industry.”

Don Forgeron, president and CEO at IBC, welcomed Wright to the role in the announcement. He noted her past experience as an asset, especially her perspectives on commercial insurance.

“We look forward to working with her to reach our goals of helping consumers and keeping Canada’s insurance industry strong and robust,” he added. “With Ms. Wright’s leadership, IBC will continue to advance its strategic priorities with communities, stakeholders and governments across the country.”

Wright has an extensive history in the insurance industry. She has led Northbridge since 2011 and was previously president and CEO of Markel Insurance, a trucking insurer, a role she took over in 2006. She has also spent time in other senior positions in the insurance and financial services industry. A chartered professional accountant, she also previously served chairwoman of the Insurance Institute of Canada.