The Co-operators appoints new EVP, CFO

Karen Higgins has been appointed executive vice-president and chief financial officer of The Co-operators, succeeding Bruce West, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Higgins has 20 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries. She joined The Co-operators in 2018 as vice-president of corporate finance.

“Karen’s reputation as a respected and effective leader is highlighted in her track record of building high performing teams, particularly during times of significant change with a keen focus on motivation, development and succession,” said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “Over the past 10 years, her impact has been evident across the organization through the trusted business partnerships she’s built to deliver exceptional results.”

In 2011, Higgins became vice-president of finance for The Co-operators’ property and casualty operations. She went on to lead the finance team within the organization’s life operations in 2017.

“Succeeding Bruce West in this role is an honour, and after 11 years of such profound leadership, where he built a strong foundation of great people and processes, I have big shoes to fill,” Higgins said. “I am very excited to carry this forward into the future, while working with our partners to build on our solid performance, seize new opportunities and challenges, and lead our organization to further success.”

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This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.