Canadian Underwriter
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Moves (September 01, 2007)


September 1, 2007   by Canadian Underwriter


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Stephen Scullion has been appointed director, Professional Development, Crawford & Company (Canada). Scullion will assume leadership of Crawford’s Canadian training and development initiatives including the ongoing delivery of technical courses, development of new training curriculum and implementation of a web-based learning management system in conjunction with Crawford University, according to a release. “Over the years, Steve has played an integral role within our organization,” John Taylor, vice president human resources, Crawford & Company, said in a release. “His dedication to lifelong learning and his exemplary track record in the adult education field are an excellent starting point for his new role.”

Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (TSE:KFS) announced the appointments of Serge Lavoie to president and Chief Executive Officer of Jevco Insurance Company and Colin Simpson as president and CEO of York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. Lavoie joined Jevco 10 years ago and brings more than 22 years experience in the insurance industry to his new role. He joined the organization as claims manager and was most recently vice president and general manager, a Kingsway release says, adding that he was active in the Quebec chapter of the Canadian Claims Manager Association, previously holding the positions of president and secretary. Simpson joined York Fire as the vice president and chief financial officer 3 years ago, and has worked within the Canadian insurance industry over the past 7 years. Prior to joining York Fire, he held various senior management roles in a global insurance company in Canada and the U.K. “I am pleased to announce the appointments of Serge and Colin to their new positions within the organization,” Bill Star, president and CEO, said in a statement. “Their appointments are well deserved and reflect the positive contributions they have made to improving the operations and profitability of their companies.”

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada agent Brian Randall, announced today that the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, received a donation of $1,000 from the Trusted Community Partner Program (TCPP). This marks the second year Mr. Randall has secured $1,000 in funding for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. “As a volunteer and a member of this community, I am fortunate to see first hand the difference that Juvenile Diabetes Foundation makes in the lives of those who utilize the services they offer,” said Randall in a statement. The TCPP was launched in 2006 and enables Allstate agents who volunteer personal time to a registered charity or not-for-profit group involved in charitable programs or services, to apply for and secure a grant of up to $1,000 to be donated to the organization. In 2006, agents in 18 communities across Canada contributed over $23,000 in funding for over 20 charities including, Big Brothers, AIDS research, Alzheimer Society and Crime Stoppers.

Pembridge Insurance Company is maintaining its investment as a Full Partner of the (BIP) for 2007, according to the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC). “We are pleased to support brokers across Canada in their successful bid to communicate to consumers, legislators and regulators the value they bring,” Bob Tisdale, president and COO of Pembridge, said in a release. “Speaking with a united voice under the banner of the BIPPER is very effective in influencing decision makers regarding issues affecting the industry.” IBAC CEO Dan Danyluk added: “We are pleased that yet another insurer supports the common message being delivered by brokers under the BIPPER umbrella. Pembridge is a valuable partner to brokers.”

Western Financial Group Inc. has completed the acquisition of Blonde & Blonde in Kelowna, B.C., Baxter Agencies, formerly a Trans West Insurance office, in Lac La Biche, Alberta, and Nielsen & Wolfe Agencies in Morrin, Alberta.”We are pleased to be able to add the growing Alberta communities of Morrin and Lac La Biche to our network,” said Western Financial Group president and CEO Scott Tannas. “We are also very proud to welcome the expert employees of Blonde & Blonde, who have established themselves as leaders in commercial insurance. They strengthen our relationships with key markets and bring commercial programs that will significantly add to our market presence in Kelowna.” Western Financial Group provides insurance, financial and banking services in more than 80 communities through its WFG Agency Network locations, its affiliated insurance brokers, Western Life Assurance Company and Bank West.

CARSTAR Automotive Canada has opened Autobahn CARSTAR Collision in Calgary, AB, as part of an aggressive growth strategy to expand operations to more than 200 locations across Canada. “The addition of Autobahn CARSTAR Collision comes from an expansion of GT CARSTAR Collision and Arrow CARSTAR Collision,” the company announced in a press release. “All three stores are operated by the Stathko Group, which has been a part of the CARSTAR network since 1999.” Chris Stathonikos, founder of the Stathko Group, has operated a collision repair business in Calgary for more 30 years. His son, Matthew, joined the business in 1997. Together, they expanded their business in 2001, with the acquisition of GT CARSTAR Collision, which brought Dave Stretz into the business. Stretz has extensive automotive management experience and has managed GT CARSTAR since the acquisition. He will be managing this new location with the help of his son Joel. The Stathko Group plans to make the Autobahn CARSTAR location its flagship store. It will be centralizing the administrative management of the three stores at this new location, as well as establishing a business training centre within the facility.

PartnerRe Ltd. has announced that Partner Reinsurance Europe Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PartnerRe Ltd., based in Dublin, Ireland, will, from Jan.1, 2008, be the principal reinsurance carrier for PartnerRe’s business underwritten in France, Ireland, Switzerland and Canada. “Under the new European Union Reinsurance Directive, Partner Reinsurance Europe will be able to operate in all EU member states under a single regulatory framework,” the company announced in a press release. “PartnerRe’s clients will continue to benefit from the company’s financial strength, underwriting capabilities, and business unit structure.” Partner Reinsurance Europe Limited, to be capitalized in excess of $1 billion, has received provisional ratings in line with those of the rest of PartnerRe’s operating subsidiaries: ‘A+’ from A.M. Best and ‘AA-‘ from Standard & Poor’s.

General Motors (GM) has announced that it will be using a PPG Industries basecoat system in all of its dealership repairs. The PPG Envirobase High Performance and Nexa Autocolor Aquabase Plus waterborne basecoat systems from PPG Automotive Refinish recently received the major automaker’s approval. “Skilled technicians using the right materials offer the only path to true customer satisfaction,” Brian Dotterer, materials and technologies development manager of service operations for GM, said in a statement.


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