George Cooke retires as president of The Dominion, Brigid Murphy named as successor

George L. Cooke has announced his retirement as president of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (The Dominion).

Cooke started his distinguished career with The Dominion in 1992 as president and CEO. He will remain CEO of The Dominion until Dec. 31, 2012, and will continue as executive vice president of E-L Financial until June 30, 2013. Cooke will remain a director of The Dominion.

“Mr. Cooke’s leadership and counsel will be invaluable to The Dominion and to E-L Financial during this period of transition and thereafter,” the company noted in a message to brokers announcing Cooke’s retirement.

Brigid Murphy has been named as president and director of The Dominion, effective immediately. She will be appointed to the offices of CEO of The Dominion and executive vice president of E-L Financial effective on Jan. 1, 2013.

Murphy began working for The Dominion in 2003 and has held a number of increasingly senior management roles since then, most recently as chief operating officer (COO). The COO’s office will not be filled at this time.

“I can’t think of a better choice than Brigid to lead The Dominion,” Cooke said in a statement to brokers. “I am very supportive of Brigid’s appointment and am committed to working with her, and each of you, to ensure a smooth transition.”