Masterson leaving Totten for Travelers Canada, Murphy retires as CEO

The Travelers Companies Inc. announced Wednesday that Travelers Canada chief executive officer Brigid Murphy is retiring, chief operating officer Duane Sanders is replacing Murphy and Heather Masterson — most recently CEO of Totten Insurance Group Inc. — is replacing Sanders.

Masterson will join Travelers Canada Sept. 14, Travelers stated in a press release.

Masterson (pictured, left) became CEO of Totten on Sept. 1, 2012, replacing H. Ross Totten, who founded the wholesale brokerage in 2002. Totten is owned by Chicago-based Hub International Ltd.

Murphy (pictured, below right) will become vice chairman of Travelers Canada, the company said in a press release. She was CEO of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company in 2013, when Travelers acquired The Dominion.

Sanders (pictured, below left) joined Travelers in 2001 and was appointed chief operating officer of Travelers Canada in January 2015.

“I am confident that under his leadership, Travelers Canada will continue to grow its presence and build on the great work Brigid has done to enhance our business in this important market,” stated Kevin Smith, executive vice president and president, international for New York City-based Travelers. “We appreciate her contribution to our success and value her continued engagement.”

Masterson “brings substantial experience and strong relationships in the Canadian brokerage community,” Sanders stated.

Masterson is also secretary on the governing council of the Insurance Institute of Ontario. She has previously worked for Hub HKMB Ontario, American International Group Inc. and for Colonial Fire and General Insurance Company in Newfoundland.

Murphy worked nearly 20 years at Travelers Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, which Travelers acquired in 2013.

Murphy’s predecessor as The Dominion CEO was George Cooke.