Nigel Branker is the new Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company and Canadian Premier General Insurance Company (Canadian Premier) announced the organization April 19.

In this role, he succeeds Suzette Huovinen, who is returning to a senior executive role at the insurer’s U.S. parent company, Securian Financial, after serving as Canadian Premier’s CEO for the last three years. 
 
As CEO, Branker reports to Canadian Premier’s board of directors and Bill Gould, Securian Financial’s Executive Vice President of Affinity Solutions. 

“With his proven track record of transforming businesses and driving growth, combined with decades of industry experience and relationships in the Canadian market, Nigel Branker is the perfect person to lead Canadian Premier at this exciting time for the company,” stated Gould. “I’m confident that under Nigel’s leadership, Canadian Premier will continue to fulfill its purpose of helping millions of Canadians build secure tomorrows, as an innovative and trusted insurer.” 

Most recently, Branker served as President of Health & Productivity Solutions for LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell). An actuary by background, he held positions of increasing responsibility with various global consulting firms before joining LifeWorks in 2012. 

Branker takes the helm of Canadian Premier on the heels of its recently announced acquisition of Sun Life’s sponsored markets business.

“I’m excited to lead Canadian Premier at such a pivotal time,” said Branker. “It’s an honour to join a purpose-driven team of highly experienced professionals committed to providing financial security to Canadians and their families. I’m particularly energized about continuing to grow and evolve our organization, and joining with our soon-to-be colleagues from Sun Life’s association, affinity and group creditor businesses.” 

Branker is a Fellow of both the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western University.