After almost 40 years of service with iA Financial Group, Yvon Charest, has announced his retirement as President and CEO. Denis Ricard has been appointed as the next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 1, 2018.

An actuary by training, Ricard joined iA Financial Group in 1985. He has held positions of increasing responsibility over his 33 years with the company, including: Chief Actuary (2004-2010), Senior Vice-President, Business Development (2010‑2015), Executive Vice-President, Individual Insurance and Annuities (2015-2017) and more recently Chief Operating Officer (2017-present).

A skilled team builder

"I want to congratulate Denis on his well-deserved appointment as our next President and Chief Executive Officer," said Charest in a statement released June 12. "If I had to choose one quality that defines Denis, it is his willingness to embrace feedback and new ideas to arrive at informed decisions. He is a skilled team builder, passionate about taking on new challenges and dedicated to the long-term goals of iA Financial Group. His deep knowledge of our corporate culture, the financial industry and the emerging trends in all our businesses will serve him well in his role as the next chief executive of our organization."

Charest shall assure the transition of the CEO role until his departure on Jan. 1, 2019, said the company.

An exceptional legacy

"On behalf of the Board, I want to pay tribute to Yvon Charest and the exceptional legacy that he leaves to iA Financial Group," said Jocelyne Bourgon, Chair of the Board of Directors. "During his tenure as CEO, the organization has grown and matured into a leading financial services company in Canada with a reputation that is second to none. He has instilled a rich culture of outperformance built on respect, transparency, and disciplined decision-making, while maintaining a long-term view on business strategy, talent development and shareholder value creation. Through his leadership over the years, he has proven time and time again that it is possible to deliver solid results without prejudice to the corporate values or the capital of an organization."