The Insurance Bureau of Canada will appoint Celyeste Power, currently executive vice president, Strategic Initiatives and Advocacy, as president and CEO. Power will take the helm of the organization effective Jan. 1, 2023 after the retirement of Don Forgeron.
The selection of Forgeron’s successor was initiated last summer following the announcement of his impending retirement. A plan is underway to ensure a smooth transition from Forgeron to Power.
In her current role, which she has held since May 2022, Power is responsible for operational strategies, including planning and budget development for IBC, an association representing most of the country's property and casualty insurers.
Power began her career at the IBC in July 2014 as a spokesperson. After four years at the Bureau's head office in Toronto, she became vice president of the Western Region in Edmonton for two and a half years. She then served as Chief Strategy Officer from December 2020 to May of this year.
Prior to that, Power held a variety of roles in the federal government, including as issues manager in the office of prime minister Stephen Harper from August 2011 to March 2013.
"Celyeste brings a wealth of experience in government relations, a deep understanding of the issues affecting Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry, and a drive and focus to find solutions that will work for all stakeholders," said Heather Masterson, chair of the IBC board and president and CEO of Travelers Canada.
Power said that the IBC does important work on behalf of property and casualty insurers to provide public policy solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing Canada.
"As this industry plays a vital role in society and touches the lives of all Canadians, I am honoured to be entrusted with the role of representing the industry with governments, stakeholders and consumers," Power stated in a press release issued on November 10.
