Gilles Cloutier is carrying off a rare family succession coup for a national-level firm: he is ceding his position of Groupe Cloutier CEO to Patrick Cloutier. Already present across Quebec, the Trois-Rivières-based MGA is authorized to operate in other parts of Canada.
Gilles Cloutier is remaining active within the Groupe Cloutier, and will now chair the Groupe Cloutier board. He beamed with pride to see his son fill his shoes.
For 25 years, Patrick Cloutier has worked at the MGA that his father founded in 1978, at age 32. Among several other positions, Patrick recently acted as VP, Sales and Business Development. “Patrick is the person I trust to orchestrate all of Groupe Cloutier’s operations,” Gilles Cloutier said.
New blood in distribution
The succession process is ushering in several other recruits, including David Parent, newly lured away from Sun Life. Parent is taking over Patrick Cloutier’s position of VP, Sales and Business Development.
Prior to his move, Parent had worked at Sun Life as Assistant VP, Strategic Initiatives, Insurance Distribution Wholesale Channel since 2018. He entered the profession in 2001 by joining Sun Life’s career network, then called Clarica. He had spent most of his career at the insurer, in roles always related to distribution.
Groupe Cloutier has also created a new position: consultant, best business practices. Émilie Arsenault is assuming that role. Arseneault worked for nearly 12 years for Sun Life, recently as a regional sales associate, wholesale distribution channel.
She is joining the Groupe Cloutier consulting team led by Anny Plamondon, Vice-president, Individual insurance and advisory services. Arsenault will help advisors optimize their business practices and sales development.
Team promotions
Well-known in investment fund circles, François Bruneau is also climbing the echelons. As the new administrative vice-president of Groupe Cloutier, he will oversee administrative and organizational matters. With over 12 years at the MGA to his credit, Bruneau recently acted as Vice-president Administration, Investment and Retirement, for Groupe Cloutier Investments.
Benoît Trudel, Groupe Cloutier’s Director of Operations, will take on more responsibilities and work in close cooperation with Bruneau. His new title is Senior Director of Operations.
Véronique Lapointe was appointed Director, Individual Insurance of the Sherbrooke Financial Centre. Lapointe has built a 16-year career at the MGA, where she served as a marketing specialist in individual insurance.
Important shift
Gilles Cloutier confirmed that he will remain active within Groupe Cloutier. He says he wants to channel his experience into benefitting top management. “The organization is making a major shift and is poised to embark on the next chapter in its history, backed by a solid, experienced top management team.”
