Quebec-based insurer SSQ Financial Group has announced that its CEO, René Hamel, will retire later this year.

hamel_rene_article_newIn a press release issued on May 27, SSQ board chairman Pierre Genest announced that Hamel plans to retire by the end of 2015.

Hamel has been at SSQ since 1986 and held a number of senior management positions in general insurance, life and health insurance, and investment and retirement at SSQ before becoming CEO in 2008. He also served on the boards of directors of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), the Regroupement des assureurs à charte du Québec (RACQ), the Centre de développement en assurances et services financiers de Québec (CDASF), and the Assuris consulting committee.

SSQ says that it has begun "a rigorous process" to replace Hamel, and expects to appoint a new CEO promptly in order to ensure a smooth transition.