Rob Wesseling has been appointed president and chief executive officer of The Co-operators Group as of Dec. 1, 2016. Wesseling will replace outgoing president and CEO Kathy Bardswick who, last February, announced that she will be retiring.

Wesseling’s assent to the top job comes after 19 years with the company. He currently is The Co-operators executive vice-president, property and casualty operations, Co-operators General Insurance Company, and chief operating officer, The Sovereign General Insurance Company.

Wesseling has also been serving as an acting member of the International Co-operative and Mutual Insurance Federation board of directors and executive committee. He has a B.A. in Theoretical Mathematics and MSc. of applied statistics from the University of Guelph where he graduated in 1996.

"An inspirational and innovative leader"

"Rob has the ability and desire to lead our organization while positively impacting the co-operative movement. He's an inspirational and innovative leader who will ensure The Co-operators relevance, strength and sustainability long term," says John Harvie, chairperson of The Co-operators board of directors.

Prior to taking on his new duties, Wesseling will re-locate to Quebec to improve his French where he will undertake an eight-week French immersion program.