Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company has appointed a new chair of its board of directors, the first female chair in the company’s 124-year history. The company also announced that it is appointing a new director to its board, as well.
Effective May 28, the company announced that Catherine (Kay) Best will take over as the company’s chair of the board, replacing Richard Bracken who retired after serving on Wawanesa’s board since 2004, acting as chair since 2012.
“Wawanesa has been extremely well-served for many years by Richard Bracken and his steady, collaborative approach to governance during a period of growth, change and transformation,” says Jeff Goy, Wawanesa president and CEO. “I’m honoured to join everyone in the company in welcoming Kay Best to her new role.”
Formerly the executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Calgary Health Region, and audit partner at Ernst & Young, Best has served on Wawanesa’s board since 2012. Best is also currently serving on the board of directors at Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Badger Daylighting Inc., and the Superior Plus Corporation.
In addition to Best’s appointment, the company has also appointed Paul Soubry to the board of directors. Formerly president and CEO of NFI Group Inc., Soubry also currently serves on the boards of NFI Group Inc., and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club/True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd. He was recognized as Canada’s 2016 CEO of the year by the Financial Post and recently chaired a major capital campaign for the University of Manitoba which raised more than $625-million.
