The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company announced September 18 that president and CEO, Jeff Goy will retire from the role on January 1, 2025. Evan Johnston, the company’s current executive vice president, strategy and related businesses, will succeed Goy in the role on that date. Johnston will be the 10th president and CEO in the mutual insurer’s 128-year history.
Catherine Best, chair of Wawanesa’s board of directors, credits Goy for leading the company through a decade of transformative growth. She also says Johnston is a respected Wawanesa executive who has worked with Goy closely for eight years. Johnston’s international experience as a business strategist, along with his legal and financial background were highlighted by the company in making the announcement. Prior to joining Wawanesa in 2016, Johnston was vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Stuart Olson Inc.
Goy’s retirement follows a 35-year career with the company, including 11 as the mutual insurer’s president and CEO. Wawanesa, according to the company, currently serves 1.7 million members in Canada, last year generated $3.5-billion in annual revenue and currently has assets worth $10-billion. It is the parent company of Wawanesa Life and Western Financial Group. Johnston says the company will be focused on growth going forward.
“I am honoured by the responsibility and excited for the opportunity to lead Wawanesa into its next era, building on the legacy of Jeff’s tenure,” Johnston said in a statement. “Looking ahead, Wawanesa has momentum as we build on our leadership position in a changing industry. Our focus will be on winning and growing in all our markets across Canada.”
