SSQ Financial Group has appointed of Jean-François Chalifoux to be its next chief executive officer.

chalifoux_jeanfrancois_articleIn a press release issued on June 4, SSQ indicated that Chalifoux’s appointment will take effect on Sept. 21, 2015. He replaces current CEO René Hamel, who announced his retirement late last month.

Chalifoux has held a number of executive positions with various Canadian general and life insurers. Most recently he was with the Desjardins Group, where he served as general manager of Desjardins Insurance. He holds a bachelor's degree in actuarial sciences, is a fellow of both the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society, and is a graduate of the Queen's Executive Development Program.

“The selection committee was charged with selecting the best candidate to maintain the focus on growth, performance and profitability, and truly embrace the values of commitment and solidarity that have made our company what it is today,” said Pierre Genest, chairman of SSQ's board of directors. “Throughout the selection process, Jean François's extensive knowledge of market changes and confident approach to innovation clearly set him apart from the other candidates.”