The Co-operators today announced the appointment of Karen Higgins as its new Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (EVP & CFO). Higgins replaces EVP and CFO, Bruce West, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

"Karen's reputation as a respected and effective leader is highlighted in her track record of building high performing teams, particularly during times of significant change with a keen focus on motivation, development and succession. Over the past 10 years, her impact has been evident across the organization through the trusted business partnerships she's built to deliver exceptional results," says Rob Wesseling, President and CEO. "After a rigorous search that included many highly qualified internal and external candidates, we're confident that Karen is well positioned to take on her new responsibilities."

Oversees financial analysis and valuation

Higgins joined The Co-operators in 2008 as VP, Corporate Finance. In 2011 she took on the role of VP Finance, Property and Casualty Operations (CGIC, COSECO, CUMIS General). In 2017 she took on her current role leading the finance team within Life operations (CLIC and CUMIS Life) where she oversees financial analysis and valuation of the organizations, in support of business strategies, initiatives and operations. Before joining The Co-operators, she held similar leadership roles at Clarica Life, Sun Life and Seniors Money Limited.

"The opportunity to lead the finance organization at The Co-operators is a privilege, particularly as we develop our new four-year organizational strategy," says Higgins. "Succeeding Bruce West in this role is an honour, and after 11 years of such profound leadership, where he built a strong foundation of great people and processes, I have big shoes to fill. I am very excited to carry this forward into the future, while working with our partners to build on our solid performance, seize new opportunities and challenges, and lead our organization to further success."