Toronto-based Foresters has appointed Cheryl Neal to the role of executive vice president and president, North American life insurance, the financial services provider said Wednesday.

In this new role, Neal will be responsible for leading Canadian and U.S. distribution, insurance operations and product development and pricing.

The role was created by Garcia in 2014 as part of strategic restructuring.

“When I joined this organization last year, I identified the need for a visionary leader to helm the new North American life insurance division,” says Garcia. “With extensive financial services experience and a proven track record of building performance-driven teams, I know she is the right choice to help lead Foresters into sustainable, profitable growth.”

Since 2008, Neal has served as executive vice president, individual markets and president, individual life at Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Previously, she held progressively senior roles with leading financial services organizations including HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Discover Card. She has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

Foresters is the trade name and a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society.