Jean-François Chalifoux will take over as CEO of SSQ Financial Group on Sept. 21, the Quebec City-based company announced on Thursday.
He succeeds the current CEO, René Hamel, who will retire at the end of the year.
Chalifoux has held a number of executive positions with major pan-Canadian insurers, both in general insurance and life and health insurance.
Until very recently, he was general manager of Desjardins Insurance, based in Lévis, Que., and oversaw its business development activities across Canada.
“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,” says Pierre Genest, chairman of the board of SSQ Financial Group.
Chalifoux has sat on several boards and committees associated with the insurance and financial services industry, and has supported numerous projects addressing the well-being and development of individuals and communities.
Chalifoux 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.