A restructuring and personnel appointments will enable The Co-operators group of companies to meet its ambitious growth goals in Quebec, the group said Thursday.

Jean Vincent will assume the role of senior vp of the newly-created Centre of Expertise in Quebec. The centre is a grouping of departments from L’Union Canadienne, HB Group Insurance Management Ltd. and Co-operators General Insurance Co. that are being brought together to coordinate the group of companies’ business in the province. The departments include marketing, human resources, information technology, claims, finance, actuarial, translation, corporate affairs, administration, and member-owner relations.

Replacing Vincent as senior vp of L’Union Canadienne will be Ron Pavelack, previously vp of underwriting and business development. Pavelack will play a key role in the development and implementation of strategies to build upon the company’s strong relationships with its broker partners and contribute to the attainment of strategic growth targets, Co-operators says.

“The new organizational model will allow us to make better, more focused use of our staff members’ immense talent and expertise,” says Martin-Eric Tremblay, senior vp and president, Quebec operations.

“The Centre of Expertise will serve as the foundation upon which The Co-operators will build sustainable growth in Quebec in the years ahead,” Tremblay adds.

The structural changes announced Thursday are a matter of realigning resources, Co-operators says.

“No positions are being eliminated, and no changes will be made to staff members’ roles or geographic locations.”

Co-operators announced Quebec expansion plans in September 2007, at which time Tremblay was appointed to his current role. Under his leadership, the group of companies plans to increase sales through both the broker network and direct distribution, introduce Co-operators agents in Quebec, and offer new products and services in the province.

Based in Guelph, Ont., Co-operators is a group of Canadian companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products.

IE