The Co-operators Group Ltd. has appointed Katherine Bardswick as president and CEO, effective Mar. 1, 2002.

Bardswick is currently the chief operating officer of The Sovereign General Insurance Co. and L’Union Canadienne Compagnie d’Assurances. She is also on the boards of Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd., Trent Health Insurance Services and Harlock Williams Lemon Ltd.

The appointment was made after an extensive national search. “Kathy is no stranger to The Co-operators,” said chairperson, Peter Podovinikoff. “She has very successfully managed positions of increasing responsibility within our company since joining us in 1978. We are very confident she has the leadership skills we need to propel us forward in this ever changing, complex marketplace.”

Bardswick has a diverse background in insurance and related financial services. Her management experience with The Co-operators includes Information Systems, Human Resources, Sales Management and Operations. She is a well-known leader throughout the insurance industry and the co-operative movement in Canada.

“I am delighted and excited to have the opportunity to lead an organization with a reputation for excellent products and service, and a rich heritage of strengthening Canadian communities,” said Bardswick. “I look forward to working with a wonderful team of people across the organization to exceed the expectations of all of our stakeholders.”