Quebec City-based SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. announced on Monday that Jean-François Chalifoux has officially started in his new role as the firm’s CEO.

“As SSQ Financial Group’s new CEO, Jean-François’s experience, vision, and dynamic approach will enable the company to confront the challenges currently facing the insurance and financial services sectors while continuing to pursue growth and ensuring that SSQ Financial Group remains a modern and successful organization with its values in the right place,” says Pierre Genest, chairman of SSQ Financial Group’s board, in a statement.

The firm announced in June that Chalifoux would succeed René Hamel as CEO on Sept. 21.

Prior to his new role at SSQ, Chalifoux was a general manager at Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Co.