The federal consumer watchdog, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), has appointed a long-time industry executive as its deputy commissioner.

The FCAC announced Monday that Brigitte Goulard has been appointed deputy commissioner of the agency, effective immediately. In her new role, she will function as the FCAC’s executive director and senior policy advisor to the FCAC’s commissioner, Lucie Tedesco.

“The deputy commissioner plays a fundamental role for the FCAC,” said Tedesco. “Ms. Goulard brings experience and expertise from within the financial sector that will strengthen our capacity to maintain productive relationships and effective oversight.”

Before joining the FCAC, Goulard was vice president, policy and government relations at the Credit Union Central of Canada. She has also worked at the Trust Companies Association, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, and TD Meloche Monnex.

“Ms. Goulard will be responsible for all aspects of the administration of the agency and perform a role similar to that of a chief operations, financial and administrative officer of the organization,” notes Tedesco.

Goulard sits on the board of Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. She has also taught securities regulation and financial institutions legislation at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, and has been a visiting professor with Palacky University in the Czech Republic.