The Standard Life Assurance Co. of Canada today announced that Claude Leblanc will join the company on October 15, as senior vp, leading the group savings and retirement business.

Leblanc will be working actively with the division’s sales, member services and marketing teams, Standard Life says.

“As leaders in the group savings and retirement marketplace, and indeed in the entire group solutions market, we will continue to grow through strengthened relationships and by offering innovative solutions,” says Joseph Iannicelli, president and CEO. “Based on some 30 years of solid experience in insurance and financial services, Claude is best suited to carry out this mandate.”

Leblanc graduated from HEC Montréal with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later completed sessions at Harvard University’s High Potentials Leadership Program. He sat on the board of directors of the Quebec chapter of the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute for a number of years, and was its national conference chair in 2006.

Leblanc replaces Anthony Cardone, who has been appointed senior vp, corporate strategy, communications and public affairs. Cardone will head corporate strategy for the Canadian operations, leading the development and implementation of Standard Life of Canada’s strategic business plan. He will lead the direction and business strategies that support the evolution of Standard Life’s global strategies. The company says Cardone will also play a pivotal role in building Standard Lifes’ brand image and value proposition as a leading financial services provider in the Canadian marketplace.