On Wednesday, Western Financial Group and its Board of Directors announced the appointment of Patrick Bieleny as the company’s President and CEO. Bieleny assumes his new role effective Aug. 22. Bieleny succeeds Paul Taylor, who retired July 4.

"My board colleagues and I are delighted that Patrick Bieleny has agreed to join Western and we're confident he can lead the team to build on our strong foundation," said Western Chair of the Board Jim Dinning.

"Patrick has a strong track record of operational excellence. We're excited to work with him as he and the team delivers quality service for our customers across western Canada."

"I'm honoured to have the opportunity to lead Western. It is a terrific organization with dedicated employees and I look forward to all that we can accomplish together," Bieleny remarked.

As president, Bieleny will oversee Western's network of brokerages and all of the company’s business units, such as Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions and Western Life Assurance Company. He will also serve as CEO of Western Financial Insurance Company (Petsecure) until the transfer of ownership to Economical closes.

Bieleny was previously the CEO and Managing Director of Alberta-based of XALTA Capital Partners Ltd. He has also served in senior executive positions in the agricultural, food and oil industries throughout Alberta.

Currently, Bieleny is a director of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta. He was formerly a Director for the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.
 
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