Canadian financial services co-operative Co-operators has beefed up its leadership group with the appointment of Joan Ganas as vice-president of group benefits manufacturing.

Ganas will take over from Conor Quinn, who is retiring on September 09. She will continue to be based in Regina.

In her new position, Ganas will be responsible for the development and implementation of a long-term strategic plan for group benefits. She will also collaborate with business partners in conceptualizing and planning the integration of profitable products, channels, and markets.

Ganas boasts more than two decades of experience with Co-operators. She joined the insurance co-operative in 1999 and has held several leadership roles, including director of finance and other positions in group benefits. Prior to her appointment, Ganas was assistant vice-president of group insurance pricing and valuation.

“As an actuary with more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Joan brings an in-depth understanding of operations, markets, distribution, and performance levers, developed through progressive experience in pricing, valuation, product development and leadership roles,” said Alec Blundell, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Co-operators Life and president and COO of CUMIS. “We’re thrilled to have Joan’s leadership to build upon the solid foundation we’ve put in place over the past four years to profitably scale the group benefits business.”

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Ganas graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Actuarial Mathematics. She has also been a fellow of both the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries since 2003.