Intact Financial has revealed that it will shake up its leadership team with the retirement of a key executive.

Towards the end of the year, Intact Financial senior vice-president of commercial lines Alain Lessard will retire. Lessard joined the company through the AXA Canada acquisition and he is viewed as a “driving force” in the company, helping the commercial lines business grow and modernize. He also helped launch Intact’s specialty lines division in Canada.

“I thank Alain for his contributions over the past eight years. Alain has played a pivotal role in leading our underwriting, pricing and product development translating to strong commercial lines performance for Intact,” CEO Charles Brindamour said in a statement.

Darren Godfrey, senior vice-president of personal lines will succeed Lessard as senior vice-president of commercial lines, effective January 01, 2020. Godfrey was instrumental in helping develop Intact’s technology platforms and products. In his new role, he will oversee the product, pricing and underwriting strategy.

To fill in Godfrey’s vacant position, Intact vice-president, actuarial of personal lines Isabelle Girard will be promoted to senior vice-president of personal lines, effective January 01, 2020. She has held positions in commercial lines, personal lines, finance, and actuarial. Girard has also had a hand in helping Intact with its acquisitions of AXA Canada and Jevco.

Brindamour congratulated Godfrey and Girard on their appointments and shared his belief that the new leaders will enhance Intact Financial’s capabilities in a bid to offer the best insurance solutions and customer/broker experiences.