The Co-operators Group Limited has appointed Harry Pickett to the role of interim executive vice president and chief information officer.

Pickett, whose appointment takes effect December 06, 2021, will be responsible for the overall strategy, planning, development, and execution of The Co-operators’ IT function. According to a Press release, he will help develop the skills and capabilities of the IT team to “support strategic plans, creating operational efficiencies and competitive differentiation.”

A highly experienced IT executive with more than 30 years of experience in the financial service and retail sectors, Pickett had also served global consulting firms. He was most recently the global CIO of investment holding company Aimia. Pickett has also held senior executive positions at companies such as Symcor, Manulife, CIBC and BMO.

"Harry's long tenure of IT executive leadership – including leading complex transformation strategies within the financial services sector – uniquely equips him to take on this key role," said The Co-operators president and CEO Rob Wesseling.

Wesseling added that The Co-operators is currently undergoing a business transformation – with technology at the forefront. The chief executive stated that the future state of technology is a key driver in scaling the company business, while allowing it to better serve its clients.

"I'm excited to be joining Co-operators and believe in their mission and community-centred values," Pickett said of his appointment. "Co-operators is in the midst of a large digital transformation. I look forward to working with a dynamic executive team and highly skilled employees as we advance the organization's industry-leading IT capabilities, in support of this important transformation work."