Travelers Canada has today announced that it has appointed a new president and CEO.

Heather Masterson takes on the role with immediate effect, succeeding Duane Sanders, who has taken a senior leadership role in the company’s largest business segment in the United States, the company said in a release.

Masterson joined Travelers as chief operating officer in September 2015, and was previously president and CEO of Totten Insurance Group.

She has also held several executive positions at HUB International and served as vice president of AIG WorldSource.

Speaking of the move, Kevin Smith, president of international at Travelers, described Masterson as a “proven leader with a tremendous background in the industry and an exceptional track record.”

“She has brought a valuable perspective to our distribution strategy through her knowledge of the Canadian marketplace,” he added. “I am confident that Heather will identify ways to continue leveraging our deep competitive advantages and grow our presence in Canada.”

Smith also thanked departing Sanders for his contribution to the company, adding that he had done an “outstanding job.”

Sanders played a key role in the Travelers acquisition and integration of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, and oversaw the successful introduction of the company’s personal auto product in Ontario, Travelers Optima, the company said.

Speaking of her new role, Masterson said she was excited to have the opportunity to lead the “talented team”, adding: “Together, we will stay focused on innovation and service excellence. I am also looking forward to building upon our relationships with brokers to ensure that we deliver a compelling proposition for customers and prospects.”

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