Moves (June 01, 2006)

Echelon General Insurance Company recently introduced a new logo, brand, and communications program at a launch event. CEO Doug McIntyre introduced the new corporate brand to brokers and business partners, explaining that it represents the company’s strategic vision and would ultimately better position the company for growth and profitability. During the presentation, McIntyre attributed the company’s success to Echelon’s four core values (as represented in the company’s new brand): supportive, innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial.

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Dr. Rolf Robert Kern, 78, an essential figure in the rise of the Gerling Global General and Reinsurance companies, passed away on Friday, Apr. 21, 2006. He peacefully succumbed to heart failure at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

Born on Aug. 5, 1927 in Freiburg, Germany, Rolf Kern and brother Fritz worked at Bakerei Kern before a war-torn Germany saw him imprisoned in a Siberian camp at the age of 18. Before immigrating to Toronto in 1958, he helped spearhead the North American expansion of the Gerling Konzern insurance operations.

His business savvy and intelligence earned him the position of president and director of Gerling Global General and Reinsurance companies. While at Gerling, Kern led the organization to an unprecedented record of 10 straight years of underwriting profit.

Kern completed his Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Freiburg. Kern’s passion for beauty in many forms was evident in the rose gardens of his Willowdale, Ontario home and Muskoka cottage. He appreciated music and modern dance.

Predeceased in 1998 by Inge, his wife of 40 years, Kern was a loving and devoted father to his three girls Rona, Barbara, and Petra. His five grandchildren also survive him.