Quebec’s direct insurers’ organization names new executive director

Quebec’s Corporation des assureurs directs de dommages (CADD) has announced the appointment of Simon Girard as executive director.

Founded in 1991, CADD represents 11 P&C insurers that provide direct-to-consumer insurance products. The industry organization represents more than 68% of the personal property and casualty insurance sales volume in the province, CADD notes in a press release Tuesday.

Its mission is to support and promote its members, particularly among political, regulatory, and socio-economic stakeholders, and to advocate for the benefits of the direct insurance distribution model for consumers.

Girard’s appointment follows the departure of its previous executive director, Denis Côté, announced by CADD Jan. 12. Côté held the position since 2016.

“The appointment of Simon Girard is a pivotal step for CADD,” says David Fortier, chair of CADD’s board of directors and vice president of direct sales and customer loyalty at Beneva. “His track record, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership make him the right choice to accelerate our mandate and advance our priorities for members across Quebec.”

Girard says he is honoured to join CADD and eager to contribute to its mission. “The CADD plays a vital advocacy role for direct relationship insurers in Quebec. I will work closely with our team and members to strengthen our impact.”

CADD tells Canadian Underwriter Girard will focus on representing and promoting the industry to its partners, including regulators, “especially at a time of transformation brought by artificial intelligence.

“He will also take the time to meet with members and assess their priorities; he will be able to come back to them in a few months with his plan.”

CADD’s member insurers include belairdirect, Co-operators, Desjardins Insurance, Federated Insurance, iA Auto and Home, Beneva, Promutuel Insurance, TD Insurance, Sonnet, Allstate Insurance and Aviva.

Girard brings extensive experience in insurance, finance, risk management, governance, and corporate strategy to the role. “Recognized for a collaborative management style, he emphasizes transparency and clear communication,” CADD says in the release. “He is known for tackling complex, cross-functional challenges in periods of change.”

Previously, Girard held leadership roles with major insurers, including Promutuel Insurance, and later at CAA-Quebec. He designed and implemented risk management and governance frameworks for a financial group, contributing to modernized organizational governance. He also served on multiple working committees and participated in consultations supporting revisions to legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Why innovative customer experience will define the future of personal auto insurance Image

Insights Paid Content

Why innovative customer experience will define the future of personal auto insurance

Technology is helping insurers reimagine how they support personal auto customers — and it starts the moment a collision is reported, say experts at Accident Support Services International.

By 

Sponsor Image

Girard holds a Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from Université Laval and is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society, CADD says. He is active in the community, volunteering with United Way and a nonprofit organization supporting people living with cancer.

Jason Contant

Jason has been an award-winning journalist with Canadian Underwriter for more than a decade, including the past three years as associate editor and, before that, as digital editor for seven years.