Insurance Institute appoints Aon’s Lespérance as new board chair

Stéphane Lespérance, president of Aon Canada, is chair of the board of governors for The Insurance Institute of Canada.   

“I am honoured to support the industry’s needs in my new role as chair,” Lespérance said of his election to the post at the Institute’s annual general meeting last week.  

“The industry recognizes The Insurance Institute of Canada as a key partner in their role as the educational arm of the industry. The IIC assists us in educating future leaders, to lead our growth,” he said in a statement. “Graduates of the Institute are qualified and knowledgeable professionals who help to fuel our collective success.” 

Other industry leaders elected to the Institute’s 2025-26 executive committee of the board include:  

• London Bradley, president and CEO of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. He will become deputy chair of the executive committee. 

• Barbara Bellissimo, president and CEO of HSB Canada. She will become vice chair, membership-at-large. 

• And James Russell, president and CEO of TD Insurance. He is IIC’s immediate past chair. 

The IIC also appointed its regional vice chairs: 

• Chad Shurnaik — Western provinces 

• Melanie Muise — Ontario 

• Mathieu Gagnon — Québec  

• Matthew Robblee — Atlantic provinces 

And its divisional vice chairs: 

• Paul Croft — Academic 

• Renée-Léa Soucy — Professionals  

“We are fortunate to be guided by board leaders who represent Canada’s P&C insurance landscape from coast-to-coast, who are invested in setting the standard needed to meet the pace of change in this dynamic industry,” Peter Hohman, IIC’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “Success in these demanding and thought-provoking programs enriches our industry with the critical thinking, knowledge, and skills our customers need.”