April 19, 2022, Toronto, ON — Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company and Canadian Premier General Insurance Company (“Canadian Premier”) announced today that Nigel Branker is its new Chief Executive Officer. Nigel joined Canadian Premier on April 18, and succeeds Suzette Huovinen, who is returning to a senior executive role at the insurer’s U.S. parent company, Securian Financial, after successfully serving as Canadian Premier’s Chief Executive Officer for the last three years.

Nigel reports to Canadian Premier’s board of directors and Bill Gould, Securian Financial’s Executive Vice President of Affinity Solutions.

“With his proven track record of transforming businesses and driving growth, combined with decades of industry experience and relationships in the Canadian market, Nigel Branker is the perfect person to lead Canadian Premier at this exciting time for the company,” said Bill. “I’m confident that under Nigel’s leadership, Canadian Premier will continue to fulfill its purpose of helping millions of Canadians build secure tomorrows, as an innovative and trusted insurer.”

Most recently, Nigel served as President of Health & Productivity Solutions for LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell), leading multiple businesses including workers’ compensation, benefits consulting, absence and disability management and a digital therapy platform. In this role, he consistently drove profitable growth, both organically and through acquisitions, while leading on emerging issues, including mental health, the future of work and improving workplace diversity, equity and inclusion. An actuary by background, Nigel held positions of increasing responsibility with various global consulting firms before joining LifeWorks in 2012.

Nigel takes charge of Canadian Premier following its announced acquisition of Sun Life’s association, affinity and group creditor business. His effective strategic thinking and history of achieving rapid growth and scale, positions him to lead Canadian Premier through this time of transformation for the company.

“I’m excited to lead Canadian Premier at such a pivotal time,” said Nigel. “It’s an honour to join a purpose-driven team of highly experienced professionals committed to providing financial security to Canadians and their families. I’m particularly energized about continuing to grow and evolve our organization, and joining with our soon-to-be colleagues from Sun Life’s association, affinity and group creditor businesses.”

Nigel is a Fellow of both the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western University.

About Canadian Premier

For more than 60 years, Canadian Premier has been committed to providing financial security to Canadians and their families in the face of uncertainties. Canadian Premier offers individual term and group life, accident & sickness, credit and creditor insurance solutions to a number of leading financial institutions, retailers and affinity groups, insuring over 2 million Canadians and families coast-to-coast. Canadian Premier is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, Inc. To learn more about Canadian Premier, visit www.canadianpremier.ca.

Media Contact

Rosie Iskander
416-358-9190
rosie.iskander@canadianpremier.ca