Canadian National Insurance Crime Services (CANATICS) has this week announced the appointment of Denis Dubois (pictured) as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. CANATICS is a non-profit organisation focused on fighting insurance crime.

Dubois is the President and COO of ICMIF member Desjardins General Insurance Group, Canada’s third largest property and casualty insurer with CAD 5 billion in premium volume, and he is also a member of the Desjardins Group Management Committee. His accomplishments at Desjardins include spearheading the acquisition of State Farm’s Canadian operations in 2014, the largest and most complex transaction in Desjardins history.

Dubois is an active contributor to the ICMIF Board of Directors and is also heavily involved in the ongoing evolution of the P&C industry in general, serving on numerous boards including the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Centre de développement en assurances et services financiers (centre for insurance and financial services development). His community and charity work includes the Red Cross, United Way and championing road safety.

Dubois replaces Kathy Bardswick, who is stepping down from the position after serving as Chair since 2017. Bardswick was previously CEO of The Co-operators Group, a founding member of CANATICS, and a former Chair of ICMIF.

“It’s great news for CANATICS and the industry that Denis is able to take on this important leadership position,” said CANATICS CEO Ben Kosic. “This is a critical time in the fight against organised auto insurance fraud, so CANATICS’ role is more important than ever. Denis brings the leadership, experience and skills that will further elevate the organization’s sophistication and capacity for industry collaboration.”

He added: “We thank Kathy for her leadership and guidance during the past two years. She was a valued leader and ambassador for the organization during her tenure, and was instrumental in raising the awareness of CANATICS during a period of change and challenge in the industry’s fight against auto insurance fraud. She will be missed around the Board table, but has left an important legacy of industry collaboration for Denis to build upon.”