Mark Blucher, who has held the position of interim president and CEO since October 2012, was named permanent by the ICBC Board of Directors.
“Mark’s track record as both interim president and CEO, and Senior VP of Insurance, demonstrated his ability to effectively lead the company,” said Paul Taylor, chair of the ICBC Board of Directors. “The board felt Mark was the right candidate given his proven experience with the company and extensive background in financial services and insurance industry.”
According to a statement from the ICBC, Blucher is responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to “help ensure high-quality service and the best insurance coverage at the lowest possible price to British Columbians.”
Blucher, who has been working with the Board of Directors and management to implement ICBC’s business plan, sees containing the ever-increasing costs of bodily injury claims as a key component to the success of the industry. (continued.)
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“At ICBC we know we have a responsibility to provide our customers with the best insurance coverage for the lowest possible cost,” says Blucher. “In order to do this, we have had to adapt to the changes that face many insurance companies. This includes continuing to respond to increasing bodily injury claims costs and the impacts to investment income from a low interest rate environment.”
In addition to the Blucher announcement, the Board of Directors stated that Paul Taylor’s term as board chair has been extended until January 17, 2017.
“The focus is on controlling costs and being financially stable, while ensuring that ICBC meets the needs and expectations of our customer,” according to the ICBC statement.
Before being named interim president and CEO, Blucher’s previous position was senior vice president of insurance at ICBC. He has an extensive background in insurance and financial services, including a number of senior executive positions in New Zealand and Australia.
