After four decades building an illustrious insurance career in Canada, Bob Tisdale has called time. The industry stalwart will be retiring from his role as president and chief operating officer (COO) of Pembridge Insurance Company and Pafco Insurance Company on August 18, 2020, which coincides with his 40-year work anniversary.
In his role as president and COO of Pembridge and Pafco – both owned by the Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, where he also serves as vice president – Tisdale made many significant contributions. One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in the transformation of Pembridge. Tisdale led the strategic planning and vision for Pembridge’s broker distribution channel, which turned the firm into an industry-leading personal lines market. He also re-launched Pafco as a company focused on non-standard personal lines.
Commenting on his retirement, Tisdale said: “It’s been an honour to lead this organization for the past 20 years and I’m confident that our leadership team will continue to advocate for the broker channel. Over the past 41 years, I’ve built strong relationships that will continue into my retirement.” Tisdale will continue to oversee Pembridge and Pafco until his retirement, after which he will serve in an advisory capacity to provide strategic counsel for the company and the insurance industry.
“Since Bob began in the insurance industry in 1978 – fresh out of high school – his drive, determination and dedication to his team has helped to distinguish himself within the industry. These traits allowed him to quickly progress into more senior roles that will leave quite a legacy,” said Ryan Michel, president and CEO at Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “He has been integral to the growth of Pembridge and to the development of the strong cohort of business leaders within the Pembridge and Pafco team. Bob’s strategic vision and planning have been vital to the success and growth of the organization; with his mentorship, he leaves the company well-positioned to continue its positive growth trajectory for the future.”
Tisdale started out as an auto rating clerk at Liberty Mutual. He went on to broaden his skillset and take numerous educational courses, including Business Administrative Studies courses at York University and an MBA at Edinburgh Business School – all while working full-time. His insurance accolades include: Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP), Canadian Risk Manager (CRM), and Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designations.
The industry icon is also known throughout the industry for supporting education via the Insurance Institute of Canada and Insurance Institute of America, and also sitting on various board and committees, including: the Facility Association, the Insurance Institute of Ontario, the Insurance Institute of Canada, the CIP Society, and various Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) committees.
