SAC unveils boards of directors for 2023-2024

The Surety Association of Canada (SAC) has unveiled its board of directors for 2023-2024, approved by SAC membership during their annual general meeting held in Toronto late last year.

The appointed individuals are as follows, listed in alphabetical order:

• Scott Beitel, chief operating officer, PLATFORM
• Iqbal Bhinder, SVP, contract surety, RAISE Underwriting
• Guillaume Burroughs, vice president, surety, REVAU (Echelon Insurance)
• Robert Cristiano, vice president, surety & credit worldwide, Everest Reinsurance Group
• Chris Fiore, head of surety, Canada, The Hartford
• Max Fratarcangeli, VP, head of contract & commercial surety, Aviva Insurance Company of Canada
• Nicolas Gagnon, Partner, Lavery, de Billy
• Richard A. Grant, senior vice president - surety, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company
• Steven Hastings, senior vice president - surety, Liberty Mutual Canada
• David Johnston, national director - commercial surety, Aon Canada Inc.
• Tom Krech, vice president, construction surety, Chubb Insurance Company of Canada
• Raymond Llamas, assistant vice president - underwriting director, CNA Surety
• Aimee Mather, regional underwriting officer, Travelers Insurance Company of Canada
• Paul McIntyre, vice president, surety, Allianz Trade Canada
• Sarina Puccio, head of credit and surety, Munich Reinsurance Company of Canada, Ltd.
• Sean Reilly, AVP, underwriter - North America surety, Partner Reinsurance Company
• Rick Shaban, senior counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais, LLP
• Mark Skanes, senior vice president, Western Surety Company
• David Smith, president, surety Canada, Intact Insurance
• Sheila E. Thompson, president, Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc.
• Jordan Walker, head of surety, Canada, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.

Stepping into the role of board chair is Chubb’s Tom Krech. He assumes the role from Mark Skanes, who has completed his three-year tenure as chair.

In an emailed news release, Steven D. Ness, SAC’s president and chief operating officer, spoke of the association’s achievements in 2023. He also acknowledged the departure of past directors and welcomed the new additions.

“In 2023, the association’s 2023-2027 strategic plan was finalized, and it was with the input and tremendous support of our board of directors that we were able to set a clear path for SAC to raise the bar as a leading voice and support for the surety industry across Canada,” he said.

“On behalf of our entire team at the Surety Association of Canada, we would like to express our profound thanks to past directors, namely Rob Burns, Steve Hogan, Darryll McDonald, Brandon Notaro, Terry Michalakos, and Brent McAllister. We also extend a warm welcome to our newest directors, Guillaume Burroughs, Max Fratarcangeli, David Johnston, Aimee Mather, Sean Reilly, and Jordan Walker.”

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