Canadian insurance professional Kathy Cunningham, recognized as one of the nation’s “most powerful women”, says it’s important to have awards that young girls can aspire to.
Cunningham, a Sun Life Assurance senior vice-president, and chief financial officer of Sun Life Financial Canada, has just been named one of Canada’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Women” by The Women’s Executive Network.
The award recognizes Cunningham’s leadership “in accelerating the growth and momentum of Sun Life Financial’s Canadian businesses, working with the Canadian executive team, and leading the Canadian finance and actuarial team to respond to the rapidly changing environment, and her role in empowering and mentoring women.”
Cunningham told Insurance Business the recognition was “incredible,” and that it was an honour to be mentioned alongside “such great women.”
“I think the importance of awards like this is for women and girls to see other women in roles that they can aspire to … and [that they] know can be achievable,” she said.
It was positive, too, that insurance, which has long had a reputation for being male-dominated at the top, was being recognized in the “Most Powerful Women” list.
Sun Life, like other companies, wanted to support women in insurance as much as possible, Cunningham said.
“More than half the people we hire are women,” she noted. “Like everyone [else], we want to make sure those women stay at Sun Life and prosper and grow.”
Formerly a partner with KPMG, Cunningham joined Sun Life Financial as SVP and chief auditor in October 2014, then soon became SVP and chief financial officer for Sun Life Financial Canada.
“Kathy’s dedication to being an active advocate for our company, and a committed leader in the financial services industry, hasn’t wavered since she joined us,” said Kevin Dougherty, president of Sun Life Financial Canada. “Collaborating closely with our Canadian executive team, she has played a vital role in championing Sun Life Financial’s client-centric strategy. I’m proud to have Kathy on our Canadian leadership team and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
Outside of insurance, Cunningham serves on the board of directors of the Macaulay Child Development Centre in Toronto and was formerly the co-chair of the YWCA Women of Distinction Committee (Toronto) and treasurer for Sheena’s Place.
Launched in 2003, the “Most Powerful Women” award recognizes exceptional women leaders who contribute to advancing the societal and professional landscape for future generations.
Related stories:
Quebec insurers and other financial firms join in creating inclusiveness fund
Toronto Financial Services Alliance launches initiative to create work opportunities
