Westland Insurance Group (Westland), Canada’s largest independent insurance brokerage, has announced that Jamie Lyons will replace Jason Wubs as its new CEO as the latter transitions to the vice chair role.
Prior to the CEO role, which he begins on January 1, 2023, Lyons had been Westland’s president and chief operating officer (COO) since 2019. He joined the brokerage in 2016 as executive vice president for insurance, having spent 13 years at Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd.
Westland’s board chair Brenda Eaton commented: “On behalf of Westland’s board of directors, I’m thrilled that Jamie will be Westland’s new CEO.”
Wubs, who will transition to the newly created role of vice chair, head of mergers & acquisitions and strategic initiatives, commented: “Jamie has a deep knowledge of the industry landscape, strong business acumen, and exciting strategic perspectives that will help take Westland into this next chapter.
“As leaders, we all have a responsibility to think about the future, and it’s critical that we plan now to create an organization that can be at the forefront of our industry for decades to come.”
Wubs had been Westland’s co-CEO and then CEO since 2009. In these roles, he led the brokerage while it grew from a regional company to one of Canada’s largest national brokers, with more than 2,300 employees and 200 offices coast-to-coast. In his new role, Wubs will continue to grow Westland through acquisitions, cultural initiatives, and executing organisational strategy.
Commenting on Wubs’s contributions to Westland and the appointments, Lyons said: “Jason is an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur in the Canadian insurance industry. His track record of success, in combination with his authenticity and humility, defines Westland’s culture. He’s one of the reasons I joined Westland, which is a sentiment shared by many at our organization. It’s a privilege to follow him as CEO, especially as Westland continues to write what I believe is one of the most special and unique narratives in Canadian business.”
Eaton added: “Jason’s tenure as CEO has led to a period of sustained growth for Westland, and I’d like to thank him for his strong leadership. Jamie is a proven leader who has the energy and enthusiasm to lead us into the future. The board and I look forward to working with both Jamie and Jason in their new roles moving forward.”
The leadership changes follow Westland’s triple strike of acquisitions early this month.
