QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Yvon Charest, President and Chief Executive Officer of iA Financial Group announces the appointment of Denis Ricard as Chief Operating Officer, effective today.

In his new role, Denis assumes full responsibility for all the Company's individual and group insurance operations in both Canada and the U.S. These activities, which account for more than three-quarters of the Company's earnings, encompass individual insurance and annuities, group benefits and retirement services, special market risks, car dealer services and car loans as well as auto and home insurance operations. Denis is also responsible for leading the Company's digital transformation strategy. Denis reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer.

"This appointment recognizes the outstanding performance that Denis has delivered throughout his 32‑year career with iA Financial Group," commented Yvon Charest, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Having risen through the ranks through mobility within the organization and exposure to both corporate and operating functions, Denis has a well-rounded perspective that will be instrumental in his role as Chief Operating Officer. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the senior management team, I thank Denis for accepting this new challenge and wish him great success on the road ahead."

A graduate of Université Laval in actuarial sciences, Denis has been employed with iA Financial Group since 1985. Since that time he has progressed from corporate actuarial analyst and middle manager through to roles of increasing responsibility including Chief Actuary (2004-2010) and Senior Vice-President, Business Development (2010-2015). He has been Executive Vice-President of Individual Insurance and Annuities since 2015 and a member of the Company's eight-person strategic planning committee since 2012. Denis, who is an accomplished saxophonist, has also studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

About iA Financial Group
Founded in 1892, iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management companies in Canada, with operations in the United States. It is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG.

SOURCE Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.

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