Les Herr has been appointed president and CEO of the Empire Life Insurance Co., board chairman Duncan Jackman announced Tuesday evening.

On April 1, 2008 Herr will take over from Douglas Hogeboom, who’s held the position since May 2001.

“Les Herr has been a key contributor to the growth of Empire Life in recent years,” said Jackman, in a release. “The board of directors is confident that under his leadership, and building upon the many achievements of Doug Hogeboom, Empire Life will enjoy continued success in the Canadian marketplace.”

Herr joined Empire Life in November 1999 as director of sales, central Ontario. Nearly two years later he was appointed vice-president, individual sales and distribution and over the next five years also held executive responsibility for individual new business operations, distribution and strategy. Most recently, Herr was appointed senior vice-president, individual products in January.

Before joining Empire Life, Herr spent the first 17 years of his career with a major Canadian life insurance company in a number of field management roles with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.