Mark Sylvia, president and CEO of Kingston, Ont.-based Empire Life Insurance Co. was elected chairman of The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. (CLHIA) at the association’s annual general meeting on Thursday.

“This year ahead is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic that the life and health insurance industry has ever experienced with national pharmacare and distribution issues, such as compensation disclosure in group products, at the top of our list,” Sylvia says in a statement. “Our industry is a key contributor to Canada’s economic success and my goal is to make sure that our voice continues to be emphasized.”

Sylvia will be working with the following board of directors:

  • Alka Gautam, president and CEO of RGA Life Reinsurance Co. of Canada
  • Paula Mahon (past chairman), president and CEO of The Great-West Life Assurance Co.
  • G.N. Arnott, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross
  • James Boyle, president and CEO of Foresters Financial
  • Steve Bradie, president and CEO of Green Shield Canada
  • Jean-Francois Chalifoux, CEO of SSQ Life Insurance Company Inc.
  • Yvon Charest, president and CEO of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
  • Gregory Chrispin, president and CEO of Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Co.
  • Mark Cummings, president and CEO of Teachers Life Insurance Society
  • Michael Doughty, president and CEO of Manulife Canada
  • Jacques Goulet, president of Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada
  • Christopher Knight, senior vice president of life, health and creditor products at TD Life Insurance Co.
  • Neil Skelding, chairman of the board, RBC Life Insurance Co.
  • Stephen Frank, president and CEO of CLHIA