Daniel Dessureault has been appointed vice president of retail insurance distribution at Kingston, Ont.-based Empire Life Insurance Company, the firm announced on Tuesday.

Dessureault has 25 years of experience in the insurance business in Canada, including dealing with various types of independent distribution channels coast to coast. He was most recently regional assistant vice president, insurance sales, at Equitable Life.

In his role at Empire Life, he will focus on increasing the profile of the company’s insurance solutions, and building relationships with key distribution partners across the country.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Daniel to Empire Life,” said Drew Wallace, executive vice president of retail. “He is well-known and respected in the financial services industry. Daniel’s keen understanding of our industry and strong relationships with many of our distribution partners will serve him well in his new role on our team.”

Dessureault has a Bachelor of Sciences, Actuarial Sciences from Laval University in Quebec City.