Doug Hogeboom, president and CEO of The Empire Life Insurance Co. yesterday announced his plans to retire in early 2008.

“After more than 30 rewarding years with Empire Life, I simply believe that now is the right time for my family and I to plan for retirement,”. Hogeboom told employees. “There will be much to do over the course of the next year to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. In the meantime, we shall proceed with business as usual in continuing to execute the plans we have developed as a team.”

Duncan Jackman, chairman of Empire Life, praised Hogeboom’s contributions to the company. “Empire Life has grown considerably and is well positioned for future success due to Doug’s leadership and focus, and he will certainly be missed,” he said, “Doug will be working closely with the board as we go through the process of choosing a successor.”

Hogeboom joined Empire Life in 1974 and was appointed president and CEO in 2001. During his career he has earned a reputation as a strong and approachable leader in business and in the community. Within the past year, Hogeboom led a record-breaking campaign for the
Kingston area United Way and was honoured as Business Person of the Year by the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

A subsidiary of E-L Financial Corp. Limited, Empire Life provides financial security and wealth management solutions for Canadians.