Equitable Group Inc. today announced the successful completion of its planned leadership transition with the appointments of Andrew Moor as president and CEO and Geoffrey Bledin as vice chairman. Both appointments are effective March 1.

Moor is an accomplished and respected business executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience. He has held senior positions with a number of leading private and public organizations in the residential mortgage, financial services and manufacturing industries. Most recently, he was president and CEO of Invis Inc., Canada’s largest residential mortgage brokerage business. Previously, he was [resident of SMED International.

Moor is vice chairman of the Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders, and a trustee of Sleep Country Canada Income Fund. He has an MBA from the University of British Columbia and a B.Sc(Eng) from the University of London.

Bledin has served with distinction as Equitable’s president and CEO since 1990 and among his many accomplishments, led the company through its successful initial public offering in 2004.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am delighted to welcome Andrew to his new position,” said Austin Beutel, chairman. “Over the course of the past 10 months, we have diligently reviewed the qualifications of many very suitable candidates for this important role. Andrew stood out based on his rich and varied business experience and tremendous knowledge of Canada’s residential mortgage lending industry. We are convinced that Andrew will build on what Geoffrey so ably started and take Equitable to the next level, supported by our committed Board and management teams.

“It also gives me great pleasure to thank Geoffrey for his outstanding leadership over the past 16 years. Geoffrey will provide full-time support to Andrew this year to ensure a seamless transition and although Geoffrey will be stepping back from day-to-day management, his wise counsel will be available to us long term.”

“Equitable has a tremendous track record, many valued partners, a strong team and proven processes for profitable growth. I intend to nurture these advantages and stay true to Equitable’s growth strategies. At the same time, I am convinced there are significant opportunities to further advance our niche positions and I will work diligently with our Board and the team to realize our full potential,” said Moor.

Equitable Group provides first mortgage financing through its wholly owned subsidiary, The Equitable Trust Company. t also offers Guaranteed Investment Certificates to depositors as a nationally-licensed deposit-taking institution.