Westland Insurance has announced that Jamie Lyons will assume the role of President & CEO effective January 1, 2023, with current CEO Jason Wubs transitioning to the newly created role of Vice Chair, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategic Initiatives.
Lyons joined Westland in 2016 as Executive Vice President Insurance, having spent the previous thirteen years at Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd. He was promoted to Westland’s President & Chief Operating Officer in 2019.
Wubs has been Westland’s co-CEO and then CEO since 2009, with the firm stating that he was responsible for leading its growth from a regional company to one of Canada’s largest national brokers.
In his new role, Wubs will focus on continuing to grow Westland through acquisitions, executing organisational strategy, and cultural initiatives.
Wubs commented on the transition, stating, “Jamie has a deep knowledge of the industry landscape, strong business acumen, and exciting strategic perspectives that will help take Westland into this next chapter.
“As leaders, we all have a responsibility to think about the future and it’s critical that we plan now to create an organisation that can be at the forefront of our industry for decades to come.”
Lyons added, “Jason is an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur in the Canadian insurance industry. His track record of success, in combination with his authenticity and humility, define Westland’s culture. He’s one of the reasons I joined Westland, which is a sentiment shared by many at our organisation.
“It’s a privilege to follow him as CEO, especially as Westland continues to write what I believe is one of the most special and unique narratives in Canadian business.”
Brenda Eaton, Westland’s Board Chair, also said, “On behalf of Westland’s Board of Directors, I’m thrilled that Jamie will be Westland’s new CEO.
“Jason’s tenure as CEO has led to a period of sustained growth for Westland and I’d like to thank him for his strong leadership. Jamie is a proven leader who has the energy and enthusiasm to lead us into the future. The Board and I look forward to working with both Jamie and Jason in their new roles moving forward.”
