After 25 years of dedicated service, Michael L. Stickney, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for US operations, as well as co-head of acquisitions at iA Financial Group, has decided to retire in the coming months. Stickney’s journey with iA began in 1999 following the acquisition of Seaboard Life.
In light of Stickney’s impending retirement, Sean O’Brien, a current member of the executive committee, will step into the role of Chief Growth Officer for the US. O’Brien, who joined iA in 2015, brings with him nearly three decades of experience in the financial sector. He has showcased exceptional leadership qualities in his previous roles, notably as Executive Vice President of Group Benefits and Retirement Solutions.
In his new capacity, O’Brien will be responsible for overseeing all facets of iA’s operations in the US, including dealer services, individual insurance, and the life insurance company, as well as the digital agency Vericity.
Denis Berthiaume will assume sole responsibility for acquisitions, a position he formerly shared with Stickney. As the Executive Vice President for Strategy, Performance, Mergers, and Acquisitions, Berthiaume will concentrate on enhancing shareholder value through strategic acquisitions.
Additionally, Louis-Philippe Pouliot has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Group Benefits and Retirement Solutions. Pouliot, who joined the company in 2008, has ascended through various leadership levels within iA, demonstrating his capabilities in roles spanning actuarial services and administration.
These leadership transitions, including Pouliot’s elevation to the executive committee, will take effect on May 29.
Denis Ricard, President and Chief Executive of iA, expressed gratitude for Stickney’s significant contributions, stating, “Mike Stickney has played a pivotal role in iA’s success over the past decades, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication. I wish him a fulfilling retirement. Sean O’Brien, who will succeed him, is a remarkable executive with a sharp business acumen. He has consistently delivered sales and profit growth across diverse sectors he has overseen. I also extend my congratulations to Denis Berthiaume and Louis-Philippe Pouliot on their new roles.”
