GUELPH, ON, April 23, 2014 /CNW/ - The Co-operators Group Limited is pleased to introduce John Harvie as its new Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Mr. Harvie was elected at the first board meeting following the organization's Annual General Meeting in Montreal, where it welcomed four new Directors to the board.

Mr. Harvie was the CEO of Co-op Atlantic from 2002 until his retirement in the spring of 2011. He represented Co-op Atlantic as a Delegate to The Co-operators prior to joining the Board in April 2011. Most recently, he served as Chair of The Co-operators Audit Committee, and has served on a variety of industry and associated boards, including that of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, where he represents The Co-operators. Mr. Harvie replaces Richard Lemoing, who has retired from the Board after having served as a Director since 2000 and as Chairperson since 2007.

"The Co-operators has benefited greatly from Richard's vision, wisdom and leadership throughout a period of significant growth and success," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "The organization is in a position of strength, and looking ahead with great confidence and enthusiasm as we welcome John as our new Chairperson."

As a co-operative, The Co-operators is democratically controlled by its member-owners. Members are represented by their delegates, who comprise seven regions. The regions nominate the 22 members of the Board of Directors, who elect a Chairperson.

The four Directors selected to serve three-year terms are:

• Geri Kamenz representing the Ontario Region
• Michael Mac Isaac representing the Atlantic Region
• Collette Robertson representing the Saskatchewan Region
• Jocelyn VanKoughnet representing the Manitoba Region

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $34 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators