Clément Gignac joins Industrial Alliance as Senior VP and Chief Economist

INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. ("Industrial Alliance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Clément Gignac has joined its management team as Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, effective December 3, 2012.

Mr. Gignac, who holds a master's degree in economics from Laval University, is a seasoned financial strategist and communicator with 30 years experience in both the private and public sectors. He spent the majority of his career at the National Bank, rising to the position of Vice-President and Chief Economist. In 2009, he took up public service and most recently was Minister of Natural Resources for the province of Québec.

In his role at Industrial Alliance, Mr. Gignac will serve as spokesperson on economic matters to both the Company's wealth management marketing networks and their clients as well as to the media. He will also work closely with Industrial Alliance portfolio managers on the development of asset allocation strategies for individual investment funds.

"Clément joins our senior management team at an exciting time in our development," commented Yvon Charest, President and CEO of Industrial Alliance. "Over the last ten years, our assets under management in the retail sector have grown at an annual compounded rate of 20% and today represent more than $18 billion. Underlying that growth is a robust infrastructure consisting of a strong line-up of investment funds, a roster of experienced asset managers and Canada-wide marketing channels. We look forward to Clément's contribution as we continue to build on this phenomenal success."

Industrial Alliance is one of the top 15 managers of mutual and segregaged funds in Canada. With a team of almost 100 investment professionals located primarily in Québec City and Toronto, the Company offers a broad range of more than 200 funds that are marketed through a total of 25,000 career, affiliated and independent advisors. At June 30, 2012, Industrial Alliance ranked 12th in Canada for net sales of mutual funds and 2nd for net sales of segregated funds.

About Industrial Alliance
Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States. The Company offers a wide range of life and health insurance products, savings and retirement plans, RRSPs, mutual and segregated funds, securities, auto and home insurance, mortgage loans and other financial products and services for both individuals and groups. The fourth largest life and health insurance company in Canada, Industrial Alliance contributes to the financial wellbeing of over three million Canadians, employs 4,200 people and manages and administers more than $75 billion in assets. Industrial Alliance stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG.

Image with caption: "Clément Gignac. (CNW Group/INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121016_C7316_PHOTO_EN_19386.jpg

SOURCE: INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

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