Sun Life Financial's Former Director of Business Development joins Rise People, as Senior Vice President, Group Benefits Strategy

Group benefits industry veteran, Gerry Thiessen, joins Vancouver startup, Rise People, to kickoff the launch of Canada's first and only all-in-one HR, benefits and payroll platform.

VANCOUVER, June 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Rise People, Canada's first and only all-in-one HR, benefits and payroll platform, today announced that Gerry Thiessen, former Director of Business Development at Sun Life Financial, has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Group Benefits Strategy.

"Gerry's wealth of industry expertise and passion for helping companies promote true health and wellness through innovative plan design is well-aligned with our vision of bringing affordable, integrated group benefits, payroll and HR to small- and medium-sized businesses across the country," said Rise's CEO, Faiz Abdulla.

When asked why he joined the Vancouver startup, Gerry said, "There's a sea of change coming to the group benefits space and I wanted to lead that change to shape the future of group benefits. While there has been a lot of talk about disruptors in this domain, Rise is the only provider in Canada that offers a true end-to-end, fully integrated solution for HR, group benefits, group retirement services, payroll and time & attendance."

Over the last 30 years, Gerry has been a visionary leader that has led award-winning teams to deliver exceptional innovative group benefits solutions to companies ranging in size from 3 to 35,000 employees. He has held several leadership positions in large organizations, including Sun Life Financial and London Life. Gerry's credentials include a CBS - GBA from Dalhousie University and a B.A. from the University of Manitoba.  

"Gerry's vast prescription drug knowledge and diverse experience in plan design, underwriting practices, and cost containment make him the ideal leader to help Rise achieve its goal of becoming the leader in the modern group benefits space," stated Faiz.

About Rise People

Rise People is Canada's first and only all-in-one HR platform. Rise offers a modern suite of HR tools across HR, benefits and payroll that is used by over 30,000 employees. Rise is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. For more information, visit www.risepeople.com.

SOURCE Rise People Inc.

Media Contact: Colleen Nitta, Rise People Inc., [email protected], 604.970.2813