Williams to Head Western Financial Insurance Company, Canada's Largest Pet Insurance Provider

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HIGH RIVER, AB, Jan. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Western Financial Group ("Western") President and CEO Scott Tannas announced that Glenn Williams has been appointed President and CEO of Western Financial Insurance Company ("WFIC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Western and Canada's oldest and largest provider of pet insurance under the Petsecure brand. The appointment became effective on January 20, 2012.

Mr. Williams has served WFIC since March 2010 as Vice President of Operations and, since May 2011, as Chief Operating Officer.  He replaces Randy Valpy, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

"Glenn brings focus, depth and operational expertise to Petsecure.  In his new role, he builds upon a successful foundation of leadership and change management both here at Western and throughout his career," said Mr. Tannas. "Glenn's experience in shepherding WFIC through a time of rapid change while energizing and motivating his team has been impressive. WFIC and the Petsecure brand are well positioned for rapid growth, and Glenn's skills and leadership will help accelerate this progress."

Earlier in his career, Mr. Williams served in various CFO, VP and other leadership roles at Arnold Bros. Transport, the Winnipeg Free Press, Thomson Newspapers, and other leading firms.

A lifelong Winnipegger, Mr. Williams will continue to be based at the WFIC Winnipeg head office.  In late 2011 Western announced that the company will be moving into a new building near Winnipeg's Polo Park centre, where WFIC will be headquartered alongside Western's other Winnipeg-based operations.

About Petsecure pet health insurance and Western Financial Insurance Company

Petsecure pet insurance, the core brand of Western Financial Insurance Company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Financial Group. Petsecure is Canada's oldest and largest pet insurance provider with over 20 years of offering innovative pet insurance to Canadian pet owners. Petsecure has two unique pet insurance options to choose from; Petset which offers basic, value-priced coverage or Secure For Life™ which offers the most comprehensive coverage in Canada. Petsecure also offers dental coverage and special coverage including alternative treatments, behavioural therapy and medical devices. Petsecure is the only pet health insurance provider in Canada to offer their exclusive Secure For Life™ guarantee.

About Western Financial Group

Western Financial Group is a western Canada based, diversified, financial services company serving more than 600,000 customers. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in High River, Alberta. Western provides insurance, banking and investment products and services through more than 120 office locations, the internet (www.westernfinancialgroup.ca) and other distribution channels. With a skilled team of approximately 1,500 employees, and backed by the strong resources of its owners, Western is committed to building the strongest financial services company in western Canada. Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest in the world.

For further information:

James Savage
Executive Vice President
Corporate Communications and Brand Marketing
Western Financial Group
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