New head of Western Financial chosen

The diversified insurance company, which also offers investment products, has announced the appointment of its new president and CEO

The Western Financial Group, an Alberta-based firm, has declared Patrick Bieleny as the organization’s president and chief executive officer. Mr. Bieleny is taking over for Paul Taylor, who retired on July 4.

Mr. Bieleny will direct Western's brokerage network and all of its business units, including Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions and Western Life Assurance Company. He will also serve as CEO of Western Financial Insurance Company (Petsecure) until ownership passes over to Economical.

He has a wealth of experience in various fields, the most recent being a stint as CEO and managing director of Alberta-based private equity and investment firm XALTA Capital Partners Ltd. He has also held senior executive positions in the agricultural, food and oil industries throughout Alberta. He is a director of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta and a past Director of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, an Alberta Crown Corporation.

"My board colleagues and I are delighted that Patrick Bieleny has agreed to join Western and we're confident he can lead the team to build on our strong foundation," commented Jim Dinning, chair of the board of Western. "Patrick has a strong track record of operational excellence. We're excited to work with him as he and the team delivers quality service for our customers across western Canada."

"I'm honoured to have the opportunity to lead Western. It is a terrific organization with dedicated employees and I look forward to all that we can accomplish together," declared Mr. Bieleny. He will assume the role starting August 22.


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