Lévis (Québec), November 30, 2009 – Desjardins Group is proud to announce that two women of its senior management are now part of the Top 100 of Canada's Most Powerful Women.
Sylvie Paquette, President and Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins General Insurance Group, and Marie-Huguette Cormier, Executive Vice-President, Communications, Desjardins Group, were named to the Top 100 of Canada's Most Powerful Women – Corporate Executives category.
Organized by the Women's Executive Network (WXN) of Toronto for a seventh straight year, this prize recognizes women who have stood out throughout their career and who serve as role models and mentors to others. The two Desjardins nominees are very proud to accept this award. According to them, this award goes beyond recognizing their work: it also highlights the infinite possibilities offered to women at Desjardins.
With her natural leadership, Ms. Paquette has been influencing the direction of property and casualty insurance at Desjardins since 1984. She pioneered and innovated in a field where renewing and challenging the way things are done are essential to strong business. "It is an honour to be one of Canada's top 100 most powerful women. This public acknowledgement is proof of how important it is to believe in your own potential and to remain determined," she said.
Ms. Cormier, who recently celebrated her 20th year at Desjardins, is also proud to accept this nomination. As a high-level athlete, she enjoys tackling challenges and is considered as a source of inspiration and an influence model by both athletes and business people alike. She is particularly proud that she never chose her career at the expense of her sport and vice-versa.
"Quite the contrary: I was able to juggle both worlds. And I hope that my experience will help all those who ask themselves whether it is possible to have a career while remaining committed to the things that mean a lot to us," Ms. Cormier said.
Over the past few years, many Desjardins women have received similar honours. Louise LeBrun, Senior Vice-President, Operations and Administration, Desjardins Group, was among Canada's most powerful women in 2008, and Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, was inducted into the Women's Executive Network Hall of Fame after three nominations to the Top 100 of Canada's Most Powerful Women.
About Desjardins General Insurance Group
Desjardins General Insurance Group (DGIG) is a member of Desjardins Group, the largest cooperative financial group in Canada. With over 3,500 employees across Canada, a portfolio of 1.8 million policies in force, a business volume of $1.4 billion and assets of $3.1 billion, DGIG ranks among the largest property and casualty (P&C) insurers in Canada.
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Fréderic Pothier
Adivsor, Media Relations
514-281-7000 ext. 7646
or 1-866-866-7000 ext. 7646