Steve Pong appointed SVP, Retail and Michael Perry, SVP, Group Solutions

KINGSTON, Ontario, May 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Empire Life Insurance Company (“Empire Life”) (TSX: EML.PR.A) is pleased to announce the appointments of Steve Pong as Senior Vice-President, Retail, and Michael Perry as Senior Vice-President, Group Solutions. 

Mr. Pong joined Empire Life in 1997. His proven leadership and expertise in successfully implementing profitable growth strategies for the company led to his appointment as Vice-President, Individual Marketing and Service in 2001, before moving to the Group line in 2007, as Vice-President, then Senior Vice-President.

Mr. Perry joined the company in 2016 as Vice-President, Group Product and Marketing. Prior to joining Empire Life, he spent more than 20 years in the Canadian banking industry in senior marketing, product development and business effectiveness roles. He also led the creation of new business-to-business insurance product lines, including the employee benefit suite of products for a consulting firm based in Toronto.

“Steve and Michael are innovative and collaborative leaders who have been successful at finding efficiencies in our processes, and developing relationships and strategic partnerships to drive business outcomes,” says Mark Sylvia, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Under their leadership, we will continue to provide industry leading digital sales and service platforms and products that advisors are proud to recommend and consumers are confident to buy.”

Mr. Sylvia also announced the retirement of Sean Kilburn who previously held the role of Senior Vice-President, Retail. “We appreciate Sean’s commitment and contributions to Empire Life over the past six years and wish him all the best.”

About Empire Life

Established in 1923 and a subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited, Empire Life provides individual and group life and health insurance, investment and retirement products to Canadians. The company’s mission is to make it simple, fast and easy for Canadians to get the investment, insurance and group benefits coverage they need to build wealth, generate income, and achieve financial security. As of March 31, 2019 Empire Life had total assets under management of $17.6 billion. Follow Empire Life on Twitter @EmpireLife or visit www.empire.ca for more information.