Co-operators has appointed Aayaz Pira as senior vice-president and chief information officer, effective September 2, in a move that highlights the growing emphasis Canadian insurers are placing on digital leadership.
Pira (pictured above) will report directly to president and CEO Rob Wesseling and join the insurer's senior leadership team.
In his new role, Pira will guide the strategic direction, development and execution of technology at Co-operators. His remit includes modernizing digital platforms, enhancing data capabilities and strengthening innovation. These priorities have become critical for insurers seeking to sharpen their competitive edge in an increasingly digital market.
Pira brings significant experience from Canadian Tire Corporation, where he was president of Canadian Tire Financial Services and CEO of Canadian Tire Bank. His fintech and banking background will be central to Co-operators’ effort to accelerate digital transformation, particularly as customer expectations shift toward seamless online services, personalized offerings and faster claims experiences.
“His technology expertise and ability to turn disruption into opportunity will be assets as we advance our strategy and digital customer experience,” said Wesseling.
Pira said he is eager to leverage technology to “advance a purpose-driven organization and drive meaningful change.”
Beyond his corporate career, he serves on several boards, including North York General Hospital, the MBA program at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management, and the Aga Khan Museum’s Investment Committee.
The hire comes as Canadian insurers compete fiercely on technology investment. Against this backdrop, Co-operators’ appointment of a senior digital leader signals its intention to keep pace with and potentially differentiate itself from peers.
