iA Financial Group announced Monday that Marie-Annick Bonneau will take on the role of executive vice-president and chief risk officer (CRO), effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Bonneau will succeed Philippe Sarfati, who is set to retire at the end of the year after a long tenure with the company. Sarfati is credited with transforming iA's risk management framework to reflect the insurer's expanding operations. He will remain with iA as executive vice-president and strategic advisor until Dec. 31 to ensure a smooth handover.
With nearly three decades of experience at iA, Bonneau has held senior positions across compliance, regulatory and operational risk, investor relations, capital management, sustainability, public affairs, and risk oversight. Her appointment comes at a time when insurers are navigating heightened regulatory expectations, market volatility, cyber risks, and the growing financial implications of climate change.
Denis Ricard, president and CEO of iA Financial Group, said the transition underscored the company's commitment to developing internal talent and maintaining a strong governance culture. He noted that Bonneau's deep knowledge of iA and expertise in risk issues will support the group's sustainable growth strategy.
The CRO role has become increasingly prominent in the Canadian insurance sector. Sun Life, for example, recently elevated its risk oversight function as part of its global expansion, while ManuLife has emphasized risk leadership in relation to capital requirements and international regulatory regimes. Desjardins has also restructured parts of its governance to address systemic risks and digital transformation.
iA's decision to highlight the CRO transition reflects a wider industry recognition that risk leaders are central to balancing growth with resilience. Bonneau will be responsible for overseeing risk management practices across the group's operations in Canada and the US, positioning her at the core of strategic decision-making.
The leadership change also aligns with iA’s broader priorities, which include capital deployment, enhancing client experience, operational efficiency, and the integration of digital solutions with human expertise.
