Portage Mutual Insurance’s present president and chief executive officer, Wayne Wyborn (pictured right), has less than a year left in his role, and the company announced as early as now that chief strategy officer Cara Cameron (pictured left) will replace him effective July 1, 2026.
Wyborn, who will retire on June 30, 2026, has been with the insurer for 39 years and became CEO in 2023. During his tenure, he directed growth in written premiums, expanded the executive leadership team, reduced the company's reliance on reinsurance, and strengthened its financial position.
“While I am very much looking forward to the next chapter, I will miss all the wonderful people that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years,” posted Wyborn on his LinkedIn profile.
Board chair Brent Gilbert said Wyborn approached leadership as service and worked to modernize the company culture while empowering executives.
"Wayne is the consummate servant leader, viewing leadership as an opportunity to serve others, to share power and drive engagement and to measure success through growth and development," said Gilbert. "His commitment to modernizing the Company's culture and empowering the Executive leadership team has well-positioned Portage Mutual for continued success. The Board thanks him for 39 years of outstanding contributions to Portage Mutual."
Meanwhile, Cameron joined Portage Mutual in 2021 as chief future of work and was promoted to chief strategy officer in 2024. In those roles, she worked closely with Wyborn on strategic planning and on preparing for the leadership transition.
In a statement, Cameron said she is honored to step into the CEO position and intends to build on the company’s foundation.
The insurance industry has always inspired me with it's unique ability to provide security, stability, and peace of mind to the communities we serve,” said Cameron. “I'm excited to work alongside our exceptional executive team and dedicated employees as we innovate, grow, and deliver even greater value to our brokers and policyholders".
Gilbert said the board identified Cameron’s leadership abilities early, and a succession planning process confirmed her as the right person for the role.
“Following a rigorous CEO succession planning process, it became clear to the Board that she is the right individual to lead Portage Mutual into the future. The Board is excited for the opportunity to work with her as our next President & CEO," he said.
The board, Wyborn, and the executive leadership team will coordinate to ensure a smooth transition.
Established in 1884, Portage Mutual is a policyholder-owned property and casualty insurer headquartered in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The company distributes home, business, farm, and auto insurance exclusively through more than 600 brokerages across Canada.
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