The RIMS Ontario Chapter (ORIMS) has recognized two outstanding professionals in risk management at this year's RIMS Canada Conference 2025 in Calgary.
The annual gathering saw the presentation of the Donald M. Stuart Award to Bombardier's Daniel Desjardins and the Fred H. Bossons Award to Ecclesiastical Insurance's Aleksei Kurdakov.
The Donald M. Stuart Award, regarded as Canada's highest distinction in the risk management profession, has been presented annually since 1979 to honor Canadians who have made lasting contributions to the field. This year's recipient, Daniel Desjardins, serves as senior director of global risk management and insurance at Bombardier Inc.
Desjardins said his professional journey has always been fuelled by the support of his peers and his desire to give back to the community, noting that he never expected recognition for accomplishments that brought him personal fulfilment.
ORIMS president Gloria Dang described him as the epitome of a risk management leader, whose influence has shaped national strategies and inspired countless professionals as a mentor and educator.
At Bombardier, Desjardins' risk management responsibilities cover more than 18,000 employees, 5,100 aircraft and company assets in six countries. Over his 44-year career, including 35 years with Bombardier, he has been at the forefront of initiatives such as introducing Canada's first employee benefits captive in the early 2000s. He also leads Bombardier's captive insurance arm and oversees seven pension plans with assets exceeding $7 billion.
The Fred H. Bossons Award is given to the risk professional who achieves the highest average score across the three examinations required to obtain the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation. This year’s award went to Aleksei Kurdakov, underwriting associate at Ecclesiastical Insurance.
The CRM designation equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risk, and remains a benchmark qualification in the field. The award is jointly recognized by RIMS and administered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI).
The recognition of Desjardins and Kurdakov underscores the industry’s growing focus on talent development as a critical part of its future.
With organizations facing evolving risks ranging from climate change to cyber exposures, the demand for leaders who combine technical expertise with strategic vision is expected to intensify.
