MPI appoints new CEO from within its ranks

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This article was published 07/02/2024 (708 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Public Insurance has a new chief executive officer.

The Crown corporation’s board of directors announced Satvir Jatana will lead the public auto insurer, effective immediately.

Jatana steps into the position after serving as MPI’s vice-president and chief customer officer for nearly four years.

“Satvir brings a wide range of executive-level experience to this position, including nearly nine years as a leader in Manitoba’s public insurance industry,” MPI board chair Carmen Nedohin said in a release.

“She deeply understands the needs of MPI’s customers, and with financial responsibility and customer service as her focus, Satvir will lead this organization in the best interests of Manitobans.”

MPI has been without a chief executive officer since May 2023, when the board fired former president Eric Herbelin following a review of his work-related conduct.

Herbelin’s dismissal came after a string of controversies for the company, including massive cost overruns on Project Nova (its information technology modernization program), the awarding of untendered high-priced consulting contracts, and pay increases for MPI executives amid wage freezes for staff.

The former Progressive Conservative government issued two directives to MPI to get the corporation back on track, including a third-party organizational review, the results of which were released last month.

The review by consulting firm Ernst & Young concluded MPI’s management structure lacks accountability and stability, owing to a lack of clearly defined roles and responsibilities for senior leaders and significant organizational changes over the past two years.

Overall, the Crown auto insurer has operated without a solid corporate strategy or key performance indicators, leading to confusion and a lost sense of direction, which has manifested in its financial and workforce planning, according to the report.

Jatana’s main priorities will be to develop a new corporate strategy and implement the recommendations of the EY report.

“MPI is a strong organization full of talented and committed people, but it is in need of a reset,” Nedohin said. “Satvir’s insight as a long-term employee, breadth of experience as a leader and strong desire to unite and engage MPI’s team makes her the right person to lead MPI into a new chapter.”

Jatana was responsible for product development, communications and government relations as chief customer officer. She has also served as executive director of operations, vice-president of human resources and corporate services during her tenure with MPI.

“It is an honour to serve the province that is home to me by leading an organization that is a pillar in communities across Manitoba,” Jatana said in a release.

“I am proud to work alongside an exceptional team of committed employees to continue MPI’s long-standing tradition of providing exceptional customer experience and delivering affordable rates for Manitobans.”

» Winnipeg Free Press