Sagicor Financial Company has announced the appointment of Paula Walcott as chief people officer. Walcott, who has been with Sagicor since 2016, will be based in Bridgetown, Barbados.
In addition, Neil Freyke has been named executive vice-president, technology and chief digital officer, and will be based in Toronto. Both executives will join Sagicor’s Executive Committee.
Sagicor also announced the retirement of Ronald Blitstein, executive vice-president and group chief information officer, effective May 31, 2024, after eleven years of service.
Andre Mousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the significance of these appointments.
“People are the foundation of Sagicor’s business, and technology enhances our ability to serve our clients. The appointments of Paula and Neil reflect the importance we place on these key pillars of our business,” said Mousseau. He noted Walcott’s positive impact on organizational culture, adding, “We are privileged to have her lead our people and culture initiatives.”
Paula Walcott
Walcott joined Sagicor as Assistant Vice President, Human Resources, and was promoted to Vice President, Human Resources in September 2021, and Senior Vice President, Human Resources in June 2022, both with Sagicor Life Inc.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
She is also a Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner, a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (UK), a Senior Certified Professional member of the Society for Human Resource Management (USA), and a member of the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados and the International Association of Business Communicators, Barbados Chapter.
Neil Freyke
Freyke brings over twenty years of experience in data, analytics, and technology within the financial services industry. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Group Functions, Global Technology at another large financial services group.
He has also held senior roles in data, analytics, and technology management at a Canadian chartered bank. Freyke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Mary’s University.
Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. is a financial services provider with over 180 years of history in the Caribbean, over 90 years in Canada, and a growing presence in the United States with over 70 years of history.
The company offers a range of products and services, including life, health, and general insurance, banking, pensions, annuities, investment management, and real estate.