Manitoba Public Insurance selects Satvir Jatana as new CEO after external review found problems in corporation

The new boss leading Manitoba Public Insurance hasn't been far from the corporation's steering wheel in the past.

The Crown corporation, plagued by instability and confusion, according to a recently-released external review, looked inward by selecting Satvir Jatana as its next president and chief executive officer, it announced on Tuesday. 

Jatana previously served as MPI's vice-president and chief customer officer since 2020.

"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," said Carmen Nedohin, MPI's board chair, in a news 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 interest of Manitobans."

Since joining MPI in 2015, Jatana has held progressively senior positions including executive director of operations, vice-president of human resources and interim president and CEO.

She previously held executive roles at Princess Auto and Canad Inns.

Auto insurer had rocky road

Jatana takes over the mantle at MPI from Marnie Kacher, who began serving in an interim capacity last spring after the previous CEO Eric Herbelin was dismissed following a rocky tenure.

An external review, released last month after being ordered by the previous Progressive Conservative government, found the Crown-owned auto-insurer is top heavy, contending with instability from leadership changes and goals that are unclear and overly ambitious.

It said MPI has "a relatively high number of managerial layers" and more than 20 organizational changes over two years "have hindered MPI's ability to create, implement and monitor an effective long-term vision."

The corporation has also landed in hot water over its massive technology overhaul project, dubbed Project Nova, that is projected to cost around $290 million — roughly three times the original figure.

MPI was also roiled by a strike late last year that lasted two months. 

Tuesday's news release says Jatana will set a "new corporate direction" for MPI with the help of guidance and advice from the government, the board of directors and the external review, the news release said.

"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," she said in the release.

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

Nedohin told a news conference last month the corporation's new CEO would be required to draft "the bones" of a new strategic plan within 30 days.