Leading with Purpose, Scaling Up for Impact

Accomplished and respected senior leader with 15 years of successful experience in positions of increasing responsibility and duties. A top performer with a track record of consistently meeting or exceeding objectives and organizational expectations. A great collaborator focused on growing the bottom line while spearheading operational improvements to drive a differentiated experience for customers. Ability to galvanize teams around a common goal and link individual contributions to enterprise objectives. A strategic leader with proven ability to cast vision and execute effectively.

As Chief Executive Officer of Western Financial Group, Grant Ostir leads with a deep commitment to purpose-driven leadership, ensuring both people and performance thrive. At the helm of the company’s strategy and vision, Grant champions a culture where care meets operational excellence, keeping both customers and employees at the heart of every decision.

With nearly three decades of experience, Grant’s journey at Western began with HED Insurance and Risk Services (now Central Insurance Solutions) and has since evolved through senior leadership roles including President & CEO of Western Life and President of Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions. Most recently, as Chief Growth Officer, he spearheaded strategic initiatives that directly fueled business growth and market impact.

A proven architect of high-performance teams, Grant brings a relentless focus on leadership accountability, clarity, and results. His leadership promise is grounded in clear communication, trust, and empowering others to excel. Grant holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Manitoba and remains dedicated to cultivating future-ready teams that drive exceptional results.

“As Western’s chief financial and risk officer, it’s important for me to shape the overall strategy and direction to ensure the business performs well and to enhance efficiencies. Our effective financial operation is driven by the power of data, constant innovation and the ability to ensure compliance at a price that is reasonable for our customers.”

As Western Financial Group’s Chief Financial and Risk Officer, Nancy leads the overall financial strategy and governance of the company. Under her management are Finance and Accounting; Business Intelligence; Facilities; Strategy and Project Management; and Risk and Compliance.

Since she joined Western in 2006, Nancy’s leadership abilities have enabled Western to increase efficiencies and support fundamental strategic initiatives leading to increased profitability.

Prior to her time with Western, Nancy spent 12 years in key financial and leadership roles with Weston Bakeries and Kraft Canada.

Nancy received her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary, and holds CPA and CMA designations.

“We will invest strategically in the right tools and systems to support an exceptional experience for our people and customers while protecting the privacy and security of the information we hold in trust.”

As Western’s Technology Leader, Craig leads a large national team that encompasses our Cyber Security & IT Compliance, IT Service Delivery, Application Development & Integration, and the Infrastructure & Operations teams. Joining Western in 2018 and with over 29 years of Technology leadership experience spanning both the private sector (Technology VAR’s, technology consulting, M2M telecom) and the public sector as a Solutions Information Officer (provincial healthcare), Craig has lead experienced teams to proven success in a multitude of industries. Beyond the Operational activities, Craig and his team support Western’s Strategic Plan and are focused on the best possible Customer and User Experience at Western Financial Group.

Craig holds a diploma in Computer Electronics and a Certificate in Innovation Engineering from the University of Winnipeg.

“We are focused on ensuring Western continues to thrive by attracting, developing, supporting & retaining great people who contribute to a strong, supportive & inclusive culture.”

As Westerns Chief People & Culture Officer, Kristy Rachkowski oversees all aspects of People & Culture including Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Human Resources, DEI, Sustainability, Total Rewards & Recognition, Communications, and Corporate Events.

With over 18 years of experience in the financial services sector, Kristy spent the bulk of her career with TD Bank working in a variety of roles in sales leadership as well as Human Resources. She left TD in 2017 and ventured out to start her own business and after 4+ years of entrepreneurship, she made the decision to move back into a corporate environment in Human Resources prior to joining Western Financial Group in early 2022.

A key differentiator for Kristy as a leader has been her ability to move seamlessly between leadership roles in the business and HR.

Kristy holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s in Business Administration from Dalhousie University.

As the Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) Jonathan will continue leading our National Insurance Operations (NIO) team and will also take charge of the Market Relations team. Jonathan has in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry having worked in various leadership roles with RSA and ICBC before joining Western in 2019.

In his time with NIO, Jonathan has made a significant impact, joining both Victoria and Winnipeg teams together as a harmonious group and reinforcing many of our specialized programs making them better adaptable, better supported by markets and more profitable. Jonathan’s addition to our Executive Team will bring solid insurance experience, a focus on the right products and markets for our Customers, and his unique sense of humour – he is a great team player.