Leading Canadian Insurance Broker Jones DesLauriers Announces New Leadership Team to take Business to $100M in Revenue

MISSISSAUGA ON, December 7, 2022 – Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Irwin, President & CEO, effective December 1, 2022. Scott brings over 16 years of industry experience, including 14 years as one of Jones DesLauriers’ top Risk Advisors.

As President of Jones DesLauriers, Scott Irwin will be accountable for the overall strategic vision and growth of the business, including attracting and developing top talent, and maintaining and developing the culture—both corporate and sales—while supporting the development of its people, clients, and risk management solutions.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to take on this next chapter as President and CEO of Jones DesLauriers,” says Scott Irwin, President and CEO, Jones DesLauriers. “I know this business is strong, we’re leaders in the industry and with clients, and I’m excited to support the journey and our people as we embark on this next phase of growth.”

Irwin has had a long history within the Jones DesLauriers (JD) business. Starting as an Account Manager in 2008 and evolving into an Account Executive focused on sales, he has developed a deep understanding of client expectations and the complex solutions required for today’s marketplace. Scott played a significant role in building out Jones DesLauriers’ growth strategy and is currently part of its revenue generation committee, a member of Navacord’s Founders Circle, and actively participates on the Executive Team within the JD business—setting him up for success in his new role as President & CEO.

In his spare time, Scott is committed to supporting the community and those in need, including founding the Toronto location of Lil E’s Coffee Shop which is focused on providing gainful employment to those with intellectual disabilities. The coffee shop, located at Young & Sinclair in Toronto is anticipated to open in early 2023. ?

Eric Osborne, former President & CEO of Jones DesLauriers has accepted a new, exciting opportunity with Navacord as their Chief Growth Officer.

Navacord has a long track record of strong organic growth—including four years of double-digit results. The creation of this role demonstrates our continued investment in ensuring that that double-digit organic growth remains sustainable. As CGO, Osborne is accountable to growing the company organically and promoting a culture of sales excellence with a focus on driving sales practices, sector growth, and sales alignment—working closely with business leaders across Navacord’s Broker Partners to help them achieve their growth goals.

“Eric has built a high-performing organization and acts as a magnet for the best talent in our industry,” says T. Marshall Sadd, Executive Chairman, Navacord. “We are eager to see how he can apply that same vigor and rigor at the national level to propel Navacord and its Broker Partners even further.”

Alongside the appointment of Scott Irwin as President, Jones DesLauriers is also announcing key contributing leadership roles that will collaborate and lead the organization into the future.

Danny Sgro, former Senior Partner within the firm, has been appointed as Chairman. Patty McNeil, former VP, Commercial Lines, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Jones DesLauriers. And, Michael Bastone, Managing Partner, has taken on the additional role of Chief Sales Officer (CSO).

“It’s an honour to see this team come together as it has,” says Shawn DeSantis, President & CEO, Navacord. “They have all built tremendous reputations in the business, industry, and with clients— demonstrating their professionalism and expertise, while always ready to lead and lend a hand. With that, we know that they are ready to lead the next phase of growth for our largest Broker Partner.”

Sgro will use his role as Chairman to continue to add his input as a strategic partner to the executive team and Navacord—helping to achieve the overall strategic mission and vision of the organization while accelerating growth. McNeil will be accountable for building the capabilities of the organization, process improvement, operational performance metrics and change management, with Bastone expanding his support of new sales talent to develop more robust sales career paths and succession within the business.

Jones DesLauriers is a leader in commercial insurance and risk management, representing engaged business owners from coast to coast with offices in Mississauga (head office), Toronto, Belleville, Oakville, Ottawa, Port Hope, Collingwood, and Quebec (Laval).???

About Jones DesLauriers

At Jones DesLauriers, we specialize in helping businesses protect their most valuable assets – from property to people. As a Navacord broker partner and industry disruptor, we combine two of Canada's largest independent commercial insurance and benefits brokers, with a team of professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and a multidisciplinary approach to finding and optimizing solutions for every business need.

Our DNA consists of the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and expertise of our high-performance professionals. As partners invested in your success, we outperform by challenging the status quo and getting to know the nuances of your business, your goals, and your people.

Passion. Innovation. Respect. We are Jones DesLauriers.