Acera Insurance, a Canadian-owned and employee-controlled insurance brokerage, has appointed Hugh Watt as its new chief operating officer.
Watt officially joined the firm on 1 May 2025 and will be instrumental in supporting Acera Insurance’s growth plans, particularly through strategic acquisitions and enhanced operational capabilities.
Acera Insurance is a leading national brokerage offering a wide range of insurance and risk management solutions to clients across Canada. Known for its employee-owned model, the company prides itself on fostering long-term partnerships with like-minded brokerages while maintaining a strong focus on community, client service and team development.
In his new role, Watt brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across the finance and insurance sectors. His previous roles include president and board member at Intersure between 2018 and 2021, and chief operating officer at Edmonton-based Foster Park Brokers Inc. from 2017 to 2022. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, operations, at NFP — which acquired Foster Park Brokers three years ago.
Watt will be responsible for driving operational excellence and advancing Acera Insurance’s national expansion strategy through acquisitions. The company emphasises partnership-led growth, enabling acquired brokerages to scale effectively, improve catastrophe response capabilities, and benefit from best-in-class business practices and career development opportunities.
In addition to his industry track record, Watt was chosen for his cultural fit with Acera Insurance. His leadership style aligns with the company’s values of ownership, excellence and team building, which has been evident throughout his professional journey.
Acera Insurance CEO Lee Rogers said, “Hugh has extensive experience in driving strong organizational growth through strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and business process improvement. We are confident in the impact that Hugh will have as Acera Insurance continues to demonstrate the unique benefits that our 100% Canadian-owned and employee-controlled model offers to our employees, our clients and our partners.”
Hugh Watt said, “I’m looking forward to working alongside this talented team as we focus on growth, sharpen our capabilities, and continue to refine how we deliver for our clients and partners. I’m especially proud to return to the independent brokerage space — one rooted in employee ownership — and to be part of a Canadian company serving Canadians, especially during times like these.”
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