May 5, 2025 — Acera Insurance Services Ltd. is pleased to announce Hugh Watt has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer.
Hugh brings 20 years of senior leadership experience in the finance and insurance sectors. This includes serving as President and board member for Intersure (2018 – 2021) and Chief Operating Officer with Edmonton-based Foster Park Brokers Inc. (2017 – 2022). Most recently, Hugh served as Senior Vice President, Operations, at NFP (2022 – 2025), which acquired Foster Park Brokers Inc. three years ago.
In addition to continually enhancing Acera Insurance’s operational excellence, Hugh will be instrumental in driving the nationwide brokerage’s ongoing expansion through acquisitions — through which Acera Insurance uniquely prioritizes a true partnership that empowers likeminded brokerages to increase scale and market access, better handle catastrophic events, and develop their teams through best practices and career development.
“Hugh has extensive experience in driving strong organizational growth through strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and business process improvement,” says Lee Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Acera Insurance. “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.”
In addition to his track record of success, Hugh was selected for his strong cultural alignment with Acera Insurance. Hugh has demonstrated throughout his career a dedication to excellence, ownership and building high-performing teams by putting people first.
“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,” says Hugh. “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.”
Hugh started with Acera Insurance on May 1, 2025.
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About Acera Insurance
Acera Insurance is the largest independent, employee-controlled brokerage in Canada and is proudly 100% Canadian owned. With 1,300 employees in over 70 offices across Canada, $1.4 billion in gross written premiums, more than $1 billion in group retirement savings assets under management and more than 680 employee-owners, Acera Insurance provides custom insurance and risk management solutions for personal and commercial clients nationwide, including comprehensive group benefits capabilities. Built upon the solid foundation of several award-winning firms, Acera Insurance brings greater value, expertise and resources to individuals, families and businesses across the country.
For media inquiries, please contact
Paula Martin, Team Leader, Communications
paula.martin@acera.ca
403.717.9477