Industry vet with 40+ years’ experience announces retirement

After more than 40 years with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), president and chief executive officer Penny McCune has announced she will be retiring effective Oct. 15, 2026.

McCune assumed her most recent role on June 1, 2022, becoming SGI’s first female president and CEO.

SGI’s board of directors says it is “considering next steps in light of McCune’s plans to retire.”

Her long career with the public insurer began in 1985 when she joined SGI as a temporary junior clerk, the insurer says in a press release Wednesday.

“Her determination and hard work were rewarded with new opportunities to learn and grow within the company and she quickly promoted into roles of increasing responsibility,” the release says. “McCune joined SGI’s executive leadership team in 2012, serving as executive vice president, customer and distribution experience.

“She also served as executive vice president, claims and salvage, and executive vice president and chief operating officer, Auto Fund, before becoming SGI’s first female president and CEO.”

In that role, McCune has provided “strong and steady leadership while SGI modernizes systems and processes to better serve customers and partners,” the insurer says.

She also forged connections with Indigenous partners and communities to deepen relationships and understanding, leading to partnerships with Wanuskewin Heritage Park and YWCA Regina to help fund the healing lodge at the kikaskihtânaw Centre for Women and Families. “Her focus on inclusivity, commitment to building relationships, and authentic leadership is an inspiration to employees.”

Before becoming president and CEO, SGI says McCune’s extensive contributions included key roles in improving traffic safety in Saskatchewan; transforming SGI into a customer-centric organization; establishing SGI Canada’s out-of-province operations, including its expansion into the Alberta insurance market; and, serving as interim chief operating officer of Coachman Insurance.

“I’d like to thank Penny for an impressive four decades of dedicated service to SGI and the people of Saskatchewan,” says Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for SGI. “Penny’s deep understanding of the insurance industry, strong relationships with partners, and care for customers and employees have greatly contributed to SGI’s success and position the company well for future success.” 

And, said SGI board chair Gary Vidal, “On behalf of the SGI board of directors, I commend Penny for her ability to lead with authenticity and heart while working diligently to move the company’s strategic priorities forward. We greatly appreciate Penny’s strategic vision and her focus on delivering value for customers, stakeholders and partners in Saskatchewan and beyond.” 

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Jason Contant

Jason has been an award-winning journalist with Canadian Underwriter for more than a decade, including the past three years as associate editor and, before that, as digital editor for seven years.