Navacord Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Navacord has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, marketing, human resources, legal, finance, operations, personal lines, and travel.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Navacord provides expert insurance and risk management solutions, shaping market impact through strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Leadership Roles at Navacord

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Shawn DeSantis
  • President, Personal Lines and Travel - Melanie Muise
  • President - Erin Gunn
  • President, Navacord (Ontario) - Eric Osborne
  • Chief Information Officer - Susan Scott
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Courtney Elliott
  • Chief People Officer - Kristin Coulombe
  • Chief Legal Officer - Brandon Parent
  • Chief Financial & Operating Officer - Steven Ridgeway
  • Shawn DeSantis - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Shawn DeSantis, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Navacord, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. DeSantis guides the firm's expansion initiatives and ensures alignment with market demands for comprehensive insurance and risk management services across Canada. This leadership role involves fostering key stakeholder relationships and driving the company's vision forward. By optimizing business development pipelines, Shawn DeSantis directly influences Navacord's sustained growth and market positioning. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes championing innovation and maintaining the highest standards of client service delivery, ensuring Navacord's continued leadership in the Canadian insurance sector. DeSantis's strategic oversight extends to all functional areas, guaranteeing cohesive operations and a unified approach to achieving corporate objectives.

    Melanie Muise - President, Personal Lines and Travel

    Melanie Muise, the President, Personal Lines and Travel at Navacord, leads the strategic direction and operational management for these specialized business segments. Muise focuses on enhancing product offerings, expanding market penetration, and ensuring superior client experiences within personal insurance and travel coverage. This leadership position is key to driving growth and innovation in consumer-facing insurance solutions. By developing targeted strategies for personal lines and travel, Melanie Muise directly increases customer acquisition and retention. The President's responsibilities include overseeing the teams dedicated to these areas, managing profitability, and identifying new market opportunities. Muise's expertise ensures Navacord effectively serves individual clients with tailored insurance products.
    Melanie Muise

    Erin Gunn - President

    Erin Gunn, the President at Navacord, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight for key business units. Gunn focuses on enhancing service delivery and expanding market presence through targeted growth strategies. This leadership role is integral to Navacord's mission of providing expert insurance and risk management solutions across Canada. By championing operational excellence and fostering strong client relationships, Erin Gunn directly contributes to the company's sustained success. The President's responsibilities include collaborating with executive leadership to align departmental goals with corporate objectives and identifying opportunities for market expansion. Gunn's leadership ensures Navacord maintains its competitive edge and commitment to client satisfaction.

    Eric Osborne - President, Navacord (Ontario)

    Eric Osborne, the President, Navacord (Ontario), spearheads the strategic development and operational execution within the Ontario region. Osborne directs efforts to expand Navacord's market share and enhance client service delivery across this vital geographic area. This role is critical for tailoring corporate strategies to regional market dynamics and client needs in Ontario. By focusing on local market opportunities and building strong relationships with businesses in Ontario, Eric Osborne directly drives regional growth and profitability. The President's responsibilities include leading the Ontario-based teams, overseeing business development, and ensuring compliance with regional regulations. Osborne's leadership ensures Navacord's robust presence and continued success in the Ontario market.

    Susan Scott - Chief Information Officer

    Susan Scott, the Chief Information Officer at Navacord, architects the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation roadmap. Scott oversees the integration of advanced IT solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client experience across all brokerage services. This critical function involves managing cybersecurity protocols and ensuring data integrity for sensitive client information. By implementing scalable technology platforms, Susan Scott directly supports Navacord's ability to adapt to evolving industry landscapes and regulatory requirements. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include leading the IT department, driving innovation in digital tools, and ensuring seamless connectivity for all business units. Scott's strategic direction ensures Navacord maintains a competitive technological edge, facilitating robust data management and secure communication channels.

    Courtney Elliott - Chief Marketing Officer

    Courtney Elliott, the Chief Marketing Officer at Navacord, develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to elevate brand visibility and client acquisition. Elliott directs all branding initiatives, public relations efforts, and digital marketing campaigns designed to resonate with businesses seeking expert insurance and risk management solutions. This role is pivotal in communicating Navacord's value proposition and market leadership across Canada. By crafting compelling brand narratives, Courtney Elliott directly contributes to expanding market reach and strengthening client engagement. The Chief Marketing Officer's purview includes market research, lead generation, and overseeing the marketing team's creative output. Elliott's strategic vision ensures consistent brand messaging and supports the company's growth objectives through impactful promotional activities.

    Kristin Coulombe - Chief People Officer

    Kristin Coulombe, the Chief People Officer at Navacord, leads all human capital management strategies and talent development initiatives. Coulombe oversees recruitment, employee engagement, and organizational culture programs designed to attract and retain top talent within the insurance and risk management sector. This position is fundamental to building a high-performing workforce capable of delivering exceptional client service. By fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment, Kristin Coulombe directly enhances employee satisfaction and retention rates. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities encompass developing comprehensive HR policies, managing compensation and benefits, and driving professional development programs. Coulombe's focus on people ensures Navacord possesses the skilled professionals necessary for sustained operational success and client trust.
    Brandon Parent, the Chief Legal Officer at Navacord, provides strategic legal counsel and ensures regulatory compliance across all business operations. Parent oversees the legal framework governing the company's insurance and risk management services, mitigating potential risks and safeguarding corporate interests throughout Canada. This essential role involves managing all legal affairs, including contract negotiation, corporate governance, and litigation oversight. By ensuring adherence to stringent legal standards, Brandon Parent directly protects Navacord from liability and upholds its reputation for integrity. The Chief Legal Officer's mandate includes advising senior leadership on legal implications of business decisions and managing external legal counsel. Parent's expertise guarantees Navacord operates within all applicable laws and industry regulations.
    Brandon Parent

    Steven Ridgeway - Chief Financial & Operating Officer

    Steven Ridgeway, the Chief Financial & Operating Officer at Navacord, directs the company's financial planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Ridgeway oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and treasury functions, while also optimizing operational processes to support business growth across Canada. This dual role is critical for maintaining financial health and ensuring seamless execution of corporate strategies. By managing fiscal resources and streamlining operational workflows, Steven Ridgeway directly enhances profitability and service delivery capabilities. The Chief Financial & Operating Officer's responsibilities include driving financial performance, managing risk, and implementing operational improvements. Ridgeway's leadership ensures Navacord's financial stability and operational excellence.
    Steven Ridgeway

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Navacord Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Navacord?
    Navacord is led by Shawn DeSantis (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Melanie Muise (President, Personal Lines and Travel) and Erin Gunn (President).
    Who is part of Navacord’s executive team?
    The executive team of Navacord includes leaders such as Shawn DeSantis (President & Chief Executive Officer), Melanie Muise (President, Personal Lines and Travel), Erin Gunn (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Navacord have?
    Navacord has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Navacord’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Navacord includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President, Personal Lines and Travel, President, President, Navacord (Ontario), Chief Information Officer.