Canadian financial co-operative Desjardins Group is making top-level changes in the aftermath of the data breach that occurred earlier this year.
A total of 4.2 million members were affected by the breach, which compromised their social insurance numbers, addresses and details of banking habits.
Desjardins – the largest association of credit unions in North America with has seven million members – launched an internal review into the cause of the breach. Based on its finding, Desjardins appointed Réal Bellemare as senior executive vice-president and chief operating officer.
Related: Desjardins updates number of members affected by data breach
Mr Bellemare was previously executive vice-president of finance, treasury and administration and chief financial officer at Desjardins.
In his new role, one of his primary responsibilities will be to form the Desjardins Group Security Office, which will implement an industry-standard security reporting process and work closely with the business sectors on areas related to marketing, risk management and information security.
Mr Bellemare is replacing Denis Berthiaume and will also serve as interim executive vice-president of information technology following the departure of Chadi Habib.
According to a statement issued by the group, both Mr Berthiaume and Mr Habib have come to a mutual agreement with Desjardins to end their contracts.
Another change has seen Alain Leprohon, CPA, CA, appointed as executive vice-president of finance, treasury and administration and chief financial officer. He has been with Desjardins since 2002, holding a variety of finance roles over the years. He most recently served as vice-president of finance.
“Trust between a president and their management committee is essential,” said Mr Cormier. “In light of the events of the last few months, I’ve decided changes must be made to our senior management team.”
The changes are effective immediately.
