Crawford & Company has appointed Pat Van Bakel as the chief operating officer (COO) of its Canadian operations.

Crawford & Company (Canada) chief executive officer John Sharoun said Pat has been an invaluable member of the company’s team for many years, and has shown great leadership skills and a strong dedication to its mission and values.

"Crawford will benefit greatly from his contributions to the Company in this new role," Sharoun said.

In his new role, Bakel will be responsible for services supplied to the Canadian property and casualty insurance market, comprising National Claims Services, Global Technical Services, Global Marine Services, Catastrophe Services, and Contractor Connection Services.

Prior to the current role, Van Bakel served as senior vice president, Operations, Insurer Markets.

Bakel also served as manager of the company’s Mississauga and Oakville branches in 2001, and became director of Accident Benefits in 2003.