Bernard Lord tapped as new Medavie CEO

Former premier Bernard Lord will be taking over as the new chief executive officer of Medavie in September, after serving on the company's board of directors for the last eight years.

Lord will be replacing Pierre-Yves Julien, who is preparing to retire after being with Medavie for more than 20 years.

"Bernard's leadership, vision and track record of innovation make him the ideal leader to help Medavie strengthen its position and realise its full potential," said Michael Decter, the chair of Medavie.

"He was chosen to lead Medavie in this pivotal role, providing strategic leadership to further Medavie's vision to transform primary health care."

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Lord served as premier of New Brunswick from 1999 to 2006.

He is the president and chief executive officer for the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. He is also the chair of Ontario Power Generation.

The former Progressive Conservative premier's name had been floated as a possible successor to Stephen Harper when the federal Conservatives were defeated in the 2015 federal election.

Lord has said he has no interest in leading the federal Tories.

Medavie'sstatement indicated Lord was chosen as the new CEO after a national search, which was led by the board and a recruitment firm.

Lord said in a statement that he wants to build on the culture of innovation at the company.

"I am looking forward to leading a dynamic national company with roots in Atlantic Canada and immense potential to improve health care delivery," Lord said.

Medaviehas more than 6,000 employees and has two operating companies, Medavie Blue Cross and Medavie EMS.

Medavie Blue Cross delivers health, dental, travel, life and income replacement insurance to companies and individuals.

Meanwhile,Medavie EMSis the largest provider of emergency medical services inCanadaand is the largest ambulance operator inMassachusetts.

The company is also involved in other facets of the health sector.

New Brunswick Health Minister Victor Boudreauannounced in February thatMedavie EMS willoversee the extra-mural health and Telecare programs.

The company alsoruns Ambulance New Brunswick.