Kathleen joined The Co-operators in late 2017 as SVP, Group General Counsel and Associate Secretary. Kathleen is accountable for the provision of all legal, compliance and records and information management services across the group of companies. Prior to joining The Co-operators, Kathleen was the Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. As lead advisor to the board and executive committee for multiple legal entities, Kathleen was accountable for all legal, regulatory, and compliance issues within Canada. Prior to joining Zurich, Kathleen served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for AIG Insurance Company of Canada. Her insurance industry background also includes time spent with Kingsway Financial, Chubb Insurance, and RBC Insurance. Kathleen's experience also includes years in private practice where she focused on complex commercial litigation. Kathleen has sat on the board of directors of numerous companies in Canada and the United States.
Kathleen is a strong communicator and business leader with a proven record of building respectful relationships with insurance and securities regulators across North America.
Kathleen obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and she was called to the Ontario Bar in February 1998. She obtained her law degree (LL. B) from Queens University, School of Law.
On a personal note, some of Kathleen's passions include baking, cooking, sports, family and youth mental health matters. Kathleen is married to Warren Nicholson and has two sons and two golden retreivers.