# Shawn DeSantis

> Shawn DeSantis is the Toronto-based co-founder, president and CEO of Navacord, the Canadian insurance brokerage and financial services group he established with T. Marshall Sadd in 2014. His career includes senior leadership at RSA Canada and Jones DesLauriers, followed by building Navacord through brokerage partnerships, employee ownership and investment in talent and technology.

- **Role:** Co-founder, President and CEO at Navacord
- **Organizations:** Navacord, Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management, RSA Canada
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts, University of Calgary
- **Known for:** Co-founded Navacord in 2014., Helped lead the Acera merger, completed February 2, 2026., Holds a Canadian Risk Management designation and is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada.

## Career timeline

- **2013** — Appointed president and CEO of Jones DesLauriers after serving as executive vice president at RSA Insurance.
- **2014** — Co-founded Navacord with T. Marshall Sadd.
- **2018** — Navacord announced a management-led buyout supported by Madison Dearborn Partners.
- **2026** — Led Navacord through the completed Acera merger and ongoing national brand transition.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Navacord in 2014.
- Helped lead the Acera merger, completed February 2, 2026.
- Holds a Canadian Risk Management designation and is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Outlined the planned November transition of more than 50 brokerages to the Navacord brand.
- **2026-07** — Announced the Steers Insurance partnership, expanding Navacord into Newfoundland and Labrador.
- **2026-02** — Navacord and Acera completed their merger, effective February 2.
- **2026-01** — Navacord became an official partner of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/shawn-desantis-59a6901a

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/shawn-desantis
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21