Rod Hancock was born in Galt, Ontario and moved to London in 1969 to begin his post secondary education at the University of Western Ontario. After graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, he began his career as a professor and researcher in social psychology at Western and Brescia College in London.
In 1979, Rod made a career change and moved into the insurance brokerage business joining the London branch of Rowlands Insurance Brokers Limited and in 1984 became its President. After numerous acquisitions and mergers, McFarlan Rowlands Insurance was established in 1998. Rod is a senior partner and currently President and Chief Executive Officer.
Rod has been actively involved in the insurance industry for many years. He served as President of the London Insurance Brokers Association from 1983 to 1986. From 1997 to 2000 he was a Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO). He continued on the Education Committee of IBAO from 2000 to 2004 serving as chairman for two years.
In 2005 Rod was elected to the Executive Committee of IBAO and after serving as IBAO’s President in 2008 he is presently Chairman of the Board. This year Rod is also a Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) and Co-Chair of the IBAC Professional Development Committee.
Professional development has always been important to him. He achieved his Canadian Certified Insurance Broker (CCIB) designation in 1993. Rod has taught the Broker licensing course for more than 20 years and continues to facilitate CAIB courses in London.
Rod brings some balance to his life with his interest in sports. He is an avid golfer and distance runner. He has run the Boston Marathon and completed more than twenty-five marathons and half-marathons. Presently he is enjoying running half-marathons with this daughter.
Rod and Caroline have five children and three grandchildren.