TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- First National Financial Corporation (the "Company" or "First National") today announced that Hassan Pirnia will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2^nd, 2026. Hassan succeeds Jason Ellis, whose planned retirement was previously announced.

Hassan is a seasoned financial services executive with extensive experience in mortgage lending, banking, and risk management. He most recently served as North American Chief Risk Officer, Personal and Business Banking at BMO, and previously served as Head of Canadian Business Banking, and Head of Personal Lending and Home Finance. Hassan has also held progressively senior roles at both BMO and CIBC.

 "I'm very pleased to welcome Hassan to First National," said Jason Ellis. "He knows our industry well, understands the importance of the broker channel and has a strong track record of getting things done. I am confident he will build on First National's strong foundation and lead the business well into its next chapter."

"We are grateful to Jason for his leadership and congratulate him on an outstanding 22 years with First National," said Moray Tawse, Chairman of First National. "First National is an exceptional franchise with a great team and strong momentum across the business. Hassan is the right leader to build on that success. He brings deep industry experience, an approach focused on teamwork and building strong relationships, and a track record of turning strategy into action."

Hassan is assuming the role at a time of significant investment across First National. The Company is making substantial investments in its people, technology and capabilities, building on First National's longstanding focus on broker and customer experience, quality and operational excellence. This includes the continued rollout of new digital and AI-enabled tools across the mortgage process.

"I'm incredibly excited to be joining First National, a business I've known and admired for years. The Company has an exceptional franchise, a great team, and a strong position in the Canadian mortgage market," said Hassan. "I see a real opportunity to build on that foundation – continuing to grow the business, investing in our people and capabilities, and delivering an even stronger experience to our clients, brokers and partners. I am looking forward to working with the team and leading First National in its next chapter."

About First National Financial Corporation

First National Financial Corporation is the parent company of First National Financial LP, a Canadian-based originator, underwriter and servicer of predominantly prime residential (single-family and multi-unit) and commercial mortgages. With more than $170 billion in mortgages under administration, First National is one of Canada's largest non-bank mortgage originators and underwriters and is among the top three in market share in the mortgage broker distribution channel. For more information, please visit www.firstnational.ca.

SOURCE First National Financial Corporation