The Best Young Insurance Professionals Under 35 in Canada | Rising Stars
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Tomorrow’s power players
Insurance Business Canada’s Rising Stars of 2024 are shining in their roles and embracing the forward-thinking and inclusive approach that is shaping the industry’s future. Most notably, they are confident enough to share their ideas and take action, with assurance that belies their age, as all are under 35.
These talented young insurance professionals are a vital part of ushering in a new age of insurance. Recent data and research highlight just how key they are:
KPMG’s April 2024 study highlights the need for equitable workplaces to attract millennials and Gen Z talent, expected to make up over 60 percent of the global workforce by 2025. IBC’s Rising Stars are leading the way in this transformation, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in an industry still challenged by representation at the top levels.
The Insurance Institute of Canada’s 2022-2023 demographics report of the Canadian P&C workforce emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, continuous education, and career growth, values backed by IBC’s top professionals under 35.
The ninth annual Rising Stars list, compiled by a five-person judging panel, identified the most exceptional young talent nationwide from over 80 distinguished nominees. These awardees represent an influential cohort of insurance professionals adding value to their organizations and contributing to the betterment of the industry despite being so early in their careers.
“Their combined eagerness and willingness to learn, with respect for experience, while still finding a way to challenge the status quo has been an admirable feat to watch,” says panel member Vinita Jajware-Beatty, president and board chair of the Toronto Insurance Women’s Association.
“Every generation, as they advance within a sector, generally charts a similar course, but this cohort of young professionals under 35 is finding a way to express themselves while maintaining professionalism and respect for their colleagues and how things have been done,” she adds. “The ability to speak up, share ideas, and take action is very strong with this cohort.”
Standing out as future leaders in a crowded talent arena is no easy task, considering the over 1.3 million insurance professionals working in Canada’s vast insurance sector, as of May 2024.
Highlighting IBC’s Rising Stars as instrumental in driving the industry forward, panellist and Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario president Suzanne Pountney says, “These professionals are digital natives and will always be pushing for better and more efficient ways to do our work. We can all benefit from their knowledge and innovation mindset.”
There’s no time like the present, as a March 2024 PwC report shows that the Canadian insurance industry faces significant challenges related to workforce demographics, skills shortages – specifically in attracting younger workers – and the need to adapt to technological and operational changes.
All this points to excelling in the industry being fair game, as noted by 2023 Rising Star Kelsey Hazelton, especially with many experienced professionals retiring and the younger generation needing to step up.
The investigator in the compliance, conduct, and investigations department at the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario says young insurance professionals will be well-positioned for senior leadership roles by:
embracing technology
committing to continuous learning
networking
developing leadership skills
participating in personalized development plans
adapting to industry changes
bringing innovation and creativity
promoting authenticity
Her thoughtful analysis of what it takes to be featured on IBC’s Rising Stars list highlights the significant potential young insurance professionals have to positively shape the future of insurance for customers, brokers, and partners.
“A standout trait of Rising Stars in the insurance industry is their leadership potential,” she says. “They can guide and inspire others toward success, demonstrating their natural talent for motivating and empowering their colleagues. With their adaptability, ambition, and leadership qualities, these Rising Stars are positioning themselves as future industry leaders who will drive positive change and innovation within the insurance sector.”
IBC’s survey respondents ranked hard work and EQ as the two major qualities to be a Rising Star in 2024. This suggests the 2024 cohort is having success for reasons beyond their degrees and training, compounding their status as truly outstanding young professionals who are motivated and dedicated to rise above their peer group.
How did the Rising Stars make their name?
Age: 26
Years in the industry: 6
The account executive and recently appointed partner was one of the few university students who realized his interest in insurance early on, influenced and encouraged by mentors.
Waterman landed a Jones DesLauriers summer internship at age 19 and hasn’t looked back, seizing every opportunity to expand his insurance knowledge and technical ability and refine his craft.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Jones DesLauriers and the representatives of the company who have been there every step of the way to ensure my experience was a rewarding one; we have a dedicated focus on organic growth, and I bought into this outlook after my first internship with the company,” he says. “The most rewarding component of my career so far has been the ability to succeed alongside my colleagues as one collective group; we have a philosophy that we only succeed if we truly succeed as a group, and having dedicated more time to this business than anything else in my life, I’m happy to continue doing my part.”
“The people and their constant support throughout my career show anyone uncertain about getting into the industry that there are experienced professionals eager to help and support young brokers”
Nick WatermanJones DesLauriers
Waterman’s impressive industry contributions include the following:
mentorship and guidance: supports students and young professionals through speaking engagements at the Trisura Youth Mentorship program and Humber College
cyber risk management program lead: partnered with some of Canada’s strongest cybersecurity consultants and Navacord cyber practice leaders to ensure customers have offensive cyber threat intelligence and risk management tools to address emerging threats
Admittedly, Waterman notes he’s had a head start on his leadership potential, having joined the industry so young while still maintaining a sense of energy and enthusiasm. His technical knowledge, client confidence, and recognition of the importance of showing up and doing your best evolved over time.
“Everything I’ve achieved ties back to the mentors I’ve had and what I’ve seen them accomplish,” he says. “If I can even do a fraction of what they’ve instilled in me, I’d consider it a significant achievement in my career. My goal is to remain authentic toward all members of the insurance industry and to lead by example in my growing practice.”
Age: 34
Years in the industry: 10
Pitcher began his career at Arch, where he has steadily advanced from finance analyst to roles in claims operations, business analysis, and underwriting for professional liability, D&O, cyber, and technology.
Now the assistant vice president and head of cyber, Canada, he has been instrumental in helping to grow Arch’s professional liability book, particularly in cyber, where he led the rollout of the company’s cyber product in Canada in early 2022.
“There’s a lot I find rewarding about my current role, but it’s the great relationships we’ve established with our broker partners in the relatively short time since launching cyber here,” he says. “I’m proud of the service and the team’s underwriting standards, which have helped catapult us into a prominent player in the Canadian marketplace.”
“Relationships and people in our business are key. Building connections across your network broadens perspectives, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the industry. It makes our job enjoyable”
Chris PitcherArch Insurance Canada
Nominators identified Pitcher’s outstanding qualities as follows:
relationship building: genuinely brings his authentic self to forming relationships and earning trust with brokers and colleagues
technical expertise: his highly innovative approach to cyber underwriting has propelled him as a prominent market force, demonstrating his ability to drive significant business outcomes
Pitcher acknowledges his aspiration for more senior leadership roles but emphasizes the importance of focusing on current growth and learning to prepare for future success.
To guide and inspire others, he advocates for a culture of continuous learning, which helps him and his team stay ahead of industry trends and enhances operations efficiency through technology and system advancements.
“That all bleeds into keeping up with shifting customer expectations at both the broker and client levels,” he says. “Adapting to changes in the dynamic product space we’re in, especially regarding cyber, is crucial. I aim to lead by being proactive and anticipating how these shifts can help us as a team and a company stay ahead and set us up for more long-term success.”
Age: 33
Years in the industry: 1
While pursuing a psychology degree, the now product owner of digital and business systems learned the basics of underwriting for specialized products as a summer student at HSB Canada.
Sproston then joined full-time after graduation, where she focused on insurance operations and developed an affinity for process improvements.
After a brief stint at an external brokerage , which allowed her to gain a different perspective on various insurance products, she returned to the specialty insurance and IoT services provider with a sharp focus on driving innovation during the company’s transformation journey.
“It is fulfilling to run with innovative solutions and creative ideas to see how we can better serve our clients and enhance their experience,” she says. “It’s exciting being the key contributor in the early stages of our transformation and having a place at the table.”
“The diversity of people in this industry is incredible. Many of us fell into insurance by chance, bringing unique perspectives. I love the challenge of adapting to changes”
Robyn SprostonHSB Canada
Working in the male-dominated insurance industry has empowered her to challenge stereotypes, drive innovation, and promote diversity.
Some of her accomplishments highlight her commitment to advancing the industry toward a more inclusive and contemporary future:
industry engagement: connects with insurance professionals and contributes to discussions on technology, inclusion, and growth within the sector
established a new role: took the initiative to create the product owner and business lead roles to support strategic product development and meet business objectives
On a personal level, she has recently started investing in her leadership brand.
“What I had to do to get to the next step was take a step back and carve that time out for myself to identify my core strengths,” she says. “My number one is inspiring others and helping them identify and grow their talent.”
Age: 28
Years in the industry: 7
A part-time job analyzing insurance data while pursuing a BA in finance sparked Pelletier’s deep interest in the industry.
That passion launched him into a successful career, where he now serves as the regional practice leader for professional, technology, and cyber risks for Eastern Canada and leads a fast-growing four-person team from BFL’s Montreal headquarters.
He didn’t squander the trust his leaders put in him and was instrumental in starting the company’s regional cyber practice two years ago.
“What I like most about my job is what we can deliver for clients,” he says. “I’ve always been super focused on the service level we provide to clients, and when they come back to us with good comments on the work we do and see that we do more than just insurance, it’s always rewarding for me. It makes me feel good and know I’m in the right place.”
“I appreciate the relationships with my clients and learn from them. Insurance is an excellent career; it’s the connections we develop with people that make it such a great industry to work in”
Charles PelletierBFL CANADA
Pelletier’s success and strong relationships are built on two key strategies:
being frank and fair in all professional relationships, cultivating a personal rapport that fosters trust and loyalty
building personal connections by going beyond work-related conversations and treating clients almost as friends to create more genuine relationships
“What I found is that contrary to what I thought at the beginning, it’s better to be authentic in all our relationships,” he says.
Pelletier’s career rise has been an ongoing learning process. He emphasizes the importance of gaining experience and training, mainly through managing his young team of employees. His success has been built on his managers’ guidance and mentorship, and he is committed to giving back.
“I think you need to learn about leadership by doing it,” he says.
Young insurance professionals overcome career challenges
Pelletier found it difficult to be taken seriously by clients when he first started in the industry. He developed a method to explain complex details to clients in a way that resonated with them, always mindful of his audience.
“I made a conscious effort to focus on what my clients cared about, such as financial details for CFOs and the legal side of their exposure to legal counsel,” he says. “This helped me build trust and strong relationships, despite being young, which some of my peers struggle with, especially when dealing with more experienced, older clients.”
For Waterman, young insurance professionals may face challenges on both the personal and industry side. Using cyber as an example, he asserts that failing to keep up the fast pace, such as the definitions of breaches and cyber terrorism, can leave one behind. On a personal level and from the broker side, he stresses the importance of developing a unique brand in dealing with clients, underwriters, and colleagues to maximize long-term success.
“There are a lot of top industry performers here, and they all have their approach to working with clients and members of the insurance industry crafted from 20 to 30 years of experience,” he says. “The goal for any young broker is to take the best elements of the more experienced brokers in your business to better build and tailor your approach with your clients; your best approach is the one that suits you and you alone.”
Keeping up with the industry’s ongoing evolution can be challenging for young professionals, especially as the rate of change is faster than a decade ago, as Sproston notes. She has difficulty convincing colleagues to adapt to new ways of working, particularly concerning client relationships.
“It seems like some people aren’t always open to change,” she says. “Being on the reinsurance side, my challenge is to find that perfect balance where we’re still maintaining those strong relationships but finding ways to streamline processes, such as issuing, quoting and binding, and delivering that on time to brokers and client companies.”
Sproston highlights the importance of having a mentor, which has been crucial for her growth as a leader.
From an underwriting and broking perspective, Pitcher believes many young insurance professionals come into the industry with a misunderstanding of those roles and their required skill sets. He notes there are three key components: technical knowledge, product expertise, and strong relationships, with an emphasis on the art of deal-making. But first and foremost, there needs to be an acceptance of being a beginner and embracing learning as a process, requiring hard work, asking questions, and being supported by teammates and mentors.
“Lean on your manager and your company to ultimately set you up for success,” he says. “What underscores any successful person is a strong work ethic, consistency, and a hunger to learn and take on more.”
Meet the judges
Alison Sanelli
Underwriter, Ontario Personal Lines
Burns & Wilcox Canada
Alyssa Anderson
Financial Security Advisor
Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network
Alyssa Keyes
Operations Manager
Keyes Real Estate & Insurance
Andrew Boateng
Commercial Lines Manager
Aviva Canada
Andrew Chudley
Vice President and Account Executive, Commercial Risk
Aon
Ayla Louttit
Team Lead, Partner Success
The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
Celina Lucchetti
Associate Director
RAISE Underwriting
Eric Griffi
Claims Manager
Crawford & Company (Canada)
Finn Magee
National Sales Representative
Crawford & Company (Canada)
Frederick Pratt Jr.
Ceritified Financial Planner
Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network
Jashandeep Singh Brar
Senior Executive Director
Experior Financial Group
Katie Dallas
Vice President of Underwriting
Special Risk Insurance Managers
Kelly McGuinness
Cyber, Tech, and PI Development Leader – Canada
CFC
Leanne Taylor
Director, Underwriting and Programs, Commercial
RMA
Lisa Campbell
Senior Underwriter
Burns & Wilcox
Maddie Livingston
Marketing and Communications Manager
Markel Canada
Maddie Pedersen
Commerical Account Executive and Operations Support
Wilson M. Beck Insurance Alberta
Marc-Anthony Manion
Senior Commercial Underwriter
Burns & Wilcox Canada
Mark Orlecki
Director, Business Development
Excess Underwriting
Megan Peters
Underwriting Specialist, Commercial Lines
Sovereign Insurance
Mitch Clarke
Director, Risk Management and Corporate Services
Saskatchewan Blue Cross
Nando D’Oria
Vice President, Commercial Insurance
Gallagher
Nick Waterman
Account Executive
Jones DesLauriers
Nitnoor Brar
Commercial Manager
Armour Insurance Brokers
Sebastian Rybarczyk
Manager, Home Product
Co-operators
Steven Owen
President
Owen & Associates
Tapfuma Garabga
Underwriting Associate
Zurich North America
Trevor George
Senior Underwriter
Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions
Yasser Chtaini
Senior Manager, Surety Risk Management
Aviva Canada
Zvikomborero Barikano
Commercial Lines Manager
KASE Insurance
