Two appointments at
Zurich Canada; Jamie Bouloux to develop CFC's cyber practice; Rory O'Donoghue joins South Western; Amber Walker to head up branch office for restoration company.
Canadian appointments at Zurich
Zurich Canada has announced two key management appointments designed to strengthen its capabilities and position in the Canadian market.
First, Justin Kelly has been named AVP & National Underwriting Director – International, Zurich Canada – Commercial Markets. In this role, Kelly will be responsible for leading a team of market-facing underwriters to carry forward Zurich’s value proposition for businesses in Canada with international exposures.
This includes developing bespoke customer-centric insurance programs that leverage Zurich’s differentiators in this space: an extensive global network; breadth of international underwriting expertise; and proprietary tools, which ensure placements are compliant with local laws, regulations and tax requirements in a rapidly-changing global regulatory environment.
With almost 25 years of insurance industry experience, including 15 years with Zurich, Kelly joins the Canadian team following his regional Technical Underwriting Manager role for Zurich Europe based out of Ireland, where he managed a pan-European team of Technical Managers responsible for underwriting quality and governance.
Benoit Lamontagne is the second appointment, taking on the role of Regional Vice President – Québec, for Zurich Canada Commercial. Lamontagne assumes Montreal Branch Manager responsibilities, including leading business development and overseeing market-facing underwriters and underwriting managers who are part of the Commercial Markets regional organization in Québec.
In his 31 years of experience in the industry, Lamontagne has held commercial lines roles with increasing levels of responsibility at insurance companies with deep roots in the Québec market. He most recently held the position of Director, Global Specialty Lines – Québec Region for a UK-based insurer. Benoit holds a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada.
“I’m very excited about both of these appointments,” said Dan Kleiman, vice president and regional manager for Zurich Canada Commercial. “Justin has a wealth of knowledge about the tools, disciplines and strategies for success to educate brokers and clients about the strength of Zurich’s value proposition in international business. His contribution to our team will be critical as we look to grow our international book beyond the cross-border, US-based business we currently write.” (continued.)
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“Likewise, Benoit has a proven track record of business-building success, is well known and respected in the Québec insurance community and has a strong network of broker contacts. His appointment re-affirms Zurich’s commitment to Québec as an important part of our growth strategy for Canada.”
Bouloux moves from AIG to CFC
Specialist lines underwriting agency CFC has welcomed Jamie Bouloux to its ranks, joining the company’s corporate cyber practice.
A well-known and highly respected figure in the global cyber market, Bouloux joins the business from AIG where he was head of cyber and technology liability for Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his new role at CFC, Jamie will be driving the development of its large corporate cyber product on a global basis.
“Cyber risk is no longer just about data breaches,” says CFC director Graeme Newman. “Since launching this ground-breaking facility last year, we’ve helped some of the world’s biggest brands secure the level of coverage they need not just for a data breach but also catastrophic technology failure and outage.
“Given the level of demand we’re experiencing and the continually evolving cyber risk landscape, we’re committed to driving the development of our large corporate product offering and so I’m delighted to welcome Jamie to our team,” continues Newman. “He has tremendous knowledge of the global cyber market and in particular, his experience in Europe and the Middle East will help us build our presence outside the markets where we are well established such as the U.K, Canada, Australia and the U.S.”
CFC launched its specialist cyber product for large corporates last summer. (continued.)
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“Cyber insurance is in the spotlight more than ever,” says Bouloux. “Governments around the world might debate security and privacy issues however insurers can’t sit back and await the outcomes. Huge global companies are at increasing risk from a growing number of cyber threats and we have a responsibility to provide cover that is fit for purpose. CFC has long been at the forefront of cyber risk and I’m excited to have joined a business that isn’t afraid to look at things differently and push the boundaries.”
O’Donoghue joins South Western
South Western Insurance Group Limited (South Western), Canada's leading wholesale insurance intermediary/managing general agent South Western Insurance Group Limited has welcomed aboard Rory O'Donoghue as the manager of the Vancouver branch.
O’Donoghue joins South Western from a leading specialty Insurer and brings with him a solid reputation in the insurance industry and a vast understanding of the product needs required to be successful.
South Western is also pleased to announce that Jodie Hallyburton will be working alongside O’Donoghue as an underwriter. According to the press release, Hallyburton brings a strong technical background and will be a great asset to South Western.
Restoration company promotes from within
Amber Walker has been promoted to branch manager in the On Side Restoration Red Deer, Alta. office.
Walker began her career at On Side as part of the contents crew in 2008, nurturing her talents in a variety of departments within the company including emergency response, drywall installation, customer service, technical support, as a project manager’s assistant and also in an accounts receivable and collections capacity. (continued.)
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“I’m excited to help On Side better serve the Red Deer area. I enjoy networking and maintaining relationships not only with professionals in the industry, but also with our many talented employees,” said Walker. “I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute. I will seek to continue developing our collaborative environment as I believe it will make our team stronger and more cohesive. This focus will ultimately drive our main goal to provide exceptional service for our customers.”
Having been involved in so many aspects of their business has given Walker the experience and knowledge needed to evolve into becoming the hands-on leader she now is for the Red Deer branch, said Vice President Western Canada, Doug Irwin.
“We’re sincerely pleased to have Amber step up to the plate and manage our Red Deer branch,” said Irwin. “She is someone who thrives in high-pressure situations and always strives to provide the highest level of customer service, an invaluable skill in our industry.”
