Topic HR
The diversity and inclusion statement that hit home for Intact’s management team
December 9, 2020 by Jason ContantIntact Financial Corporation was holding focus groups on diversity and inclusion a few months ago, when a young manager of colour shared her experience with the insurer’s senior management. “She gave an example to us, which struck most of the…
Who is funding many of these insurance mergers
December 4, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe industry continues to consolidate and pension funds are one major source of capital for insurers, a Montreal-based merger and acquisition expert observes. “One or two notable [carrier M&A] transactions per year has slowly transformed the Canadian landscape, including the…
Insurer CFOs share personal experiences dealing with cybercriminals
December 1, 2020 by Jason ContantAbout two years ago, Northbridge Financial Corporation’s chief financial officer Craig Pinnock received an email purportedly from Northbridge CEO Silvy Wright requesting help with a wire transfer. “Silvy’s name’s there, Silvy’s signature, so I fire back quickly, ‘Sure, no problem.…
The best way for brokers to add talent
December 1, 2020 by Adam MalikInternal referrals made by successful employees are the top way brokerages are finding quality talent to add to their ranks, attendees of a recent webinar panel heard. When asked to discuss what strategies worked best to find talent, the three…
Auditor general says N.S. slow to act on cybersecurity amid increasing risk
December 1, 2020 by The Canadian PressHALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s auditor general says the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the need for more robust cybersecurity and anti-fraud measures as government employees are forced to work remotely. However, he says the provincial government isn’t working fast enough to…
The financial benefits of improving diversity and inclusion
November 26, 2020 by Jason ContantImproving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in insurance companies has a positive impact on the business above and beyond compliance and the reputation of the organization, speakers said recently at a virtual industry event. Some of the benefits include better talent…
How COVID-19 workplace risk advice has evolved
November 26, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAs the pandemic enters its ninth month, risk managers are seeing more emphasis on the length of conversations and the importance of wearing proper masks. “The key thing now is the length of contact with somebody else. Right now, if…
On the hunt for talent? Try looking in these places
November 25, 2020 by Adam MalikIf that restaurant server’s customer service stood out to you, maybe they’d be successful working in insurance. That’s one suggestion a brokerage leader gave at a recent convention as a way to find talent from other industries to fill needs…
The case for using data for diversity and inclusion in senior ranks
November 25, 2020 by Jason ContantInsurance companies are used to collecting data, but they need to do a better job of using data around race and gender to build diversity and inclusion in their senior ranks, speakers said Tuesday at KPMG’s 2020 Insurance Conference. Insurers…
Where The Guarantee Company’s CEO landed after Intact acquisition
November 18, 2020 by Greg MeckbachStephen Ruschak, who led The Guarantee Company of North America at the time it was acquired by Intact Financial Corp., is now working for Arch Capital Group Ltd. Bermuda-based Arch Capital announced Tuesday that Ruschak is now executive vice president…
Swiss Re’s new head of P&C client markets in Canada
November 16, 2020 by David GambrillAgis Kitsikis has been appointed as Swiss Re’s new head of P&C client markets for Canada and the English Caribbean, effective immediately. He succeeds Stefan Behr, who recently accepted the position as Swiss Re’s head of business development for Europe,…
The price you pay for a lack of diversity
November 5, 2020 by Adam MalikIf your brokerage lacks diversity, you may not only be missing out on growth opportunities, but you also are setting yourself up for bad hires, bad decision-making, and reputational harm, a keynote speaker recently told Ontario brokers. Organizations lacking diversity…