Topic Management
Some brokers say they face workplace discrimination
April 8, 2022 by Philip PoradoCanada likes to see itself as a leader in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). And while it may be ahead of certain countries, some Canadian brokerage industry employees said they have faced various forms of workplace discrimination.…
Try this strategy for better employee retention
April 4, 2022 by Jason ContantOne underrated way to keep employees on board is to give them the flexibility and resources they need to pursue their out-of-work passions, says a Harvard Business Review blog. Besides important considerations such as remote work and autonomy, better pay…
Claude Dussault to retire from Intact’s board
March 31, 2022 by Jason ContantClaude Dussault, chairman of the board of directors for Intact Financial Corporation (IFC), will retire at the end of his current term, although he will stay on in different roles with the company, Canada’s largest property and casualty insurer said…
Hub adds to Canadian executive management team
March 10, 2022 by Jason ContantHub International has announced several promotions within Hub Canada’s senior management team. Barbara MacPhail (pictured above) has been promoted to executive vice president of strategic initiatives Canada, Terri Botosan (pictured top right) is now in the newly-created position of regional…
What BrokerLink looks for in an M&A deal
March 7, 2022 by Jason ContantBrokerLink looks at best practices when making an acquisition, recognizing that each deal is unique and doesn’t follow a boiler template, says the brokerage’s president, Joe D’Annunzio. “One of the things for us is we look at best practices,” D’Annunzio…
Large brokerage makes fourth acquisition in 2022
February 18, 2022 by Jason ContantNavacord Corp. is expanding its reach in northern Alberta with the addition of Stone Insurance Brokers. Based in Manning, Alta., Stone Insurance Brokers services clients across northern Alberta and British Columbia, specializing in forestry, farming, transportation and oil and gas. …
Reinsurance broker opens Montreal office
February 17, 2022 by Canadian Underwriter StaffGlobal reinsurance broker Gallagher Re has set up a Montreal branch led by new executive vice president Isabelle LaPalme. She will lead Gallagher Re’s expansion into Quebec and the French-speaking insurance community. LaPalme will work closely with colleagues in Toronto…
Canada’s most popular brokerage M&A models
January 24, 2022 by Jason ContantPrivate equity-backed brokerages that acquire 100% of a brokerage and then offer the ability to roll over some equity continue to be Canada’s most popular M&A model, but others are gaining traction, a P&C transaction advisor says. “While obtaining markets…
Looking to sell your brokerage? Here’s what to ask yourself first
January 21, 2022 by Jason ContantWhen it comes to selling your brokerage, timing is everything. Principals considering selling their brokerage should always ask themselves when is the best time to exit in terms of career and family situation, and then work backwards to plan from…
Three ways to upskill your workers
January 19, 2022 by Jason ContantCompany leaders should constantly identify recurring themes in employee feedback and surveys, congregate that data, and then determine upskilling options for talent development, a recent blog from Harvard Business Review says. Upskilling is a longer-term investment in augmenting the knowledge,…
Steps to improve talent recruiting efforts
December 13, 2021 by Jason ContantA few relatively simple changes can make a big difference in recruiting efforts for mid-size firms, two workforce management firms said in a recent blog. First, rewrite job postings and descriptions to emphasize the benefits of working for you instead of your specs…
Who is now leading Willis Towers Watson Canada
November 30, 2021 by Greg MeckbachLaura Samaroo (pictured, above) is the new Canadian region leader for Willis Towers Watson PLC, the Dublin-based brokerage announced Tuesday. Samaroo is based in Vancouver. She had been Willis Towers Watson’s Western Canadian market leader and Canada co-leader until being…