The Best Young Insurance Professionals Under 35 in Canada | Rising Stars 2023

“I like to share stories, and that helps build bridges and community; if you know you’re doing the right thing in your heart, other people appreciate your candor”
Desmond MarryshowChubb

Desmond Marryshow – inclusion and representation champion 

Chubb Canada, commercial underwriter 
Age: 34 

Marryshow’s peers regard him as the future of insurance, not only for his expertise at Chubb and industry association leadership but for his immense contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

His nominators commented:

• “As an active member of the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals, he always answers the call to volunteer, lift and lead the way for Black insurance professionals.”
   

• “Des is an active member of Chubb Pride Canada and speaks at 2SLGBTQ+ events about visibility and rights and promotes the insurance industry as an Insurance Institute of Canada career ambassador.” 
   

• “He is a phenomenal individual who goes out of his way to mentor insurance professionals, providing myself and others countless hours of guidance on our personal and professional lives.”

Driven by a desire to make the industry more inclusive and representative, Marryshow counts among his most significant accomplishments being appointed DE&I director with the Ontario Risk and Insurance Management Society. 

“For me, that’s huge because now I can be visible, showcase our industry and let people know there is a place here for them,” he explains.  

As a mentor, his emphasis on nurturing a sense of belonging and encouraging junior colleagues to be authentic has earned him widespread respect. Marryshow leads by example by sharing his experiences through storytelling, creating a safe and inclusive space for himself and his peers. 

“Speaking up and being visible has helped many people, and that’s what I want to continue to do,” he adds. “The impact I like to see is when others shine, can speak their mind and feel comfortable.” 

This skill is praised by industry expert Carnevale, “The ability to articulate a message is crucial. The smartest person in the world is useless if they can’t convince others to listen to them.” 

Marryshow’s other accomplishments since joining the industry in 2017 include:

• Multicultural (Re)Insurance Association (MRIA) junior board member
   

• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and Canadian Risk Management (CRM) holder

“There’s so much to learn in this industry; be curious, be a sponge and soak it all in; keep your foot on the gas and get involved”
Alexander ReiEchelon Insurance

Alexander Rei – passionate mentor

Echelon Insurance, business development manager 
Age: 30  

Rei is in his dream job where his dedication and excitement for the insurance industry radiates into all facets of his career. He is boosting his company’s growth and profitability and driving engagement with industry peers. 

Peers and clients praise his contributions:

• “His enthusiasm and passion for helping brokers are unparalleled compared to his peers, and his maturity and ability to connect with brokers are well above his age and experience in the business.”
   

• “Alex goes the extra mile for his brokers and works tireless hours fostering that relationship; I love his passion for the industry.”
   

• “I have never met anyone who cares more about providing the best service possible for their brokers and clients.”

Rei continuously strives to make a broader impact on the industry by sharing his knowledge and expertise. He’s become an Insurance Institute of Canada instructor, teaching CIP courses to help others succeed. 

“I can directly impact people in the industry, helping them to learn and get more technically proficient,” he explains. “I’m driven to be a part of people’s educational journey, and I’m committed to furthering my education in the field, as well.” 

As an ambassador and mentor with the Young Insurance Professionals of Toronto, he advises new professionals in the industry to get up to speed quickly. He is exuberant about passing on his business philosophy, which focuses on creating “unexpectedly spectacular moments” for clients. 

“It’s important for me to communicate that we have work to do toward adding value to the overall client experience, particularly as our industry continues to rely on technology and the automation of tasks.” 

Rei’s accreditations since joining the industry in 2011 include: 

• Commercial Insurance certificate
   

• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP)

“We have a lot of people with valuable institutional knowledge set to retire, spend time with those people and learn as much as you can”
Kelsey HazeltonRegistered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO)

Kelsey Hazelton – leader and educator

Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO), Investigator
Age: 28 

Finding her niche within the broker channel has inspired Hazelton to give back through teaching and education. 

She has attained vast knowledge and certifications, and her eagerness to expand her horizons has helped her develop leadership skills to grow in the broker channel, where she can make a more significant industry impact. 

“It’s rewarding, and giving back is the best part, especially the broker channel, which I love,” she explains. “I’m now in a position where I can share that knowledge with people who have no experience, in some cases, and lead them on the path to success on their exam and career.” 

Since joining the industry in 2016, Hazelton has achieved: 

• RIBO Level 1 Licensing Course Facilitator at the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
   

• appointed to the board of directors at the London Insurance Brokers Association
   

• attained CIP and CPIB designations, commercial insurance certificate 
   

• pursuing CMGA designation

“Being solutions-focused in this industry is huge,” she adds. “I’m very driven, in general, but especially when it comes to my job; I’m disciplined in what I’m doing and prioritize being a team player in this industry, which is all about relationships.” 

“Everybody has something to contribute, and there’s something to be learned from everyone, so be open to experiencing new things”
Connor ChowWestern Surety Company

Connor Chow – claims management trailblazer

Western Surety Company, national manager of construction projects and solutions 
Age: 29 

A background in construction and design has proven a natural fit for Chow. Working with some of the largest contractors allows him to visit project sites where he contributes significantly by solving commercial construction issues on a large scale. 

As one of only nine people in Canada to achieve professional Gold Seal-certified status, Chow is poised to continue blazing trails in national construction claims management. 

“I’ve built many relationships across the country with contractors and owners, helping them get their projects back on track,” he explains. “That contributes to the bigger picture as a surety company, in that we always want to contribute to the positive industry image of surety and that surety bonds are the best protection for contractors.” 

Since joining the industry in 2017, Chow has achieved:  

• MArch, MRAIC, BCM, P. GSC, AScT, PMP, and LEED AP BD+C
   

• Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs board member
   

• lead auditor for Technology Accreditation Canada, conducting audits of technical diploma programs 

His ability to review significant sums of information, convey essential information, and provide technical solutions has been instrumental in dispute resolution. 

It’s been a turbulent few years for the construction industry, with high interest rates, complex supply chains, and labour shortages. Chow’s strength in meeting adversity head-on means he is at the forefront as a crucial contributor in construction roles. 

“The market right now needs builders, dreamers and doers; we need people that are going to start solving problems,” he remarks. “I see myself continuing to lead in problem-solving and construction roles, and I’m looking forward to being a key contributor to the construction industry in any way I can.” 

The Best Young Insurance Professionals Under 35 in Canada | Rising Stars 2023  

• 
  Alexander Rei
  Business Development Manager, Ontario
  Echelon Insurance
   
  
• 
  Connor Chow
  National Manager, Construction Projects and Solutions
  Western Surety Company
   
  
• 
  Desmond Marryshow (Marécheau)
  Commercial Underwriter
  Chubb
   
  
• 
  Kelsey Hazelton
  Investigator
  Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO)
   
  
• 
  Lisa Fisher
  Assistant Vice President, National Distribution Manager
  Arch Insurance Canada
   
  
• 
  Lorne McDougall
  Vice President of Corporate Development and Operations
  McDougall Insurance Brokers
   
  
• 
  Yovan Bjegovich
  National General Adjuster
  Charles Taylor
   
  

• Agnes Dadura
  SR Personal Lines Advisor
  Long Lake Insurance
• Alexia Menard
  Underwriter
  CHES Solutions Spécialisées
• Andrei Belik
  AVP, Regulatory Affairs
  Aviva Canada
• Andrew Ostro
  CEO and Co-Founder
  PolicyMe
• Aneeza Ahmad
  Director of Marketing Department
  KASE Insurance
• Brandon Khamvongsa
  Quality Assurance Analyst
  Gore Mutual Insurance
• Brian Morison
  Operations and Underwriting Manager
  Aurora Underwriting Solutions
• Caitlin Bowie
  Senior Sales Consultant, Living Benefits
  RBC Insurance
• Candice Bergeron
  Internal Auditor
  Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
• Carmen Frustaci
  Underwriter, Agile Underwriting Solutions
  Burns & Wilcox
• Celina De Bruge
  Sales Manager
  APOLLO Insurance
• Chris Fennell
  Senior Underwriter
  Liberty Mutual Canada
• Daniel Pearson
  Business Development Manager
  Intact Insurance
• Dominic Gaudette
  Training Specialist Commercial Lines SME
  NFP Canada
• Eileen Devlin
  AVP Finance
  Sovereign Insurance
• Elizabeth Garvie
  Manager of Broking Administration
  Axis Insurance Managers
• Gage Miranda
  Personal Lines Sales Executive
  Munn Insurance
• Jacqueline Soong
  Certified Financial Planner, Technology Trainer
  Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network
• Joseph Hines
  Regional Practice Leader, Cyber – Atlantic Region
  Gallagher
• Jules Fazekas
  Team Leader, Client Solutions
  NFP Canada
• Kelsey Bill
  Commercial Account Specialist
  Beyond Insurance
• Kevin Dal Cin
  Business Intelligence Analyst
  Équité Association
• Lawrence Conmigo
  Director of Claims
  Intact Public Entities
• Lindsay Carter
  Client Liaison/Technical Service Representative
  Petley-Hare Insurance Brokers
• Louise Ngan
  Product Manager, Data Science
  Aviva Canada
• Marcus Crossdale
  Group Account Manager
  benefitsConnect
• Matthew Felato
  New Business Manager, Specialty Solutions
  Zensurance
• Megan Peters 
  Senior Underwriter 
  CNA Canada 
• Milan Kalra
  Insurance Broker 
  Billyard Insurance
• Nicole Rose
  Commercial Account Manager
  Cal LeGrow Insurance 
• Olivia Reed
  Director Affinity
  BMS Canada Risk Services
• Otis Wong
  Senior Vice President, Talent Acquisition
  RT Partners
• Rachel Cheong 
  Senior Business Development Representative
  HSB Canada
• Sarah Bacon
  Account Manager
  Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (Alberta)
• Simone Castanedo
  Claims Manager
  Echelon Insurance
• Sogol Mirkhani
  Transformation Lead, Claims
  SPG Canada
• Steve Beeston
  Portfolio Manager, Property Construction
  Volante Canada
• Sukhman Brar
  Team Lead, Personal Lines
  Armour Insurance Brokers
• Tariq Ba’Aqeel
  Senior Executive Director and Shareholder
  Experior Financial Group
• Trevor Way
  Partner
  Keyes Insurance
• Tyler Sartain
  Team Lead, Special Investigations Unit
  Northbridge Financial
• Wura Jawando
  Manager, ESG Disclosure & Reporting
  Gore Mutual Insurance
• Xiaotang Gao
  Data Analytics Consultant – Actuary
  CNA Canada

Methodology

Starting in April, Insurance Business Canada invited insurance professionals across the country to nominate their most exceptional young talent for the eighth annual Rising Stars list.  

Nominees had to be aged 35 or under (as of September 1, 2023) and be committed to a career in insurance with a clear passion for the industry. To maintain a focus on new talent, only nominees who hadn’t been previously recognized as a Rising Star (or Young Gun) were considered.  

Nominees were asked about their current role, key achievements and career goals, as well as the contributions they’ve made to shaping the industry. Recommendations from managers and senior industry professionals were also taken into account.  

The Top 50 Rising Stars were determined by an independent panel of industry leaders composed of: 

Dionne Bowers 
Vice Chair, Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals and Owner of DB Solutions  

Jody Lohr  
Director, Insurance Brokers Association of Canada and Vice President of Operations at Excel & Y Insurance Services  

Joseph Carnevale  
President, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario and Vice President of Sales at Gallagher  

Tisha Hamid  
Vice President, Young Insurance Professionals of Toronto and Client Service Manager - Surety at BFL Canada