Winner: Life & Health Insurer of the Year

Medavie

Bernard Lord

Chief Executive Officer, Medavie

Stephen’s innovative and strategic approach has been the driving force behind BIG’s remarkable growth and success. Under his leadership, the company has experienced significant expansion, embraced cutting-edge technological innovations, and fostered a culture of excellence. BIG has also been recognized as a top insurance brokerage and employer, earning numerous accolades for growth and digital innovation. In 2021, Stephen was recognized as CEO of the Year by Insurance Business Canada. He was also included in Insurance Business’ Global 100 list in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Stephen Billyard

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As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Medavie Blue Cross Medavie Blue Cross (MBC) stands as a trailblazer in Canada’s life and health insurance landscape. With over 80 years of experience and a dedicated team of more than 2,800 professionals from Salmon Arm, BC, to St. John’s, NL, Medavie Blue Cross connects 3.8 million Canadians coast to coast with innovative care solutions. As Canada’s fourth-largest benefits provider* and the largest private administrator of federal government programs, Medavie Blue Cross has earned its reputation for excellence through groundbreaking products, unmatched service quality, and a forward-thinking approach to health and wellness. In recognition of its excellence, the company took centre stage at the 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards to accept the prestigious Life and Health Insurer of the Year award. Anita Swamy, Vice President of Operations, reflected on Medavie Blue Cross’s achievements and the significance of this win for the organization. “This is a huge honour for us at Medavie Blue Cross,” said Swamy. “Winning this award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering valuable solutions for our members.” Market leadership and innovation Medavie Blue Cross is reshaping the Canadian insurance landscape as the only fully integrated health, drug, and disability carrier with an in-house pharmacy benefit management (PBM) system. In 2023, the company achieved a remarkable 13.4 percent year-over-year growth in its group line of business, reflecting the market’s confidence in its solutions. In 2024, Medavie Blue Cross further solidified its leadership as the preferred contracted health and dental provider for Ontario hospitals. The company’s focus on innovation has produced industry-first solutions, such as Canada’s first menopause support benefit and an ADHD assessment and treatment service. These initiatives, along with Medavie Blue Cross’s early intervention programs for musculoskeletal and mental health disabilities, demonstrate Medavie Blue Cross’s commitment to improving access, affordability, and inclusivity in healthcare. Apart from its external impact, Medavie Blue Cross is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity in its workplace. As the first Canadian insurer to achieve Rainbow Registered status, Medavie Blue Cross is committed to creating safe and welcoming environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. A commitment to client satisfaction and social impact In addition to market innovation, Medavie Blue Cross showcases service excellence with world-class Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and a hands-on business model that provides seamless user experiences with no offshoring or outsourcing of core services. Members benefit from a vast credentialed healthcare network, AI-powered fraud detection, and advanced Step Therapy programs that optimally support access to care and plan sustainability. Through Connected Care, Medavie Blue Cross revolutionizes digital health by integrating virtual counselling, chronic disease management, and nutrition services, complemented by its updated member mobile app and member services portal. “Every day, our team strives to make an impact – what can they do differently today than they did yesterday, and what technology investments can we put in place to do more for our members,” Swamy shared, highlighting Medavie Blue Cross’s focus on continuous improvement. Beyond business, the Medavie Foundation invested more than $6.5 million in 2024 to support youth mental health, healthy living, and post-traumatic-stress initiatives. Partnering with over 130 organizations, Medavie Blue Cross embodies its mission to improve the well-being of Canadians. Reflecting on the company's outstanding year and Medavie Blue Cross’s win at the Insurance Business Canada Awards, Swamy expressed, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our teams and the tangible impact of their efforts. It fuels our passion to push forward – driving innovation, maintaining our competitive edge, and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.” *Public business included

Eric Laberge

President, Medavie Blue Cross

With extensive experience in sales, business development, and management, Cody has been a key driver of the brokerage’s national expansion. Cody joined BIG as Director of Business Development in 2017 where he was then promoted to Vice President in 2019 before being appointed COO in 2023. Under his direction, BIG has grown to over 1,200 employees and more than 80 branches across Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. This impressive growth has helped BIG secure recognition as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies and solidify its position as a leading brokerage.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Cody Douma

Ann Foran

Senior Vice President, Government Business, Medavie Blue Cross

With over two decades of expertise in business strategy, underwriting, and organizational development, Daniel leverages his experience to align BIG's Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Life & Financial divisions with a focus on innovation, excellence, and industry leadership. Prior to joining BIG in 2024, Daniel served as Senior Vice President of Hagerty’s Insurance Partners Group, where he led growth initiatives and managed a $167M USD portfolio. He also held leadership roles at Aviva Canada, including Vice President of Specialty Personal Insurance, overseeing a $1.2B portfolio serving 600,000 clients.

Chief Insurance Officer (CIO)

Daniel Ignoto

Stuart Murray has over 21 years of experience in the Australian financial services industry, specialising in credit assessment and mortgage underwriting. Prior to joining Brighten, Stuart was Head of Lending Australia and Responsible Manager at Resimac, where he was responsible for management of all aspects of Resimac’s Australian underwriting team. Prior to that, Stuart worked in mortgage credit assessment at St.George Bank and Bluestone Mortgages.

Head of Credit

Stuart Murray

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David Adams

Senior Vice President, Insurance Business, Medavie Blue Cross

Anita Swamy

Senior Vice President, Operations, Medavie Blue Cross

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