FEATURED WINNER

The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia

“I had a picture of a house, and the house was Premiere Mortgage Centre”

Kerri Reed, Premiere Mortgage Centre

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EXCELLENCE AWARDEE: Underwriting Agency of the Year

https://www.mutualfirebc.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mutualfireinsurance/

info@mutualfirebc.com

6048811250

Langley, BC, Canada

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WINNER: P&C Insurer of the Year

The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia

Darin Lord Nessel

President and Chief Executive Officer

As President and CEO, Darin Lord Nessel provides direction and leadership to the executive team at Mutual Fire Insurance. Darin guides the company toward successfully implementing long- and short-term strategic goals and acts as the direct liaison between the board of directors and management. Darin is actively involved in the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and the Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (CAMIC), representing MFI among other Canadian and American members in the areas of insurance advocacy and education.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Darin Lord Nessel

www.facebook.com/primerica

@primerica

Robin Barham

Leadership

1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua

Ben Webster

Co-founder and Head of Product

Leadership

Ben Webster, co-founder of AGILE, is also the driving force behind other successful insurtechs like Insured by Us and SanctionsCheck.co. With decades of experience in founding and scaling remote-first companies across multiple time zones, Ben has mastered the art of managing diverse skill sets. He is also a co-founder of Insurtech Australia, further cementing his reputation as a key industry influencer. His multifaceted experience in both traditional insurance and technological innovation makes him a unique asset to AGILE.

Co-founder and Head of Product

Ben Webster

Nick Goritsas is a seasoned insurance executive with over 30 years in the field, focusing on operational and financial improvements. He previously served as CFO and head of risk management at W.R. Berkley Insurance Australia and was the founding CFO at DUAL Australia. As the APRA Alternate Agent in Australia for W.R. Berkley, Nick brought an extra layer of compliance and risk mitigation to the table. His proficiency in finance and risk management provides AGILE with a strategic advantage in these critical areas.

Co-founder and Group CFO

Nick Goritsas

Robin Barham brings over 30 years of industry experience to AGILE, having honed his skills at Lloyd’s Syndicates in London and Australia. Starting out in Marine and Aerospace underwriting, he later assumed management roles focusing on A&H, Property, Casualty and Financial Lines. His former positions include underwriting manager at Catlin Australia, regional director at Arch Underwriting at Lloyd’s (Australia), and MD at StarStone Underwriting Australia. Robin’s extensive background adds unparalleled underwriting expertise to AGILE’s leadership team.

Co-founder and CEO

Robin Barham

Co-founder and CEO

Robin Barham

@Primerica

Robin Barham

Co-founder and CEO

Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community. At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.

Nick Goritsas

Co-founder and Group CFO

Co-founder and CEO

receive appropriate coverage for the lowest cost, freeing up cash flow to direct toward savings, investments, and debt reduction. This approach, grounded in practical financial education, has resonated strongly with Canadians facing economic uncertainty and rising living costs. The company’s impact is evident in its market presence. In 2024, Primerica Canada surpassed $150 billion in life insurance face amount in force, ranking among the top 10 life insurers in the country by OSFI data. It issued $15.9 billion in term life insurance and paid more than $170 million in benefits to Canadian policyholders, underscoring its leadership in protection and its commitment to standing beside families in their most critical moments. Primerica Canada’s value proposition is equally defined by service excellence. Its call centre consistently targets a competitive 20-second response time, ensuring fast, friendly, human support. The company’s claims performance is a particular point of pride: in the last fiscal year, 84 percent of claims were processed within 14 days and 96 percent within 30 days, offering timely financial relief when it matters most. In 2025, Primerica Canada further enhanced this experience with the introduction of a dedicated claims portal for representatives, enabling electronic submission of claims and real-time status updates, blending efficiency with transparency. A thoughtfully expanded product shelf supports this service model. A new distribution agreement with Canada Life added a carefully curated selection of segregated funds that balance growth potential, guarantees, and creditor protection. These offerings complement Primerica Canada’s core term life and investment solutions and are bolstered by the Enhance program, which provides additional protection through critical illness, disability, travel medical, dental, and business overhead expense coverage. Together, these solutions enable representatives to craft well-rounded financial strategies tailored to the needs of the cohort the company serves: middle-income families. Education remains central to Primerica Canada’s identity. Clients receive a complimentary financial needs analysis that covers budgeting, debt management, protection, and savings strategies, delivered through one-on-one consultations that demystify complex financial concepts. Internally, the company invests heavily in training so representatives maintain up-to-date product knowledge and can provide clear, practical advice. This commitment is mirrored in “The Primerica Way,” a values framework introduced in 2025 that emphasizes purpose, integrity, faith, family, and freedom, and guides how employees and independent representatives serve clients and support one another. Beyond its core business, Primerica Canada demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility, supporting nearly 20 charitable organizations annually and amplifying conversations about the value of financial advice through initiatives like its Financial Security Monitor survey and thought leadership events. By uniting disciplined market performance, client-first product design, responsive claims service, and a deeply rooted culture of education and values, Primerica Canada is a beacon for what excellence in the insurance industry should look like. 

Jason Christopherson

Chief Financial Officer

After studying at the University of Calgary, Jason Christopherson’s bachelor of accounting science degree and Chartered Professional Accountant designation led to various finance leadership roles in retail, the restaurant industry, and BC’s own Pacific National Exhibition. Jason joined Mutual Fire Insurance in 2009 as Chief Financial Officer. After joining MFI, Jason obtained his Associate in Reinsurance designation, complementing his role in reinsurance placement and relationship management. As CFO, Jason is responsible for strategic finance initiatives, investment management, and regulatory management at Mutual Fire Insurance. Jason provides direction to the finance and human resources leaders, working closely with them to achieve company targets.

Chief Financial Officer

Jason Christopherson

Ben Webster

Co-founder and Head of Product

Ben Webster

Clare Stewart

Chief Operations Officer

Nick Goritsas

Co-founder and Group CFO

Nick Goritsas

As the Chief Operations Officer, Clare Stewart oversees the entire day-to-day operations at Mutual Fire Insurance. Throughout her career in insurance, she has held several senior leadership roles including contact centre management, sales, underwriting, and business development. Each role provided her with valuable experience which she draws on to this day as a leader at MFI. Clare’s passion for insurance is evident in her deep knowledge and contagious energy for understanding perils and how to protect policyholders. In partnership with the company’s legal team, Clare wrote, developed, and launched the innovative farm product Mutual FarmPROTECT™, a forward-thinking fresh approach to better protect Canadian farmers. This significant achievement marks the first major product launch for the company and cements MFI as an industry leader in farm insurance.

Chief Operations Officer

Clare Stewart

Christine Young began her insurance career at a small, family-owned and -operated brokerage in Surrey, BC. As the preferred agency in the town centre of Cloverdale, Christine was part of the go-to team for the community’s insurance needs. Her experience there established her roots in the community and fuelled her passion to help others. After the agency sold, Christine joined the insurance division of a large provincial credit union in a senior leadership role. Over the years, Christine has held various roles in senior management, underwriting, and internal and external training; the latter being her greatest passion. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Christine oversees Mutual Fire Insurance’s partner relationships, social media presence, and company marketing, among many other small details that keep MFI connected to members and broker partners. Her passionate team shares corporate values outside the walls of MFI, establishing and nurturing relationships with key partners across all lines of business and in the community.

Chief Marketing Officer

Christine Young

Chris Meaker has over 21 years of experience in the finance industry with a focus on lending, business development and sales management. Prior to joining Brighten, he worked for La Trobe Financial, where he was an Executive General Manager and Head of Origination Channels. Previously, he worked for Pepper Financial Services Group as State Manager and Senior Business Development Manager.

Head of Distribution

Chris Meaker

Craig Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Co-founder and Group CFO

Nick Goritsas

BACK TO COMM GUIDE

www.youtube.com/primerica

@primerica

Founded in 1902, Mutual Fire Insurance (MFI) proudly holds the distinction of being the first mutual insurance company headquartered in British Columbia. Our roots trace back to the vision and determination of 44 Fraser Valley farmers and business owners who sought affordable fire insurance for their communities. Today, that spirit of collaboration continues as we deliver comprehensive insurance solutions for farms, businesses, homes, and more. As a stable and profitable mutual insurer, MFI offers a unique dual policyholder structure. Policyholders have the option to become members, which provides exclusive benefits such as discounted Residential Equipment Breakdown coverage on qualifying homes, voting rights on company resolutions, and the potential for premium refunds or discounts as declared by our board of directors. At MFI, we take pride in safeguarding what matters most. Our commitment extends beyond policies as we provide peace of mind and steadfast support to the communities we serve.

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.

Christine Young

Chief Marketing Officer

Jamie Ugarte, PMP

Senior Vice President, Business Solutions