FEATURED WINNER
Westland Insurance
“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
EXCELLENCE AWARDEE:
Underwriting Agency of the Year
https://www.westlandinsurance.ca
info@westlandinsurance.ca
info@westlandinsurance.ca
(604) 543-7788
9850 King George Blvd Unit #1500, Surrey, BC V3T 0P9
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WINNER:
The Burns & Wilcox Award for Big Brokerage of the Year (100 staff or more)
Westland Insurance
Jamie Lyons
President and Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Jamie Lyons oversees Westland’s vision and strategy. Formerly President & COO at Westland and holding an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, he brings a wealth of insurance and industry knowledge to the company. Prior to joining Westland in 2016, Jamie was a reinsurance broker and executive, having spent 13 years with Guy Carpenter & Company (part of Marsh McLennan Companies) in Toronto, New York, and London. Jamie values Westland’s entrepreneurial, family-oriented culture and its passionate and committed employees. He’s motivated to deliver best-in-class customer experience and develop Westland as a leading Canadian broker with a national presence.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jamie Lyons
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
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
@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.
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.
Keri Fraser
Chief People Officer
Keri Fraser, CPO, is responsible for all people-related aspects of Westland. Keri develops and oversees programs that ensure the company attracts, develops, and engages its talented employees. A Certified Professional iIn Human Resources (CPHR), Keri brings over 20 years of experience in high-growth organizations. Keri values Westland’s kind and entrepreneurial culture. She is excited about implementing new, innovative technologies to support great employee experiences, satisfaction, and engagement.
Chief Financial Officer
Keri Fraser
Ben Webster
Co-founder and Head of Product
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
Don Thompson
Chief Operating Officer
Nick Goritsas
Co-founder and Group CFO
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
As COO, Don Thompson brings his extensive experience leading and strategically growing large national insurance organizations to his oversight of Westland’s operations. A CPA with over 30 years of experience, Don has spent the last four years as EVP Insurance, helping the company build its platform nationally and expand its presence across the country, including oversight of Westland’s insurer partnerships, digital brokerage Westland Express, in-house underwriting, claims and MGA business, as well as the most significant business and technology transformation in the company’s history. Don appreciates the humble, family-oriented, and collaborative culture at Westland. As COO, he’s enthused about executing on the full potential of Westland’s vision and strategic pillars.
Chief Operating Officer
Don Thompson
As EVP Distribution, Tim Mackie oversees Westland’s national personal lines strategy and retail operations, sales and marketing. He holds an executive MBA from Queen’s University and is a certified insurance professional. With an active involvement in his own community, Tim appreciates the value that Westland places on its clients, employees, and broader community. Tim is excited about the company’s growth plans and the benefits that will accrue as Westland implements new and improved technologies.
EVP, Distribution
Tim Mackie
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
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
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www.youtube.com/primerica
@primerica
@primerica
Westland Insurance: Canada’s most trusted and best-reviewed insurance brokerage
From humble beginnings in 1980 as a single-family-owned brokerage in Ladner, BC, Westland Insurance has grown into one of Canada’s most trusted and community-rooted insurance partners with leading client reviews. What started as a small local office has evolved into a national brokerage serving hundreds of thousands of Canadians – yet the spirit of personalized, neighbour-to-neighbour service remains at the heart of everything Westland does.
With more than 70,000 Google reviews and a 4.8-star national rating, Westland has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional service and real peace of mind. Clients consistently share how Westland advisors take the time to listen, understand their needs, and provide clear, confident guidance. That client-first approach is one of the reasons Westland remains one of the highest-reviewed insurance brokerages in the country.
As one of Canada’s largest insurance brokers, Westland offers a rare combination of national strength and deep local expertise. Its advisors serve individuals and businesses across personal and commercial insurance, benefits and life, private client services, group programs, and digital solutions. The company also brings specialized knowledge to industries like construction, realty, agriculture, transportation, and entertainment. This full 360- degree capability means clients can rely on a single, trusted partner who understands their world and can support them as their needs grow and change.
Westland’s investment in technology further enhances the client experience. Platforms like Acturis and Genesys help streamline communication, improve accuracy, and create a seamless service journey from quote to claim. Yet technology never replaces the human connection at Westland. Instead, it plays a supporting role – freeing advisors to focus on what matters most: helping clients feel protected, supported, and informed.
Behind every client interaction is a strong people-first culture. Westland has been recognized with multiple national employer awards, reflecting a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and encouraged to bring their full selves to the job. Team members benefit from mentorship programs, strong leadership accessibility, and active employee resource groups that foster belonging and purpose. This positive culture directly shapes the client experience – happy, engaged advisors create exceptional service.
Community commitment is also embedded in Westland’s identity. Guided by its mission to become Canada’s favourite insurance broker, the company invests heavily in insurance literacy, seasonal preparedness education, and local giving. In 2025 alone, Westland donated more than $700,000 to community organizations, charities, and environmental initiatives across the country. Whether it’s supporting youth programs, conservation efforts, or local volunteerism, Westland believes in helping communities thrive.
As the company continues to grow – through both innovation and strategic acquisitions – its focus remains clear: enhance the client experience, expand expertise, and deliver the highest standard of care in the industry.
Today, Westland stands as one of Canada’s most reputable, trusted, and best-reviewed insurance brokers – a national leader built on expertise, heart, and an unwavering commitment to helping Canadians feel confident about their future.
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.
Tim Mackie
EVP, Distribution
Jamie Ugarte, PMP
Senior Vice President,
Business Solutions
Kanaris Paraskevopoulos
Chief Information Officer
Jason Wubs
Executive Chair
As CIO, Kanaris Paraskevopoulos supports Westland’s technology goals while staying grounded in service to the company’s people, clients, and communities. He holds a degree in electronic systems engineering from the University of Regina and is widely recognized as an active contributor to the tech community. Kanaris brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, including nearly two decades in the insurance industry. He regularly advises local entrepreneurs on business strategy and technology, helping to foster innovation and growth. Kanaris’ focus is on simplifying core systems, making data-driven decisions easier, and enabling innovation that supports Westland’s strategy at every level.
Chief Information Officer
Kanaris Paraskevopoulos
As Head of M&A and Strategic Initiatives, Jason Wubs holds a key role at Westland Insurance. He is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the company’s long-term strategies, including plans to expand across Canada. Jason holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University and brings over 30 years of business leadership and insurance expertise to his position. He previously served as CEO of Westland for 15 years, during which time the organization grew significantly. Jason has also been an instrumental figure in fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values the diversity and equity of both its employees and clients. With his extensive experience and strategic vision, Jason and the senior leadership team will help drive the company’s continued growth and success as they work to become Canada’s favourite insurance broker.
Executive Chair
Jason Wubs
Christine Young
Chief Marketing Officer
Christine Young
Chief Marketing Officer
As CIO, Kanaris Paraskevopoulos supports Westland’s technology goals while staying grounded in service to the company’s people, clients, and communities. He holds a degree in electronic systems engineering from the University of Regina and is widely recognized as an active contributor to the tech community. Kanaris brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, including nearly two decades in the insurance industry. He regularly advises local entrepreneurs on business strategy and technology, helping to foster innovation and growth. Kanaris’ focus is on simplifying core systems, making data-driven decisions easier, and enabling innovation that supports Westland’s strategy at every level.
Chief Information Officer
Kanaris Paraskevopoulos
As CIO, Kanaris Paraskevopoulos supports Westland’s technology goals while staying grounded in service to the company’s people, clients, and communities. He holds a degree in electronic systems engineering from the University of Regina and is widely recognized as an active contributor to the tech community. Kanaris brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, including nearly two decades in the insurance industry. He regularly advises local entrepreneurs on business strategy and technology, helping to foster innovation and growth. Kanaris’ focus is on simplifying core systems, making data-driven decisions easier, and enabling innovation that supports Westland’s strategy at every level.
Chief Information Officer
Kanaris Paraskevopoulos
Tim Mackie
EVP, Distribution
Don Thomson
Chief Operating Officer
As EVP Distribution, Tim Mackie oversees Westland’s national personal lines strategy and retail operations, sales and marketing. He holds an executive MBA from Queen’s University and is a certified insurance professional. With an active involvement in his own community, Tim appreciates the value that Westland places on its clients, employees, and broader community. Tim is excited about the company’s growth plans and the benefits that will accrue as Westland implements new and improved technologies.
EVP, Distribution
Tim Mackie
As CIO, Kanaris Paraskevopoulos supports Westland’s technology goals while staying grounded in service to the company’s people, clients, and communities. He holds a degree in electronic systems engineering from the University of Regina and is widely recognized as an active contributor to the tech community. Kanaris brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, including nearly two decades in the insurance industry. He regularly advises local entrepreneurs on business strategy and technology, helping to foster innovation and growth. Kanaris’ focus is on simplifying core systems, making data-driven decisions easier, and enabling innovation that supports Westland’s strategy at every level.
Chief Information Officer
Kanaris Paraskevopoulos