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

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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

Don Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

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

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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

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