Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Maryse R. Rivard has been at the forefront of transformative changes in Quebec's insurance brokerage network. She initiated the implementation of several programs that aimed to bring positive changes to the insurance brokerage network in Quebec.
Her noteworthy achievements include the establishment of a round table to refine profit-sharing clauses, strong advocacy for legislative changes ensuring brokerage network independence, and efforts to facilitate access to central files. Maryse is also involved in some initiatives, such as the Demano Referral Platform, which helped the brokerage market network share recover, the Technological Transition Subsidy, and the Cyber Insurance Program for Brokerage Firms.
Maryse also helped organize a pan-Canadian event in Synex Power Girl organization celebrating female leaders. She created a mentorship program for the next generation of leaders while managing a business portfolio exceeding $16 million. She also served as an ambassador for a charitable organization aiding the vulnerable.
Her journey as a determined Woman of Influence has navigated challenges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing successful women and advocating for gender-neutral practices, as reflected in their company's equal pay policy.
Maryse noted that the evolving landscape has seen an increase in female role models, with gender not hindering their career advancement. Her journey symbolizes a collective commitment to progress in the insurance industry.
Québec, Canada
418 580 1087
info@synexcorp.com
linkedin.com/in/maryse-rivard-548aa343
synexcorp.com
Maryse R. Rivard
Vice President, Public Relations and Property and Casualty Insurance Broker
Synex Insurance
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“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
1983–1993
1993 - 2003
2021
2022–2023
Present
1983–1990: Manager at Bernard and Vadnais Agency – creation and teaching insurance program
1987–1992: Teacher at ST-Hyacinthe College – creation and teaching insurance program
1990–1993: Assistant, Commercial Damage Insurance
1983–
1993
Damage Insurance Broker at Ducharme Fortier
1993 - 2003
Best Broker Canadian Broker Network
2021
President at Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d'assurance du Québec (RCCAQ)
2022–
2023
Broker, Commercial Damage Insurance since 1983
Damage Insurance Broker at Synex Assurance Deslauriers since 2003
President at Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d'assurance du Québec (RCCAQ) since 2022
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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