Headquarters:

105 Adelaide Street West, Suite 700, Toronto, ON

Year founded:

1862

Number of employees:

1,900

Phone:

1 855 620 6262

Email:

info@nbfc.com

Website:

careers.nbfc.com

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/company/northbridge-financial-corporation

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Silvy Wright

President and Chief Executive Officer

Harold Weckworth

Senior Vice President, People and Culture

Craig Kozlowski

Chief Information and Technology Officer

Leadership

Silvy Wright has served as president and CEO of Northbridge Financial Corporation since May 2011. Prior to this role, she served as CEO of Markel Insurance. Under her leadership, four separate insurance companies were successfully brought together under one strong Northbridge operating group. Today, Northbridge Financial’s brands – Northbridge Insurance and Federated Insurance – leverage combined talent and capabilities, and successfully operate through distinct distribution channels.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Silvy Wright

Harold Weckworth is Northbridge Financial’s Senior Vice President of People & Culture. With over 25 years of experience, he is passionate about creating exceptional employee experiences to build culture and achieve success. Harold joined Northbridge in 2005, and has since contributed to various initiatives to engage, motivate, and retain employees. He stepped into his current role in 2022, and his priority is keeping Northbridge’s special culture alive by prioritizing employees, encouraging collaboration, and driving positive change. Harold has his Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation, his Bachelor of Administration Studies from York University, and also holds a Diploma in Human Resources from Algonquin College.

Senior Vice President, People and Culture

Harold Weckworth

Craig Kozlowski leads Western’s national technology team, overseeing AI innovation, cybersecurity, IT service delivery, and more. With over 30 years of technology leadership in both private and public sectors, he joined Western in 2018. Kozlowski is dedicated to advancing Western’s strategic plan and delivering a modern customer and user experience, consistently guiding teams to operational success across diverse industries.

Chief Information and Technology Officer

Craig Kozlowski

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Jonathan Hoey

Chief Underwriting Officer

Jonathan Hoey, chief underwriting officer, brings over 20 years of insurance leadership to Western Financial Group. He leads underwriting and claims strategy, optimizing carrier partnerships and empowering high-performing teams. Hoey is recognized for his collaborative, integrity-driven leadership and has expanded Western’s delegated authority and specialty program capabilities, driving strategic growth and strengthening the company’s competitive edge across Canada.

Chief Underwriting Officer

Jonathan Hoey

Nicky Skinner

Business Development Manager

Nicky Skinner, based in Christchurch, was honoured as NZ Adviser’s BDM of the Year. With over 20 years of banking experience – including roles as bank manager, private banker and senior lender – she brings deep expertise to her work. Skinner supports mortgage advisers with product knowledge and deal presentation skills, focusing on building strong, trusted relationships. Her collaborative approach and dedication make her a valued resource, consistently praised for her guidance and support in helping advisers achieve outstanding client outcomes.

Business Development Manager

Nicky Skinner

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

Sarah Radonich

Third Party Support Manager

Steph Leeson

Business Development Manager

Margaret Leau-Sulusi

Business Development Manager

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Sarah Radonich is a third party support manager (relief BDM) at Westpac, building strong relationships with mortgage advisers across New Zealand. With 15 years of banking experience, she supports a wide range of regions and communities, working alongside a team of experienced BDMs. Radonich is known for her responsiveness, collaboration and focus on delivering efficient, results-driven experiences for advisers and their clients, always striving for the best possible outcomes.

Third Party Support Manager

Sarah Radonich

Steph Leeson immigrated from the UK 14 years ago and began her Westpac career as a specialist lender. Now a business development manager, she supports mortgage advisers across Auckland and Northland, offering expert guidance and support. Leeson is highly regarded for her lending knowledge, responsiveness and collaborative approach. Her dedication was recognised nationally as a finalist for the 2025 NZ Adviser BDM of the Year award, reflecting her impact within the third party channel.

Business Development Manager

Steph Leeson

Margaret Leau-Sulusi brings over 20 years of banking experience to her role as business development manager, having started with Westpac in 2005. Her background includes lending support, senior lending roles and branch management. Leau-Sulusi partners closely with mortgage advisers, providing product expertise and strategic guidance to drive strong client outcomes. Known for her collaborative style and responsiveness, she is passionate about building trusted relationships and delivering customer-focused results.

Business Development Manager

Margaret Leau-Sulusi

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

“We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly”

Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand

“We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals”

Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand

Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

At Northbridge Financial Corporation (NBFC), 97 percent of employees say working there is a positive experience. Insurance Business Canada named the company a Top Insurance Employer for 2025. That consistency over seven years reflects a workplace built on purpose, belonging, and care. The company’s people-first philosophy runs through everything it does, from customer service to leadership development. Northbridge’s culture rests on three guiding principles. It is a people-first company. It succeeds as a team. And it cares to make a difference. Every employee is encouraged to bring their full self to work, contribute meaningfully, and collaborate in ways that create lasting value. Leadership reinforces that commitment every day. Harold Weckworth, Senior Vice President, People and Culture, says, “We know that great leadership, including a willingness to connect and be open, starts at the top.” That openness includes a program where employees can sign up for casual conversations with President and CEO Silvy Wright. These one-on-one conversations build trust and give employees a direct route to leadership. As a leading Canadian commercial insurer with a reputation built on partnership and reliability, Northbridge’s service approach focuses on responsiveness and accountability. Ninety-two percent of the time, claims receive adjuster contact within three business hours, which helps customers move quickly and with confidence. The company’s Net Promoter Score is 66, above the industry benchmark of 51, and that gap reflects timely response and follow-through. Northbridge’s success is tied to how it invests in its people. Its compensation model combines competitive pay, performance-based rewards, and regular market reviews that recognize both corporate and individual results. The launch of NBFC University in 2025 marked an important step forward in employee development. The program offers in-person and online courses across a wide range of disciplines, from leadership and mentoring to underwriting and rotation opportunities. Employees have clear pathways to learn, grow, and advance their careers. Northbridge plans to expand NBFC University with new faculties and more online courses to support continuous learning across all stages of career growth. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the company’s identity. Northbridge engages employees through panels, educational events, and celebrations connected to initiatives such as Women’s History Month and Black History Month. It also conducts an annual DEI survey and collects voluntary demographic data to guide future programs and strengthen equity within policies and practices. Employee resource groups provide further visibility and support across the organization. Retention figures confirm the strength of its culture. The voluntary turnover rate stands at 6.6 percent, with average tenure reaching nine years, well above the industry norm. Its Inclusion Index climbed from 79 percent in 2021 to 87 percent in 2024, showing continuous progress in engagement and belonging. Northbridge runs a Workplace Pulse Survey twice a year to help track and respond to employee feedback. In addition, its employee Net Promoter Score has climbed from 74 to 85 percent, showing how listening and taking action help build lasting engagement. The same proactive mindset that defines its customer relationships also drives how it supports employees. That philosophy extends to its people through an expanded suite of well-being programs, including virtual healthcare, digital pharmacy access, mental health supports, and family consultations.

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

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Benefits

Compensation

Culture

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Innovation

Reputation

Sustainable programs

Overall

Resourcing has been treated as a deliberate lever for growth. ANZ has expanded assessor teams, trained them to combine technical expertise with empathy, and equipped them with the market knowledge to make faster, more reliable decisions. Advisers depend on turnaround times that meet client expectations. “We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals,” says Hayley Burgess, ANZ head of mortgage adviser distribution. “We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly.” People development follows the same philosophy. New hires are chosen for both skill and attitude, and training goes beyond technical proficiency. Programs cover credit assessment, economic literacy and client engagement, with equal weight on empathy and communication. Advisers often work with clients under stress, and ANZ expects its people to balance expertise with human understanding.