Headquarters:
Vancouver, BC
Year founded:
1937
Number of employees:
535+
Phone:
1 877 532 6864
Email:
info@spgcanada.ca
Website:
spgcanada.ca
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/spgcanada
Cameron Copeland
President and Chief Executive Officer
Johann Schneider
Chief Operating Officer
Denise Russell
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Leadership
Cameron Copeland is the dynamic leader of Specialty Program Group Canada, the nation’s largest collective of specialty managing general underwriters (MGUs) in the property and casualty insurance sector. Renowned for his commitment to sustainability, he champions innovative carbon reduction initiatives and forges impactful partnerships with organizations such as EcoClaim and The Nature Force. His influence extends beyond business leadership; he also serves as a voting member of the Insurance Council of BC, helping to shape industry regulations. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Copeland holds an MBA from Queen’s University and prestigious credentials, including CPA, FCIP, and CRM designations.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cameron Copeland
Johann Schneider launched his insurance career in 1995 as an underwriting analyst at family insurance, where his impactful contributions helped transform the company into an industry innovator by the time he departed in 2002. He then advanced to vice president, underwriting and operations at a prominent BC retail brokerage, where he spearheaded the implementation of a new underwriting and policy management system, doubling commission income within four years. After the brokerage’s sale in 2006, Schneider founded i3 Underwriting, a new MGA. Today, he serves as chief operating officer of SPG Canada, continuing to drive operational excellence and industry innovation.
Chief Operating Officer
Johann Schneider
Denise Russell began her insurance career in 2006 as a personal lines underwriter but soon transitioned to business development – a field that truly ignited her passion. Over the years, she has honed her expertise in marketing and business operations, steadily advancing through senior business development roles with leading domestic insurers. Today, Russell serves as chief sales and marketing officer at Specialty Program Group Canada (SPGC), where she oversees marketing, advertising, and business development initiatives. Since joining Cansure in 2018 as VP of sales and marketing, she has also held the role of director, carrier relations, managing carrier and contract operations for Cansure, Beacon, and i3 Underwriting. Beyond her professional achievements, Russell has dedicated four years as communications chair on the board of the WICC BC Chapter and was honoured with the Insurance Brokers Association of BC’s Rising Star award in 2019.
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Denise Russell
Paul Meinschenk
President, Underwriting Operations
Chris Carr is senior vice president, special risk at Sutton Special Risk. Joining in 2010 after graduating from Queen’s University in chemical engineering, he advanced from underwriting assistant to senior vice president in 2018. Carr leads the special risk underwriting team, overseeing underwriting, pricing, business development, and account management for all product lines, including accident and dismemberment, disability, major medical, life, critical illness, and kidnap and ransom insurance.
President, Underwriting Operations
Paul Meinschenk
Christy Knowles
Chief People and Culture Officer
Christy Knowles joined SPGC in 2021 as director of human resources, bringing with her over 20 years of progressive human resources experience, including 10 years in the insurance environment. Her focus on HR operations, developing future leaders, and building an engaged, diverse, and inclusive culture has elevated SPGC as an Employer of Choice. Knowles’s dedication to fostering a positive workplace and her expertise in HR have made a significant impact on the organization’s culture and success.
Chief People and Culture Officer
Christy Knowles
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
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SPECIAL REPORT
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Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
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.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
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
“We are powered by a culture that rewards collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation”
Christy Knowles, SPG Canada
“We’re more than an insurance company; we’re a community of entrepreneurial specialists united by trust, collaboration, and a shared mission to deliver innovative solutions with speed, clarity, and care for our broker partners”
Christy Knowles, SPG Canada
In just a few years, SPG Canada has united some of the country’s most respected MGAs – Cansure, Beacon, Totten, Anderson McTague, and i3 Underwriting – under one national brand. The result is a business that combines entrepreneurial agility with the strength and stability of scale, supported by an award-winning, in-house claims division and a people-first culture that has earned it a reputation as one of the industry’s most admired employers.
SPG Canada operates on the belief that culture drives performance. “We’re more than an insurance company; we’re a community of entrepreneurial specialists united by trust, collaboration, and a shared mission to deliver innovative solutions with speed, clarity, and care for our broker partners,” says Christy Knowles.
The company’s national structure gives brokers streamlined access to niche expertise while preserving the responsiveness and personal touch that defined its early success.
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
Leaders have guided the transformation with transparency and consistency, from company-wide town halls and Q&A sessions to touchpoints that keep employees informed and valued. Recognition programs such as the annual turkey bonus, milestone tenure bonus, and birthdays off celebrate contributions both large and small, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose across the business.
The leadership team, headed by president and chief executive officer Cameron Copeland, has emphasized connection and empowerment. Chief operating officer Johann Schneider leads systems integration and transformation; president of P&C operations Paul Meinschenk oversees the alignment of underwriting brands; chief people and culture officer Christy Knowles champions engagement and development; and chief sales and marketing officer Denise Russell focuses on client experience and business growth. Together, they have built a leadership culture grounded in visibility, accountability, and trust.
Internally, the unification strategy has been a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. Shared systems and consistent service standards have strengthened operational efficiency while creating room for employees to develop their expertise.
Structured programs such as JumpStart, RAISE, and the advanced development course support learning at every career stage, complemented by external platforms such as Cornerstone and ILS.
The company’s performance philosophy goes beyond compensation. Total rewards are tied to impact, with recognition programs that highlight collaboration and contribution across all levels. From peer appreciation channels to education bonuses, employees are rewarded for both performance and teamwork.
SPG Canada’s commitment to inclusion runs deep. Diversity and equity are woven into everyday decisions rather than treated as a standalone initiative. Employee groups such as HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Excel), multicultural celebrations, and support for neurodiversity create an environment where everyone feels seen and heard.
As the company continues to evolve under a unified identity, it remains grounded in the belief that people power performance.
“We are powered by a culture that rewards collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation,” Christy Knowles adds. “Underwriters are encouraged to think creatively, act decisively, and take pride in solving complex risks.”
That combination of purpose and agility has made SPG Canada more than an Insurance Business Canada-recognized Top Insurance Employer for 2025. It has become a community of specialists working toward a shared vision, one where momentum, trust, and opportunity move in the same direction.