Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
As President of Commercial Insurance Associates, Will Denbo is focused on growing the company into a workplace of choice for its 150+ employees while ensuring Commercial Insurance Associates (CIA) remains a leading independent property and casualty insurance agency.
Denbo is passionate about building a culture where professionals thrive – whether by helping current team members chart long-term careers in insurance or by identifying and training the next generation of standout talent.
As a top-performing retail broker, Denbo attributes his success to the strength of the team behind him and CIA’s relationship-first approach. He works closely with clients to develop tailored risk management strategies that don’t just mitigate exposure – they drive EBITDA and support smarter business decisions. His deep understanding of client operations, paired with his belief in listening fully and empathetically, makes him a trusted advisor in complex, high-stakes industries.
Denbo is on a mission to keep independent brokerages thriving because he believes it benefits both clients and employees alike. As CIA reaches its 23rd anniversary, he is committed to building its future for the next 20 and beyond.
Beyond CIA, he’s a proud girl dad, a supporter of Montgomery Bell Academy’s programs, and a fan of travel and wine (he’s still working on liking Bordeaux).
103 Powell Ct, Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 515-6000
wdenbo@com-ins.com
linkedin.com/in/william-denbo-455a9814
com-ins.com
Will Denbo
President
Commercial Insurance Associates
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2007–2008
2008–2016
2016–Present
2018–Present
2023–Present
Broker, Besso Limited
2007–2008
Principal, Commercial Insurance Associates (CIA)
2008–2016
Managing Partner, CIA
2016–Present
Insurance Business America’s Top Retail Broker List
2018–Present
2023–Present: President, CIA
Spearheaded company recapitalization plan to preserve its independent agency status and build a platform for future growth
Brought 12 producer employees into its member-owner ranks
2024: Insurance Journal Agent of the Year
2023–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
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
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
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.