Jeff Higuchi
Summary
Dynamic leader with executive experience ready to drive impactful change. Proven ability to implement strategic initiatives and enhance operational performance. Valued for collaborative team leadership and adaptability to evolving business needs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Commercial Insurance and Business Development
Reinsurance Management Associates Inc. (RMA)
03.2025 - 07.2025
- Developed strategic planning initiatives to align with organizational goals by setting monthly/quarterly targets in both Underwriting & Business Development with regular touchpoints to monitor progress.
- Implemented operational efficiencies between underwriting and business development using high levels of collaboration between teams to remove unnecessary back and forth in the process delivery.
- Cultivated strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders such as our Operations Team, Brokers and Carriers through active listening and setting clear goals with quantifiable action plans to achieve success.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes on Program(s) & Open Market revenue, along with corresponding business development expenses for initiatives.
- Developed new commercial revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities such as additional specialty programs as well as forging new strategic partnerships to support existing program growth.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to build a strong culture of high performance and accountability via frequent "one on one" career development meetings setting clear expectations with measurable goals.
VP, New Business Development
Reinsurance Management Associates Inc. (RMA)
06.2022 - 03.2025
- Developed and executed sales strategies to increase market presence and revenue to drive business growth by increasing attendance at industry engagements, social media campaigns, sponsorships of associations, etc.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams (Underwriting & Operations) ensuring alignment with growth goals and objectives by promoting employee engagement and drawing from team member insights.
- Implemented monitoring process to manage performance metrics by engaging Operations with development of monitoring tool and engaging in CRM system - MS Dynamics for customer relationship management needs.
- Cultivated existing business relationships and delivered on new partnerships across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
- Provided mentoring to junior leaders, fostering professional development to further complement existing mentorship programs.
- Facilitated Executive Leadership Offsite engagements to drive stronger overall leadership within organization by providing specific topic workshops twice a year.
Business Development Advisor
Economical Insurance
04.2016 - 06.2022
- Developed strategic broker partnerships to enhance market presence and drive mutual profitable growth in Commercial Auto and Property & Casualty lines.
- Conducted market analysis to identify emerging trends and business opportunities typically by soliciting broker feedback and reviewing current industry publications.
- Evaluated competitive landscape, performance analytics through broker result reports to provide insights during annual business planning process.
- Proactively sought out potential clients through networking events, conferences and industry gatherings such as Broker Bash, IBAO and affiliate events.
- Identified new broker prospects and conducted due diligence in order to forward recommendations for appointment of new growth partnerships.
- Enhanced brand reputation by consistently being accessible, trustworthy and credible in the delivery of exceptional customer service in a highly competitive environment.
- Utilized Salesforce as a CRM platform to manage client portfolios and pipeline of new opportunity leads for underwriting review.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments such as Claims and Accounting to provide a centralized, strong broker experience when addressing concerns within other areas of the organization.
Underwriting Manager, Select Business Insurance
Travelers Canada
02.2004 - 01.2016
- Led a team of multi-line (Automobile and P&C) Commercial Underwriters in achieving underwriting profitability and growth goals.
- Provided ongoing mentorship, fostering professional growth and promoting a high performing culture with regular career discussion meetings.
- Responsible for overseeing underwriting compliance audits and adherence to underwriting/company standards via monthly/quarterly requirements reporting into Head Office Underwriting.
- Ensured efficient workflow management by establishing clear priorities and monitoring progress regularly with weekly/monthly touchpoint discussions.
- Built strong relationships with brokers, providing exceptional customer service through solution oriented approach to business transactions by making decisions based on case merit.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
McMaster University
HamiltonChartered Insurance Professional (CIP)
Insurance Institute
TorontoSkills
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Results-driven
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Presentation facilitation
Timeline
VP, Commercial Insurance and Business Development
Reinsurance Management Associates Inc. (RMA)
03.2025 - 07.2025
VP, New Business Development
Reinsurance Management Associates Inc. (RMA)
06.2022 - 03.2025
Business Development Advisor
Economical Insurance
04.2016 - 06.2022
Underwriting Manager, Select Business Insurance
Travelers Canada
02.2004 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
McMaster University
Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP)
Insurance Institute