Kade Kawaya
Brantford
Summary
Certified Professional Underwriter with over 21 years of experience in direct and reinsurance market. Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving customer satisfaction. Skilled in assessing lifestyle and financial risks, I foster strong client relationships while ensuring compliance with underwriting standards. Recognized for mentoring junior underwriters and streamlining processes for improved performance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Underwriting Specialist
Empire Life Insurance
03.2024 - Current
- Evaluated applications for Life, Critical Illness and simplified DI to determine insurance coverage and appropriate risk assessment.
- Contributed to the establishment of underwriting guidelines and best practices, promoting consistency and adherence to company standards across all business lines.
- Participated in cross-functional projects aimed at improving overall business performance, leveraging expertise in underwriting principles and practices.
- Supported regulatory reporting requirements by accurately compiling and submitting relevant underwriting data within specified timeframes.
Senior Underwriting Consultant
GENERAL REINSURANCE CORPORATION
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Provided sound underwriting judgement on all facultative cases within approval limits
- Responded to client queries by providing technical support, informed opinions and general counsel as a trusted partner and underwriting SME.
- Developed and maintain effective working relationships with clients through daily communication and by visiting them at their home offices.
- Contributed to initiatives that improve operational efficiencies, mitigate enterprise-wide risk, and ensure that the standards of underwriting and auditing policies are met
Senior Underwriter
Primerica Life Insurance Company
07.2013 - 08.2022
- Participated in industry conferences and seminars to stay informed about the latest trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in underwriting.
- Mentored junior underwriters, fostering their professional growth and enhancing team performance.
- Applied knowledge of underwriting guidelines to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and company standards.
- Streamlined underwriting processes for increased efficiency and faster turnaround times.
Associate Chief Underwriter
Knights Of Columbus Insurance
10.2004 - 01.2012
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and offering comprehensive explanations of underwriting decisions.
- Assisted in developing training materials used to educate new French speaking hires on essential job functions, contributing to their successful onboarding and integration into the team.
- Made approval and denial recommendations by determining accurate risk levels.
- Developed strong relationships with brokers, leading to a higher volume of quality submissions and successful underwriting.
Regional Administrator and Underwriter
Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance
03.2002 - 10.2004
- Reviewed submissions and prepared quotes for individual and group life insurance
- Approved sale of insurance policies and ensured compliance with government regulations
- Identified and obtained additional information required to conduct a proper analysis of risk including cross-referencing with other departments
- Advised senior management on strategic decisions based on thorough analysis of market trends and competitor activities within the region.
Education
Executive MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON01-2022
Certificate - Project Management
Google
04-2023
Certificate - Entrepreneurial Studies
Harvard Business School Online
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA07-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
York University
Toronto, ONSkills
- Effective Time Management
- Proficient in Assessing Lifestyle and Financial Risks
- Insurance Application Systems Knowledge
- Deadline-Oriented Performance
- Risk management
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Full Professional
Swahili
Elementary
Affiliations
- Member of Canadian Institute of Underwriters
- Member of Association Québécoise des tarificateurs spécialisés
Certification
- Associate, Life Management Institute (FLMI) - LOMA.
- Associate, Customer Service (FLMI) - LOMA.
- Associate, Insurance Agency Administration (FLMI) - LOMA.
- Associate, Academy of Life Underwriting - AALU
Timeline
Underwriting Specialist
Empire Life Insurance
03.2024 - Current
Senior Underwriting Consultant
GENERAL REINSURANCE CORPORATION
08.2022 - 02.2024
Senior Underwriter
Primerica Life Insurance Company
07.2013 - 08.2022
Associate Chief Underwriter
Knights Of Columbus Insurance
10.2004 - 01.2012
Regional Administrator and Underwriter
Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance
03.2002 - 10.2004
Executive MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Toronto
Certificate - Project Management
Google
Certificate - Entrepreneurial Studies
Harvard Business School Online
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
York University
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