Susan Janzen
Summary
Accomplished Regional Vice President with demonstrated track record of success in managing BC and AB for mid-market commercial businesses. Bringing exceptional history of achievement and drive to continuously improve procedures and processes across the board. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Vice President
CNA.com & CNA Canada, Insurance Domain
12.2014 - 06.2022
- Led a team of underwriters (15 ) ensuring consistent communication and collaboration for overall business success.
- Managed financial performance by setting budgets, monitoring expenses, and identifying areas for improvement.
- Increased regional sales by developing and implementing strategic sales plans.
- Developed innovative solutions for complex client needs, securing long-term contracts and driving revenue growth.
- Strengthened relationships with key clients by providing exceptional customer service and support.
- . Facilitated organizational change management efforts as needed to adapt quickly to shifting market dynamics or customer preferences.
- Delivered regular progress reports to senior leadership, providing clear metrics on regional performance against company goals.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization to create an inclusive workplace culture that attracts top talent.
- Aligned organizational objectives with company mission to increase business growth and integrate work strategies.
- . Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment processes, ongoing training programs, coaching sessions.
- Mentored direct reports, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
- Managed Vancouver (2014)and Calgary (since 2019) regions ,with underwriting, claims and Risk Control departments.
Underwriting Manager – Standard Lines
CNA Canada
05.2010 - 12.2014
- Directing an underwriting team of 7 people and responsible for business results through profitability, business development, analysis and monitoring of an assigned book of business
- Attracting and developing underwriting talent - Since joining CNA, having attracted and hired 4 underwriters, 1 associate underwriter and 1 CSR
- Branch VP retirement in May 2013 - Took on the role of Branch Manager until September 2013 when a replacement was hired
- Currently taking on the role since Oct 20, 2014
- Providing overall management and underwriting resources for the branch
- Directing the development and implementation of strategic and operational objectives for the branch
- Oversee the account underwriting process, including referral underwriting, pricing policies and underwriting authority levels
- Overseas large loss analysis
- Focusing on key broker relationships and developing new relationships.
- Collaborated with sales teams to drive profitable growth and maintain strong relationships with key clients.
- Ensured efficient workflow management by establishing clear priorities and monitoring progress regularly.
- Mentored junior underwriters in best practices, contributing to their professional development within the organization.
- Improved underwriting performance by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Streamlined communication between underwriting, claims, and other departments to foster collaboration and improve overall service levels.
Supervisor – Commercial Lines
Aviva Canada
05.2007 - 05.2010
- Performance Management of a team of underwriters (10 – 22)
- Maintaining a renewal book of business and new business targets
- Auditing direct reports new business
- Monitored workflow to improve employee time management and increase productivity.
- Portfolio Management
- Strata – Real Estate book with key broker partners.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
Commercial Lines Supervisor
AXA
06.2004 - 04.2007
- Performance Management of a team of underwriters (10 – 12)
- Maintaining a renewal book of business and new business targets
- Auditing direct reports new business
- Providing coaching and mentoring to direct reports.
- Enhanced team productivity by identifying bottlenecks in processes and implementing targeted improvements.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of commercial lines accounts while maintaining high levels of retention and client satisfaction.
- Increased renewal retention rates by proactively addressing client concerns, maintaining open lines of communication, and demonstrating a commitment to exceptional service.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and collaboration among team members.
Senior Underwriter
AXA
10.2001 - 04.2004
- Solutions oriented underwriting working with broker partners to deliver appropriate products for our insured and maintaining profitability and growth of the portfolio through disciplined underwriting, strong decision making and negotiation skills
- Managing relationships with strategic brokers to assist in the development and delivery of the team's strategic and operational plans.
- Applied knowledge of underwriting guidelines to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and company standards.
Underwriter
RSA Insurance
04.1998 - 09.2001
- Solutions oriented underwriting working with broker partners to deliver appropriate products for our insured and maintaining profitability and growth of the portfolio through disciplined underwriting, strong decision making and negotiation skills
- Managing relationships with strategic brokers to assist in the development and delivery of the team's strategic and operational plans.
- Developed strong relationships with brokers, leading to a higher volume of quality submissions and successful underwritings.
Underwriting Technician
RSA Insurance
04.1990 - 04.1998
- Gathering and analyzing underwriting information on new submissions and renewals and proposing terms to Senior underwriter and quoting terms to brokers
- Processing /data entry of mid term endorsements
- Worked in Broker Call Centre environment for 2 years - taking calls from broker partners and quoting new business, renewals and processing mid term endorsement changes on the phone.
- Contributed to the growth of the department''s profitability by accurately assessing risks and making informed underwriting decisions.
- Developed strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other stakeholders for seamless communication during the underwriting process.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and company guidelines in all underwriting activities.
Underwriting assistant
RSA Insurance
08.1986 - 04.1990
- Logging new business submissions/ coding and processing new business, renewals and mid-term endorsements including cancellations
- Underwriting no premium endorsements to assist underwriters
- Data entry and filing duties.
Education
Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) -
Insurance Institute
Calgary, AB10.2000
High School Diploma -
William Aberhart High School
Calgary, AB06.1985
Skills
- Externally Focused
- Change management
- Sound judgement
- Staff leadership and development
- Collaborative
- Sales Growth
- Profit and Loss Management
- Budget Planning
- Results Orientation
- Portfolio Management
- New Business Development
- Business Development
Career Focus
High– energy manager successful in building and motivating dynamic teams. Cultivates a company culture in which staff members feel comfortable voicing questions and concerns, as well as contributing new ideas that drives company growth.
Languages
English
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Regional Vice President
CNA.com & CNA Canada, Insurance Domain
12.2014 - 06.2022
Underwriting Manager – Standard Lines
CNA Canada
05.2010 - 12.2014
Supervisor – Commercial Lines
Aviva Canada
05.2007 - 05.2010
Commercial Lines Supervisor
AXA
06.2004 - 04.2007
Senior Underwriter
AXA
10.2001 - 04.2004
Underwriter
RSA Insurance
04.1998 - 09.2001
Underwriting Technician
RSA Insurance
04.1990 - 04.1998
Underwriting assistant
RSA Insurance
08.1986 - 04.1990
Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) -
Insurance Institute
High School Diploma -
William Aberhart High School
Similar Profiles
Gina M. HernandezGina M. Hernandez
Assistant Vice President, Marine Territory Leader at CNA Insurance / CNA MarineAssistant Vice President, Marine Territory Leader at CNA Insurance / CNA Marine
Terry CoseoTerry Coseo
Claims Specialist at CNA InsuranceClaims Specialist at CNA Insurance
KRISTA CLAIRKRISTA CLAIR
AVP, Underwriting, Commercial Mid-Market at CNA CANADAAVP, Underwriting, Commercial Mid-Market at CNA CANADA
Karen Jones, RNKaren Jones, RN
Regional Vice President/Area Vice President at Addus Homecare CorpRegional Vice President/Area Vice President at Addus Homecare Corp
JASON BARBERJASON BARBER
REGIONAL Vice President/ Regional Manager at Champion WindowsREGIONAL Vice President/ Regional Manager at Champion Windows