Vice President, General Aviation - North America
Reporting to the Senior vice President, Specialty Insurance, the successful applicant will lead the strategy, growth and profitability of the company's General Aviation underwriting portfolio across Canada and the United States, bringing deep technical expertise and broker relationships to the role. This person will set the risk appetite and pricing strategy and lead the development of underwriting guidelines, procedures, policy language, rating plans and reinsurance for general aviation risks, including fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft, fixed-base operators, airports and aviation products, while building and leading the underwriting team.
As an integral member of the team, you will bring:
- Strong technical knowledge of general aviation risks, aircraft hull and liability coverage, and Canadian (Transport Canada) and U.S. (FAA) regulatory requirements
- An innovative mindset for delivery through solutions
- An entrepreneurial, self-motivated approach with a collaborative spirit
- Passion for excellence and attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills with strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities
- Proven ability to think analytically, conceptually and systematically to resolve problems quickly and effectively
- A capacity to synthesize information and implement solutions, exercising flexible and sound judgment
- Strong strategic, execution and planning skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams
- A reputation as a trusted advisor focused on adding value as a partner, internally and externally
- Established relationships with general aviation brokers, agents and managing general agents (MGAs) across Canada and the United States.
Responsibilities include:
- Own the strategy, profitability and growth of the company's General Aviation portfolio across Canada and the United States, with full accountability for portfolio results.
- Research and analyze North American aviation market trends, loss trends and competitor products, and set direction to tailor products and supporting materials as warranted.
- Develop technical underwriting inputs (rating and risk selection characteristics) necessary for the implementation of underwriting system and business portal.
- Set the risk appetite, pricing strategy and underwriting authorities for general aviation, in line with corporate underwriting guidelines, and oversee the underwriting of fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft, fixed-base operators (FBOs), airports and aviation products/completed operations, personally underwriting complex or large accounts as required.
- Monitor portfolio performance in both countries, including loss ratios, retention and growth, and take corrective action as needed.
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with general aviation brokers, agents and MGAs across Canada and the United States to drive new business and retain profitable accounts, staying at the forefront of changing market needs and trends.
- Lead the development and delivery of general aviation underwriting and product training materials for internal stakeholders and distribution partners.
- Support SVP Specialty Insurance and Ceded Reinsurance team on the development of treaty and facultative reinsurance programs and manage reinsurer relationships to secure and maintain adequate capacity.
- Direct the development of underwriting guidelines, procedures, rating plans and technology platform for the general aviation line, ensuring compliance with Canadian and U.S. regulatory requirements.
- Sponsor the build-out of underwriting parameters for the online portal for aviation business and drive broker adoption in Canada and the United States to ensure quick and efficient handling of PB&P and other small General Aviation risks.
- Lead, mentor and coach the underwriting team across North America, building strong, engaging partnerships with key brokers and agents to profitably grow the line.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or post-secondary education in business, finance, accounting, marketing, or insurance preferred
- 15+ years of experience in underwriting General Aviation insurance product lines, including exposure to both the Canadian and U.S. markets
- 10+ years of experience leading and developing underwriting teams
Location:
Downtown Toronto - Hybrid, with travel across Canada and the U.S. as required
If you are looking for a career in an exciting and rewarding company, are driven to excel, thrive in a team environment and want to contribute to the success of an organization that values your contribution, we would like to hear from you!
We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.