2024 Underwriters of the Year | Robert Campbell, Executive Underwriter, Commercial Lines, Northbridge Insurance

Robert Campbell started his insurance career with Northbridge Insurance in 2008 as an associate underwriter after completing his BA at Saint Mary’s University. 

Over the years, Campbell has held a variety of advancing roles: from senior underwriter, underwriter specialist, team lead, and underwriting manager, to his current role as Executive Underwriter, Commercial Lines. 

He is married with two boys, and outside of work, he enjoys spending his free time on the golf course. 

Campbell says he feels honoured to be recognized by MacLeod Lorway, a broker member of Canadian Broker Network. “This recognition reflects the strong partnerships my team and I have built, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our collective success. It encourages me to continue striving to support our brokers and customers to the best of my ability.” 

Q: What makes a great underwriter-broker working relationship? 

“Trust is fundamental. It’s important for our broker partners to feel confident that we’re here to listen and collaborate to find solutions that benefit our mutual customers. Without trust, it would be challenging to maintain strong business relationships, especially in a market where premiums can be similar across the board. The most successful partnerships are built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to delivering excellent service.” 

Q: Why did you become an underwriter, and what do you love most about your role? 

“My interest in insurance began early, as it runs in the family. My father was a broker, and he always spoke highly of the industry. I love having the opportunity to engage in thoughtful negotiations and make decisions that benefit both our customers and the company. It’s a challenging yet rewarding career.” 

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters in P&C currently, and one thing they can do to overcome it? 

“Claims inflation, driven by the rising costs of auto repairs, property reconstruction, and legal fees. These rising expenses make it difficult to balance premiums with profitability. It’s our responsibility, along with our broker partners, to clearly communicate the value and necessity of insurance to our customers. We must work together to ensure our pricing is fair and sustainable while maintaining the trust of our customers.” 

Q: What’s one opportunity you think underwriters should focus more on in today’s marketplace? 

“It’s more important than ever to ensure our customers are aware of current replacement cost valuations. Many customers may not realize how quickly these valuations can become outdated, and it’s our job to guide them in making informed decisions about their coverage. By doing so, we can help them avoid potential gaps in protection, which is crucial in these times.” 

Q: Given the current talent shortage, what would you say to encourage people to join the industry? 

“Insurance is a stable industry that offers long-term career opportunities. It’s also very dynamic and relationship-driven. You’re not just stuck at a desk. Much of our work involves building and maintaining strong personal connections with customers and colleagues through various networking opportunities and social events. These interactions are vital for fostering relationships and advancing our companies in a respectful and collaborative way.” 

Q: How do you see technology, including AI, impacting the role of underwriters in the coming years? 

“Technology, particularly AI, is set to revolutionize many industries, including insurance. For underwriters, AI could provide deeper risk assessment insights through advanced data analysis or assist in streamlining workflows by automating routine tasks, allowing underwriters to focus on more complex and strategic matters. While technology will enhance our work, I believe the human element — our judgment, empathy, and ability to navigate unique situations — will always be critical. The future of underwriting will likely be a blend of cutting-edge technology and human expertise, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.” 

 

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members since 2017. The program is exclusive to CBN in partnership with Canadian Underwriter magazine. The categories allow for each of our member firms, at their option, to select one commercial lines underwriter winner as well as one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market. The program evolved in 2021 to also allow for one commercial lines underwriter from an MGA in addition to the other two categories. The criteria includes underwriting excellence and risk knowledge; prompt and effective responsiveness back to CBN members; writing business that satisfies clients’ needs while creating a win-win for the broker and the insurer; a positive, helpful attitude; and investing time to develop trusting relationships with brokers.

Full list of 2024 Underwriters of the Year Award