CSIO announces new board chair

Sean Christie has been elected chairman of the board at the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO).

Christie is the chief information officer and vice president of information services at Gore Mutual Insurance Company. He has been a director of CSIO for more than five years.

“Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on how technology is disrupting and transforming the insurance industry,” CSIO announced in a statement. “Joining Gore Mutual in 2003, Sean has been instrumental on several strategic initiatives, including the recent launch of CSIO’s My Proof of Insurance eDelivery solution.

“Under Sean’s leadership, Gore Mutual collaborated closely with CSIO and other industry partners to develop a uniform, standardized digital experience for consumers that the industry as a whole would benefit from.”

CSIO adds that Christie’s appointment as board chair will “ensure continuity as CSIO moves forward delivering on its strategic priorities.”

As a data standards body for the industry, CSIO has been asked by broker associations across the country to participate in the “Data Exchange Initiative” (or D/X Initiative), which focuses on improving broker-carrier connectivity. Recently, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario noted that to improve broker workflow, Ontario’s insurers would need to build their data exchange capabilities up to CSIO’s XML data standards.

“With so much change and disruption unfolding, the role of CSIO has become even more important to ensure collaboration and standardization continues across the insurance industry,” Christie said in a statement. “I am privileged to accept this appointment and to build upon CSIO’s achievements.”

Christie succeeds outgoing board chair Steve Whitelaw, who served as CSIO board chair for seven years. During Whitelaw’s tenure, CSIO accomplished industry-wide adoption of eDocs for both personal and commercial Lines, developed a certification program, and launched its My Proof of Insurance eDelivery solution.

“Steve’s contributions over the past seven years as chairman of the Board have been invaluable to CSIO’s growth and evolution,” says Sheldon Wasylenko, CSIO vice chairman and general manager of Rayner Agencies Ltd. “On behalf of the board, CSIO members and staff, I would like to thank Steve for his passion and dedication to CSIO. The collaborative and innovative environment that he fostered, and which Sean will no doubt build on, has led this organization to experience so many successes during Steve’s time as chair.”

David Gambrill