Insurance Business reveals Canada’s best young insurance professionals for 2026
Recognition reflects career achievements and contributions across multiple insurance disciplines
Insurance Business reveals Canada’s best young insurance professionals for 2026
INSURANCE NEWS
By Roxanne Libatique
10 Aug 2026

Insurance Business Canada has released its Rising Stars 2026 report, recognizing young insurance professionals across broking, underwriting, and advisory roles who have demonstrated leadership and career progression over the past year.

Now in its 11th year, the annual recognition program identifies insurance professionals aged 35 or younger who have made contributions to the Canadian insurance sector while building their careers. The latest edition comes as the industry continues to operate in changing market conditions, with some insurance lines remaining firm while others, including construction and transport, experiencing increased pricing competition.

Selection process

Insurance Business Canada opened nominations for the 2026 Rising Stars program in March, inviting insurance professionals from across Canada to nominate candidates.

To be eligible, nominees had to:

  • Be aged 35 or younger as of August 1, 2026
  • Demonstrate a long-term commitment to a career in insurance
  • Not have previously been recognized as a Rising Star or Young Gun

Applicants were assessed on their current responsibilities, career achievements, professional goals, and contributions to the insurance industry. Recommendations from managers and senior industry professionals also formed part of the evaluation process.

The final list was selected by an independent panel comprising:

  • Chris McLean, Aon
  • Crystal Kaustinen, KRGinsure
  • MaryKate Townsend, Lloyd’s
  • Mila Araujo, NFP
  • Richard McGee, CannGen Insurance Canada

Featured Rising Stars

Among those recognized in the Insurance Business Canada Rising Stars 2026 report are:

Jane Kivlichan

Joel Askew

Talsa Warken

Matthew Cutulle

Mark Townsend

Brayden York

Harnoor Uppal

Mitchell Patriarche

Ipsita Ranjan

The full Rising Stars 2026 report includes additional winners, along with industry research and insights examining emerging trends and the development of insurance talent in Canada.

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