2024 Underwriters of the Year | George Leszczynski, Executive Underwriter, Financial Institutions, Chubb Insurance

George Leszczynski’s insurance career spans two decades of experience on both the broker and insurer side, earning a deep understanding of the industry and relationship building. 

Leszczynski joined the industry in 2004 as part of the Marsh Graduate Trainee Program in Sydney, Australia, where he started as an assistant account executive. 

His academic background includes a B.Comm. and LLB from Macquarie University, a Graduate Diploma of Financial Services from Deakin University, and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice from the University of Technology Sydney. 

Over the years, Leszczynski transitioned from account executive roles at Marsh and Aon to join Chubb (formerly Ace), first as a senior underwriter before taking on his current role. 

When he’s not working, Leszczynski enjoys an active lifestyle. He’s married, loves exploring the great outdoors, travelling, surfing, and participating in winter sports. 

He says he’s very appreciative of the recognition by HUNTERS International, a broker member of Canadian Broker Network (CBN). “The CBN holds a significant position in the industry, and this acknowledgment of my efforts and expertise is very meaningful to me. It provides a sense of personal accomplishment and validates that my underwriting decisions and working relationships are valued by my broker partners.” 

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

“One key aspect is open and effective communication, especially in challenging market conditions. Clear and timely communication allows underwriters and brokers to effectively discuss client needs and address any concerns proactively. Having worked as both a broker and an underwriter, I understand each side’s perspective, which helps me collaborate better toward finding effective solutions for our mutual clients.” 

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

“I studied commerce and law at university, and with this background, insurance was a natural fit for my skills and interests. I spent the first five years of my career on the broker side, gaining exposure to diverse clients, industries, and insurance coverages. I specialized in financial institutions accounts, which led to an opportunity on the underwriting side. While I enjoy the analytical aspect of underwriting, the part I love most is the people and the relationships I’ve formed.” 

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

“One of the biggest challenges for financial lines underwriters is current market conditions. There’s a lot of competition, and maintaining underwriting discipline while looking to retain and grow a portfolio profitably can be tough. Instead of focusing solely on price, underwriters should prioritize insureds that emphasize risk management and loss control, and look to differentiate themselves by providing exceptional customer service and tailoring solutions to meet specific customer needs.” 

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

“Leveraging emerging technologies to enhance underwriting processes and decision-making.  

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

“The insurance industry has seen significant advancements in areas like data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation. [As mentioned,] one area of opportunity that underwriters can focus more on is leveraging emerging technologies to enhance underwriting processes and decision-making.” 

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

“Insurance is an exciting, dynamic career that provides financial security and plays a critical role in protecting individuals, businesses, and communities from unexpected risks. It’s a stable and resilient industry, offering numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. The industry is also built on collaboration and strong relationships, offering opportunities to build extensive networks. The ability to connect with diverse individuals and collaborate toward common goals can be personally fulfilling and contribute to your professional success.” 

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