2024 Underwriters of the Year | Christina Euteneier, Underwriter II, SGI Canada

Christina Euteneier joined the insurance industry on the broker side nearly 10 years ago and soon realized a role in underwriting was better suited to her analytical and people skills.

After starting off as a licence issuer in 2015 at Galon Insurance Brokers, Euteneier became a broker selling personal insurance in Saskatchewan. She then joined SGI Canada as an auto adjuster and worked her way up from underwriter assistant to her current role.

Her passion for continuous learning is evidenced by an office administration certificate obtained in 2018 from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and her ongoing studies toward a business diploma in management, which she plans to complete in 2026. 

“I was honoured, excited, and inspired when I learned that I was being recognized by A-KAN Insurance, a broker member of the Canadian Broker Network,” Euteneier says of her award, adding that the nomination “validates her hard efforts and motivates her to continue striving for excellence.”

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

“The ability to trust each other to work toward the same goal. Underwriters are here to listen and provide support to our brokers. Our brokers are very understanding and supportive of us. When we work together, we can achieve so much more.”

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

“My move to underwriting was inspired by my experience as a broker. I understood the information underwriters needed and realized that analyzing and evaluating information to enable a decision is something I truly enjoy. What I love most about my role is networking — connecting with others in the industry, including brokers, adjusters, and fellow underwriters.”

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

“One major challenge in Alberta for underwriters is managing the impact of rate increases and climate change on our ability to meet clients’ needs. The fluctuating climate conditions constantly affect the coverages we can offer, making it crucial for underwriters to stay adaptable and responsive.”

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

“The industry has changed so much over the last 10 years since I started. Rates have increased substantially since COVID-19 and will likely continue to grow. Profitability has been hard to obtain for insurers due to climate-related claims losses. Adaptation and innovative solutions will be key to maintaining profitability and meeting clients’ needs going forward.”

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

“The insurance industry is always evolving and expanding, offering significant room for career growth and development. There’s a role for everyone; you can even start with just a high-school diploma. You can develop a broad skill set throughout your career. Our industry is also stable; people will always need insurance.”

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

“It will take some time still for us to reap the promised benefits of AI integration into the insurance industry. Think, for example, of Alberta auto, where multiple factors need to be taken into consideration. The process involves navigating various challenges and system errors. However, I do think the future holds promise for AI to enhance our industry.”

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