Edward Furman, Ph.D., is an award-winning scholar in Insurance and Quantitative Risk Management, an accomplished university educator, academic leader, and non-profit executive. His recent work examines systemic risk and dependence modelling in climate, cyber, and financial domains, advancing understanding of interconnected global risks. He has authored and co-authored more than forty academic papers. In 2017, Dr. Furman founded the Actuarial Science program at York University, Toronto, Canada, where he is a Full Professor and Program Director. Under his leadership, the program was designated a Centre of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries, the highest recognition available to actuarial programs globally. In 2023, he co-founded the RISC Foundation to help society face risk with resilience and shape a sustainable future.  

Keith is Executive Director of CAFII, an Association representing Canadian Banks, Credit Unions, and Insurance Companies, with a focus on credit protection insurance, travel insurance, and direct-to-consumer distribution. Keith was previously Acting President of the Canadian International Council, a Canadian association focused on foreign affairs with over 1000 members and 15 branches across the country. Before that, Keith held senior implementation and client services roles at Brookfield RPS, whose client base is Canadian banks. He has contributed in senior roles at Royal and SunAlliance Insurance Canada, and at Bank of Montreal in strategy, planning, eBusiness, and the Chairman’s Office. Earlier in his career Keith taught at Ryerson University, worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs, and was in a senior position in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Keith has a Master’s degree from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Economics from McGill University.  Keith has completed advanced executive programs at the Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University, at the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University, and at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He is married with three daughters.  

Brett McGregor is a seasoned insurance executive with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian insurance industry. Born and raised in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Brett’s strong connection to community and service continues to shape his leadership style.

As President & CEO of Guild Insurance Group, he leads a growing team of 95 employees across eleven locations, delivering customized insurance solutions to individuals and businesses. His leadership has helped shape Guild into a progressive, community-focused firm grounded in service and local expertise.

Brett is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba and has earned the CAIB, CIP, and FCIP designations, along with an MBA completed in 2014.

An active member of the insurance community, Brett contributes to the broader industry dialogue through his involvement with the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada of which he is currently President-Elect. Brett is also a Past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba.

Dedicated to giving back, Brett has held leadership roles in several local initiatives and continues to be involved in coaching youth sports and community volunteering.

Kathryn Sinclair is President & CEO of CSIO, where she leads the organization’s efforts to 
advance digital connectivity and data standards across Canada’s P&C insurance industry. With 
more than 25 years of industry experience, she has held leadership roles at CSIO, aha 
insurance, Intact Financial Corporation, and Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP).
Since joining CSIO in 2020, Kathryn has championed initiatives to modernize how the industry 
exchanges data and connects digitally, enabling more seamless experiences across the 
insurance ecosystem. She is known for bringing industry stakeholders together to drive 
innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions that help the industry evolve to meet changing 
customer expectations in an increasingly digital future.

Becci Taylor is the Executive Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick (IBANB), where she leads the organization’s strategic direction and advocates for independent brokers across the province. With more than a decade of experience in education, marketing and professional development, Becci brings a dynamic blend of industry knowledge, innovative leadership, and passion for continuous learning.

Her career includes an extensive background in recruitment strategy, marketing, and training across both the insurance and post-secondary sectors in Canada and the UK. Since joining IBANB in 2017, she has modernized broker education delivery, introduced digital learning tools, and increased industry engagement through targeted campaigns and advocacy efforts. She also spearheads key initiatives such as continuing education programming, bursaries, and recognition awards for emerging professionals.

A champion of broker professionalism and inclusion, Becci actively contributes to provincial and national working groups focused on talent development, policy modernization, and future-proofing the broker channel.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with Marketing from the University of London, a Certificate in Management Studies, and the CAIB designation with Honours. When she’s not leading industry initiatives or building broker programs, Becci recharges through mountain biking and quick-witted humour rooted in her British upbringing. She’s also the proud (and slightly grey-haired) mom of three daughters — one now following in her footsteps in the insurance industry, another making her mark as a welder, and the youngest still navigating high school life.

MaryKate Townsend is Head of Market Development for Canada and Market Development Executive for the Americas, driving initiatives to strengthen Lloyd’s presence and partnerships across the region. She leads relationships with key stakeholders—including Coverholders, Underwriters, and Brokers - while expanding access to the Lloyd’s market and delivering its commercial strategy across Canada, and the U.S.

With nearly a decade of leadership experience, MaryKate previously served as Vice President for the Central Canada region at a Canadian MGA and has held roles as CEO and Principal Broker. She earned her CMGA designation as Top Graduate in the inaugural class of the Southwestern Ontario chapter of the Insurance Institute of Canada.

MaryKate is the Past-President of CAMGA, where she championed education and advocacy for the delegated authority sector. She has also served as President and Chair of LIBA and is an industry ambassador with the Insurance Institute of Canada.

She is a Global HR Executive & CHRO, with over 30 years of experience in corporate and organizational human resources strategy, board, and business strategy. Ingrid has pursued excellence in human resources, board, and leadership strategy through the CHRP and CHRL designation, and through programs at Queens University and the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Ingrid also currently serves as Vice Chair of the Appeals Regulatory Committee, Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) and as a member on the HRPA Speaker Bureau. She also holds several IDEA certifications in areas such as leading for equity, inclusion and accessibility and holds the Inclusive and Ethical Leadership certification. She serves on non-for-profit, community and advisory boards and committees, including as Project Lead, The LINC Bust Project; Board Member and Vice Chair, Humber River Health; Board Member and Vice Chair, AIDS Committee of Toronto; Community Member, Region of Peel, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Committee (DEAR); Former Board Member, Governance and Audit at the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP); Founding Advisory Committee Member, System-3 Inc., Member Governance and Human Resources Committee, Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), C-Suite Mentor and HR Advisor, Black Mentorship Inc., and has previously served as Board Chair and Vice Chair on other non-for-profit boards. Ingrid is a recipient of the Top 25 DEI Person of the Year Award, 2021, The Canadian Multicultural Group and LINKEDIN DIRECTORY OF 1000+ WOMEN WHO INSPIRE THROUGH THEIR WORK, July 2022, TOP 100 HR Professionals, National Diversity Awards 2023, Black Mentorship Inc. Female Mentor of the Year 2024, Women Leaders in Insurance in Canada, Elite Women, 2024, Finalist, 2024 Women Changing the World Awards, co-author Flourish: A Workbook for Social Innovators and Winner, 2024 Women Changing the World Americas Awards in the category of Woman in Corporate & Public Sector.

Nina is an accomplished business transformation leader with deep expertise in the insurance industry, recognized for delivering strategic initiatives that foster sustainable growth, operational excellence, and outstanding customer experiences.

In her current role as Senior Director at the Insurance Institute of Canada, she leads Ontario operations with a focus on professional education, industry collaboration, and regulatory engagement. Prior to this, Nina served as Vice President of Insurance Operations at Marsh McLennan, where she led a global team to enhance service delivery and operational performance.

Her career includes impactful leadership roles at Travelers Canada, RSA Group, and Allstate Insurance, where she spearheaded large-scale transformation initiatives, optimized business processes, and built high-performing, engaged teams.

Nina is widely regarded as a thought leader in underwriting, risk management, process optimization, and change leadership—driven by a strong commitment to people-first leadership and innovation.