A successful insurance company relies on a dedicated team that expertly assesses risk and makes informed decisions to benefit both clients and the organization. At HD Mutual, our underwriting team exemplifies this commitment. Our professionals specialize in commercial, farm, auto, and property underwriting, bringing a deep understanding of risk management, market trends, and client needs. From seasoned senior underwriters to rising talent, each team member plays an essential role in our company’s success.
Today, we’re excited to not only highlight our underwriting department but recognize one of its standout members, Katie Witt, who has recently been honoured at the Canadian Broker Network (CBN)’s Underwriter of the Year Awards and featured by Canadian Underwriter. We’re immensely proud to celebrate Katie, our Senior Underwriter, as one of this year’s award recipients!
Each year, CBN selects top personal and commercial lines underwriters based on criteria such as underwriting excellence, risk expertise, responsiveness, client-focused solutions, a positive attitude, and a commitment to strong broker relationships. We’re fortunate to witness Katie not only meet but exceed these standards every day.
In her interview for Canadian Underwriter, Katie shares insights into her journey to the insurance industry, the importance of empathy and exceptional service in broker partnerships, challenges in P&C underwriting, and the exciting career opportunities insurance offers. She also shares from her perspective the impact of technology on underwriting and how it’s shaping the future. You can access the full Canadian Underwriter article here.
In addition to Katie’s outstanding achievements, we had the pleasure of conducting a quick Q&A, asking her a few personal questions to get to know her better. Here’s a little more about Katie, in her own words:
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at HD Mutual?
I enjoy my team members and broker partners more than anything! I have developed some really great working relationships with both internal and external peers.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the insurance industry?
When starting out, its a great idea to say yes and try as much as you can to figure out your fit. I was lucky to land in a very diverse role when I started in the industry and was able to zero in on exactly where my personal skill set was best applied and what I enjoyed doing vs what I despise (anything to do with EDI, mapping, downloads, even the phrases “XML”, “z-codes” or “AL3” give me nightmares)
Q: What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day?
I love to be outdoors as much as possible! Reading, gardening, yoga, hiking are all in my “recovery” tool box.
Q: Do you have any fun quirks or unique habits?
I am just quirky in general, I bet most of my habits are weird. Right now, I am practicing how to read Tarot.
Q: Are you more of a morning person or a night owl, and why?
Morning person – you will not get anything productive out of me past 7pm.
Congratulations once again to Katie Witt on this well-deserved recognition! We’re grateful for her contributions to HD Mutual and the wider insurance community and look forward to her continued success.
