Meet your BTU 2024 Speakers!
Introducing a whole new lineup of speakers for this year’s BrokerTeam University. Learn more about them below.
Alex Hutchinson
Science Journalist | Bestselling Author
Many believe our limits are defined by physical traits, but Alex Hutchinson knows that limits only exist in our minds. An award-winning science journalist, Alex draws on his experiences as an elite long-distance runner for Canada’s national team and as a scientist to explore the limits of human performance and understand the subtle factors that define champions. His New York Times bestselling book Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance was recently a featured read for the Next Big Idea Club curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink.
Shortly after competing in his second Canadian Olympic Trials, Alex decided to leave his postdoctoral physics research post with the U.S. National Security Agency to pursue a master’s degree in journalism — and has never looked back. He is currently a columnist and contributing editor for Outside and Canadian Running magazines, and also writes for the New Yorker’s Elements blog on science, endurance, health, and human performance. He is most well-known for debunking health and fitness hype as the Globe and Mail’s Jockology columnist.
In 2008, Alex received a U.S. National Magazine Award for his work covering technology for Popular Mechanics, and in 2012 he received a Lowell Thomas Award for his travel writing in the New York Times.
Alex has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cambridge and graduated with a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He has given talks on endurance and human performance to audiences ranging from the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Own The Podium program to investment bankers and funeral home directors.
Rick Orr
President, RIBO
Rick is President of Orr Insurance & Investment, a family Brokerage established in 1895 with six offices through Perth and Huron counties. He is proud to be a fourth generation co-owner of the business carrying on the tradition of professional excellence and community involvement.
Believing in his industry as well as his community Rick is currently Chair of RIBO, a Past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, a past board member of CSIO and the IBAC Technology committee.
Rick is very involved in the Stratford community sitting on various Boards and committees including chairing the Stratford Board of Park Management and sitting on the Board of the Stratford Festival.
Patrick Ballantyne
CEO, RIBO
Patrick has been the CEO of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario since 2016. From 2005 until his appointment as CEO, he served as RIBO’s General Counsel. Prior to that, Patrick was a regulatory consultant, assisting financial industry participants to structure their regulatory compliance regimes in response to audits by regulators. He has also served as Director, Regulatory and Market Policy with the Toronto Stock Exchange, Vice-president, Regulation for the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), and Counsel with the Law Society of Upper Canada. Patrick is a graduate of the University of Windsor and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1987. In March 2024, Patrick was appointed Chair of the Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organizations (CISRO).
Sam Jazayeri
Director of Operations, PrimeService Insurance
Sam has a passion for enabling his team, consumers, and the Broker community to succeed. He is the Director of Operations at PrimeService Insurance and has worked as a Producer since 2016. Sam is also on the IBAO Board of Directors, representing Brokers in Toronto, York, and Peel regions. Sam obtained his CAIB designation in 2018, and also works as an insurance educator, having hosted several CAIB 1 sessions, eLearning programs, and RIBO licensing courses.
Jamie Lee
Financial Crimes Lead, National Claims, Aviva Canada
Jamie currently leads the Fraud and Financial Crime unit in Claims for Aviva Canada. She is a highly qualified Fraud & Financial Crime Risk & Investigation expert, with 16 years’ experience in Financial Services across Canadian and European markets (including, UK, Ireland, and Italy). Jamie has worked across Claims, Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance.
She has significant experience leading the delivery of strategy and transformation, with a core focus on implementing and embedding analytical solutions to enhance the detection and prevention of Fraud and Financial Crime. Jamie is a motivated problem-solving business influencer, using excellent communication and solution delivery to build up a strong network of relationships with stakeholders.
Amelia Leckey
Regional Senior Counsel, SGI Canada
Before joining SGI Canada Amelia spent most of her career at a large national firm. In October 2019 she moved to SGI Canada to lead their Ontario Legal team and support the business nationally.
Amelia is a frequent writer and presenter on issues affecting the insurance industry ensuring she is on top developments impacting her clients.
In 2013 Ms. Leckey was selected as a Client Choice Winner – Reinsurance/Insurance Ontario. Established in 2005, the Client Choice awards recognize lawyers around the world that stand apart for the excellent client service they provide.
Hasaan Gilani
Director of Commercial Insurance, Wawanesa Insurance
Hasaan Gilani is the Director of Commercial Insurance at Wawanesa Insurance, overseeing strategic management of Commercial P&C, Farm, and Commercial Auto lines. He holds an HBA in Business Economics and is currently enhancing his qualifications with an MBA. His certifications as a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and Canadian Risk Manager (CRM) underscore his expertise in commercial underwriting.
With extensive experience at prominent insurance companies, Hasaan has demonstrated strong leadership in managing commercial lines. His strategic acumen has played a crucial role in driving growth and profitability, particularly through the development and refinement of product offerings to meet evolving market demands.
Theresa Fonseca
Director of Broker Support & Training, Max Insurance
With a lifetime of exposure to the intricacies of the insurance industry, Theresa brings not just a decade of professional experience but also a deeply ingrained passion for the science behind insurance, particularly the innovative pricing methodologies at Max Insurance.
As the driving force behind our Broker Support team, Theresa is on a mission to build and lead a dynamic group of specialists who serve as the frontline advocates for our business. With a focus on results and enthusiasm that’s contagious, they spearhead initiatives to enhance broker relationships and elevate our service standards to unprecedented heights.
Brittany Cochrane
Broker Support Specialist, Max Insurance
Brittany began her career in rural Ontario as a personal lines broker and producer. In 2023, she joined Max Insurance, seeking to empower brokers and be part of a progressive organization reshaping the insurance landscape.
Jim DiNoto
Manager, Risk Control, Intact Insurance
Serving Risk Control for 35 years in Property Casualty space as a Risk Control Specialist. Specialized in Forestry risks, warehousing, Food and Beverage, large schedule accounts including Programs, and Municipal portfolios. Currently in the role of P&C Risk Control Manager for Ontario and Atlantic region for 7 years.
