2025 Underwriters of the Year | Colin Gilmour, Middle-market Underwriter, Zurich Canada

Since joining Zurich in 2020, Colin Gilmour has built a strong reputation as a thoughtful, analytical underwriter with a collaborative spirit. Today, he works in the middle-market segment, where he thrives on complexity and the chance to continuously learn.

Gilmour didn’t take the traditional path into insurance. With a master’s degree in history and experience teaching at McGill University, he was building a career in academia when the pandemic prompted a shift. “I had always been curious about the insurance industry, as my father worked as a broker and my brother was already in the business. I’d seen firsthand the value, growth, and opportunity it offered,” he says. “So when circumstances changed, I saw it as a chance to transfer my skill set into a new direction, and underwriting always appealed to me because of the research and analysis side.”

When he’s not working, Gilmour enjoys spending time with his family and remains active in education through teaching evening courses and doing research projects.

Gilmour says he feels very honoured to be nominated by HUNTERS International Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “I consider it a privilege to work with my brokers. It means the world to know our efforts to build a trusting relationship do not go unnoticed.”

Q: What’s key to a great working relationship between underwriter and broker, and why is this more important than ever?


“Trust has to be the foundation. That comes from experience, good communication, and a shared commitment to understanding the client’s needs. Especially in today’s market, it takes real teamwork to craft meaningful, bespoke solutions that meet the needs of each business.”

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


“I was drawn to the industry because of the strong example set by my father and brother. I’ve always loved research, analysis, and solving problems — and underwriting allows me to do all three while also building relationships and supporting businesses. I started as an underwriting associate at Zurich, and I’ve found mid-market underwriting especially rewarding because of the diversity of risks and industries we get exposed to.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters today, and how can they overcome it?


“The mid-market space, especially in Ontario, is extremely competitive. That pushes us to get back to the fundamentals: understanding risk deeply, crafting tailored solutions, and being a strategic partner. Holistic thinking is a differentiator.”

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


“Mentorship. Coming from an education and an associate background myself, I really value the development of the next generation. Strong teams of underwriting assistants make a huge difference, and investing in them pays off for the whole industry. We need to keep building robust, collaborative teams.”

Q: Given that talent shortages remain a challenge, what would you say to encourage more people to join the insurance industry?


“There are still a lot of misconceptions about this industry. The reality is, there’s a place for every skill set. My own transition from education is proof — the communication, analysis, and problem-solving I used as an instructor are incredibly relevant in underwriting. There’s real opportunity here, especially for those who value continuous learning and growth.”

Q: How do you see AI and technology impacting underwriting?


“Like many, I was initially wary of AI. But I’ve become a cautious optimist. At Zurich, we’ve adopted tools that help streamline processes so underwriters can focus more on strategy and relationships. The key is using it responsibly to augment, not replace, our judgment and human connection.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Curiosity is huge — never lose it. Leadership requires both technical and interpersonal strength: analytical thinking, decision-making, and strong communication. Building broker relationships, asking questions, and being proactive are critical to building your skills so you become a trusted and valued resource.”

Q: Canada continues to suffer pressures like natural catastrophes, auto theft, fraud, and tariff impacts. How can brokers and underwriters better collaborate to help Canadian consumers manage risk?


“We need to shift from reactive to proactive solutions. That starts with trust and conversations at the micro level and expands to macro-level collaboration between industry, government, and communities. Sharing insights and strategies is essential. We all have a role to play in being part of the solution: minimizing impact and building resilience together.”

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members for over a decade. 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 and one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market, as well as a commercial underwriter from an MGA. 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 2025 Underwriter of the Year Award Recipients