2025 Underwriters of the Year | Ken Mombourquette, Senior Commercial Lines Underwriter, Northbridge Insurance

With experience on the broker, MGA, and company sides, Ken Mombourquette is known for his collaborative approach, strong broker relationships, and sound underwriting solutions.

First starting out as a personal lines broker before moving into underwriting with an MGA, Mombourquette found his stride in commercial lines at Northbridge, where he has been since 2013.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and his CIP designation. As a Senior Commercial Lines Underwriter at Northbridge, he brings deep expertise and thoughtfulness to every interaction.

Based in Nova Scotia, Mombourquette is a dedicated family man who enjoys travelling across the province with his wife to watch their two children compete in minor league hockey.

He was surprised and very honoured to be recognized by Cal LeGrow Insurance & Financial Group, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “It’s very rewarding to know that quality service and interactions with brokers 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?

“The key is learning how each broker operates. Everyone has a different style of interaction. By making simple adjustments in how you communicate with each broker, you build stronger relationships. That mutual trust allows both sides to share important information and better understand the risks.”

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


“I started as a personal lines broker and moved through roles at an MGA before joining Northbridge, where I progressed to a senior underwriter role. The best part of my role is helping brokers help their clients. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn something new, and the industry constantly pushes you to keep growing.”

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


“Time. We live in such a fast-paced society; nobody likes to wait, and almost every email is marked urgent. Time management becomes essential. I try to prioritize my workload and set clear expectations on timelines for brokers. Keeping brokers updated helps ease pressure and maintains trust.”

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

“Relationship-building. With so many pressures in the industry, strong underwriter-broker partnerships are key to finding the best solutions for consumers.”

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


“Our industry caters to anyone’s interests. Growth is guaranteed if you make the effort to learn and work toward your goals.”

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


“Technology is helping to streamline the underwriting process, especially with day-to-day risk assessment and rating. But AI provides only a part of the underwriting equation. The knowledge an underwriter brings, and the relationships they build with brokers, will always be crucial.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“You need technical strength — like risk management and data analysis — but also the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and build trust. A strong relationship with brokers is essential. Leaders have to align with company goals while also creating space for collaboration and growth.”

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 work together to educate clients about the real risks they face — whether it’s severe weather or fraud. Proactive clients can help reduce claims and, in turn, control premiums. It’s all about sharing information and working together for better outcomes.”

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