2025 Underwriters of the Year | Noelle Kiesman, Senior Personal Lines Underwriter, Family Insurance

After more than three decades in the insurance industry, Noelle Kiesman has built a career defined by dedication, perspective, and personal connection.

Her journey began in 1993 at Wawanesa Insurance in the direct bill department. After working as a broker for several years, she returned to underwriting in 2006 and eventually joined Family Insurance in 2015 — where she works as a Senior Personal Lines Underwriter.

Kiesman studied Office Education at Saskatchewan Technical Institute and Business Administration at the University of Saskatchewan. She holds the CAIB designation and is just a few courses away from earning her CIP.

Outside of work, Kiesman is a proud wife, mom, and new grandmother. She enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Darwin.

Kiesman says being recognized by Acera Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network — Canada’s largest network of independent brokers — is truly meaningful. “I’ve been working with the Acera team throughout my entire time at Family Insurance and I feel very proud and honoured.”

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

“Listening. Brokers have different needs and challenges, and as someone who has worked on the broker side, I understand the importance of empathy. [Brokers] deal with multiple insurers and shifting guidelines, so it’s vital we take the time to understand their perspective.”

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

“As a broker in a small town, I wore many hats — auto, travel, personal lines, financial products. But I always gravitated toward personal lines. Underwriting gave me a chance to focus on what I love most: problem-solving, analyzing risks, and collaborating with other underwriters. No two days are ever the same.”

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

“Keeping up with technology. While automation has its benefits, I value the personal side of insurance. The challenge is to embrace new tools without losing the human connection which makes our work meaningful.”

Q: How has the industry evolved since you joined?

“The P&C space is undergoing major transformation, from new technologies and changing customer expectations to higher claims severity and a challenging risk landscape. I’ve also seen a shift in capacity. Homes once considered high value — $700,000 — are now common in the standard market, writing upward of $3 million, which shows how much our industry has evolved.”

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

“There’s opportunity everywhere in this industry, whether on the broker side or on the company side, even globally. Once you’re in, you can build a long, rewarding career with endless paths for growth.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?

“Good decision-making, time management, and interpersonal skills. Our work is fast-paced, so you need to prioritize effectively and communicate clearly. Strong broker relationships can also lead to career growth, as they show your ability to collaborate and drive results.”

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?

“By sharing data, developing tailored coverage options, and educating consumers. Collaboration should focus on improving risk assessment, enhancing insurance availability, and promoting resilience among consumers. Whether it’s climate change or auto theft, working together to raise awareness and improve prevention is the key to 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