Profile
“Every step taken in shaping Equiton has been infused with the experiences and insights gathered throughout my career. Seeing our vision come to life fills me with immense pride”
Helen Hurlbut
Equiton
Jill Wagman served as Eckler’s first female managing principal from 2012 to 2023 and currently serves as chair of the company’s board of directors. She led Eckler throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitated the early adoption of remote work infrastructure to seamlessly serve clients and support employees.
A champion of gender diversity, Jill co-founded the Women in Pensions network, which supports and mentors women leaders in the industry. She implemented Eckler’s corporate social responsibility strategy and led its diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, working in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.
In addition to working primarily in the public sector as a pension actuary, Jill is currently supporting counsel as an expert witness in Indigenous class actions. She has served on numerous industry and professional committees.
In 2019 and again in 2022, Jill was appointed to an expert, three-person, Canada Pension Plan Review Panel to review the valuation of the CPP. From 2013 through 2023, she served as a member of the Ontario Financial Services Tribunal. She currently volunteers as an advisory board member for Niagara University and serves on the board of directors of Newcomer Women’s Services of Toronto.
Jill enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, music, and art. She is also an ardent animal lover who enjoys walking and playing with her two Bearded Collies.
5140 Yonge Street, Suite 1700, Toronto, ON M2N 6L7
416 696 3021
jwagman@eckler.ca
linkedin.com/in/jillwagman
eckler.ca
Jill Wagman
Principal and Chair, Board of Directors
Eckler
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Milestones
“We continually invest efforts in fostering and nurturing a culture that promotes collaboration and teamwork as we continue to evolve and expand”
Helen Hurlbut
Equiton
1993
2003–2006
2012–2023
2015
Present
Joined Eckler
1993
Retirement practice leader at Eckler
2003–
2006
Appointed as Eckler’s first female managing principal
2012–
2023
Co-founded Women in Pensions network
2015
Senior consulting actuary
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
“In terms of leadership, I like to think I’m recognized for being assertive yet supportive – a blend of high expectations and drive while understanding the crucial elements that contribute to people’s success,” she reflects.
Scaling Equiton up to a team of 185 employees and counting has presented some of her most significant challenges. Recognizing the need for robust teams to support and sustain this expansion, she and partner Roque have prioritized the creation of strong leadership structures.
“Maintaining this growth while preserving a cohesive and collaborative company culture remains paramount,” adds Hurlbut. “We continually invest efforts in fostering and nurturing a culture that promotes collaboration and teamwork as we continue to evolve and expand.”
Reflecting on the legacy she’d like to leave, Hurlbut notes she aspires to establish a thriving company that allows all individuals to build successful careers.
“I aim to provide opportunities to excel, enabling team members to carve their mark on the industry as they advance and grow professionally,” she says. “I hope to also leave behind a legacy of empowerment and progression for women in our industry.”
That dedication to mentorship, particularly for women and marginalized groups, is evident through her roles at the Women Presidents Organization and within Equiton, where she champions diverse talent and fosters an inclusive environment.
Her commitment extends to community support, exemplified by Equion’s charitable endeavours, reflecting her ethos of giving back and making a meaningful impact.
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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