MICHAEL J.

VARLEY
51 Gardenwood Drive Res: 519.472.0917
London, ON N6J 3M5 Cell: 519.670.9753
mike.varley@hotmail.com

PROFILE
A results-oriented, high energy senior manager who has a proven record of success in the
insurance industry. Recognized as an exceptional team leader who can drive change and
empower staff to achieve corporate targets and personal growth. Accountable for directing
strategic initiatives that positively impact operations, staff and revenues. A strong decision
maker who is able to accurately assess business and insurance risks.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Insurance Central Limited 2008- 2010
Branch Manager together with Commercial Lines Manager duties for a large S.W.
Ontario general insurance brokerage.
• Responsible for staff of 18 and a volume of $24 million in the London branch
• Hired as the Commercial Manager and assumed the Branch Manager’s duties when
the former manager left the organization earlier this year
• Responsible for all branch administration
• Commercial liaison with other branches in the organization for referral and expertise
on the placement of commercial accounts for all lines
• Successfully transformed the cultures of different mergers/acquisitions/philosophies
of separate brokerages into a focused, unified and productive workplace.

THE ECONOMICAL INSURANCE GROUP 1997-2007

GENERAL INSURANCE BRANCH OFFICE - COMMERCIAL INSURANCE MANAGER
Accountable for the leadership of a full service commercial department consisting of 38 staff
members. Lines of business written – Small Business, Mid Market and Commercial
Automobile.
Operations Management
Major responsibilities included:
• Administration of underwriting policy, procedures and practices including audits and
acting as a liaison between the branch and Head Office.
• Planning and monitoring results as well as making recommendations for
improvement including loss control and risk management.
• Promotion and marketing of company philosophy, products and direction to Business
Development Advisors and brokerage force.
• Controlled an operating expense budget of approximately $2.1M within targets.
• Authorization limits were set at the maximum for the company.
• Strived to refine process improvements. Developed underwriting teams to manage
the territory. Encouraged a shared approach to getting the work completed.
• Actively involved in numerous Head Office initiatives and focus groups that
developed new products and processes to drive the business as expertise was
respected, valued and taken into account.
• Received very favorable Head Office audit reports on a regular basis strongly
exceeding the 75% pass rate based on key criteria and compliance with outlined
policies and procedures.
Michael J. Varley Page 2

Team Leadership and Employee Development

• Built and developed a strong self-directed commercial team that increased in size
almost three fold in 9 years. Grew from a team of 14 to a department of 38
employees. At the same time, the commercial volume grew profitably from $10
million to $45 million. The branch was always either first or second nationally from a
profitability and growth perspective.
• Coached, trained and developed staff through a progression of training seminars with
excellent feedback and service level results.
• Facilitated Brokers’ training sessions supporting RIBO certification directly. Ensured
that Brokers understood the policies and procedures of the organization.
• Communicated and met regularly with Brokers at their offices to evaluate
performance indicators and results.
• Achieved exceptional service results through the commitment that service was the
#1 priority. Ranked first of 16 Regional offices for service delivery.
Sales and Relationship Development
• Serviced 110 Brokers in Southwestern Ontario exceeding $110M in gross written
premium.
• Achieved a five year loss ratio above industry average through a combination of
sound principles in underwriting and expert industry knowledge.
• Spearheaded the significant growth in revenue for the branch. Total premium volume
increased from $10M in 1997 to over $45M in 2007.
• Developed the “Service Response Team” concept that improved service levels.
Introduced contract staff to process all administrative responsibilities ensuring that
the Underwriters were able to concentrate on underwriting accounts.
• Proactively assisted other branches and Head Office as required in order to achieve
operational excellence.

GENERAL ACCIDENT ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA 1989-1997

GENERAL INSURANCE BRANCH OFFICE - ASSISTANT BRANCH MANAGER
• Responsible for facilitating the administration of the underwriting policy, procedures
and practices of the Metro Toronto branch including personal and commercial lines
and marketing. Produced over $120M in premium volume and dealt with over 120
Broker offices and 150 branch staff.
• Achieved excellent sales results, doubling the branch revenues in 5 years.
• Established objectives and planning strategies in conjunction with the Branch
Manager.
• Authorized approvals of new and renewal business up to the maximum limits allowed
by the company.
• Actively involved in promotional and educational activities with the Brokers including
product launches and insurance coverage.
• Started with the organization as a Marketing Representative in London and was
promoted to the Branch Underwriting Manager role in Ottawa. Promoted to the
Toronto branch as a direct result of the success achieved in the Ottawa location.

LAURENTIAN CASUALTY COMPANY OF CANADA 1986-1989

GENERAL INSURANCE BRANCH OFFICE - UNDERWRITING MANAGER
Responsible for managing the daily activities of the Underwriting Department for both
Commercial and Personal Lines.
PHOENIX CONTINENTAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED 1985-1986
ONTARIO GENERAL INSURANCE SERVICE OFFICE – MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
University of Western Ontario, B.A. Economics

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

Chartered Insurance Professional, Insurance Institute of Ontario
Registered Insurance Broker - Ontario
Sales and Leadership Training:
 Professional Selling Skills  Coaching for Success
 Conflict Resolution  Dealing with Difficult People
 How to Inspire People  Motivational Skills

COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Excel, Lotus Notes

INTERESTS
Golf, fishing, photography