Paul Martin, CIP

President and Chief Operating Officer, RRJ Insurance Group Limited, Toronto, ON

Leading by example has been Paul Martin’s leadership style throughout his nearly 35-year career in the insurance industry. By setting this example, and by not hesitating to reach out and engage the people around him, his leadership is making significant and long-standing contributions to his company, the industry and his community.

In his work, Paul Martin’s name has become synonymous with KRG Insurance. “He has had a personal impact in developing KRG to the success it is today,” writes one of his nominators.

Paul joined KRG Insurance Brokers in 1983 as a Commercial Marketing Manager responsible for the commercial portfolio. Under Paul’s leadership, the portfolio grew from $500,000 in premiums to $62,000,000, while managing 60 insurance professionals. When he joined the company, he was instrumental in building strong relationships with the insurers that have supported the growth and success of the business.

Over the years, his role increased, overseeing KRG’s operational growth, which included not only the management and operations, but participating in client visits, renewal meetings, business development, and industry activities and seminars.

When KRG merged with RRJ Insurance Group six years ago, Paul assumed the role as President and COO. Since then, RRJ has grown to eight offices and 170 staff. “He is well regarded by the employees and is a visible leader who never hesitates to take time out to support and assist them in achieving success,” says his nominator.

In his commitment to the industry, Paul is a tireless supporter who rolls up his sleeves to actively lead committees and mobilize the industry to participate in events. With the Insurance Institute of Ontario, he was Chair of the John E. Lowes Insurance Education Fund scholarship program for five years, before moving into an executive role on the Ontario Governing Council, progressing to President and Past-President of the Insurance Institute of Ontario over 6 years.

As President, Paul attended all the convocations across Ontario and many of the events throughout the year. “At every convocation, Paul arrived early to speak to every single graduate and congratulate them, and put them at ease,” says one of Paul’s supporters. Since his Presidency at IIO, Paul has continued to actively participate as an event speaker, video spokesperson, and an honoured guest many times.

With the professional broker community, he has held leadership roles as a Board Member of the Toronto Insurance Conference, Chairman of ING Insurance Company Broker Advisory Council, Member of the Zurich Insurance Company Broker Advisory Council, Member of the Affiliated FM Broker Council, Member of the Legal Focus Editorial Board, and the TIC Liaison for The Community Safety Village.

And with the industry’s charitable contributions, Paul has been at the helm as co-chair, rallying the industry in support of the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) Relay for Life, which raised over $400,000 this year, bringing the industry’s total contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society to more than $1 million in eight years.

In his commitment to his community, Paul’s advisory role on the KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation helps him mobilize clients and companies together to raise millions of dollars for charities such as Sick Kids Hospital, Children’s Aid, Autism, Variety Village, The Kidney Foundation, and much more. He has sponsored, and paddled on, a community dragon boat team for more than 10 years. And he has leadership roles with the York Region’s Police Chief Appreciation Committee, Camp Kavita, and Victim Services – just to name a few.

“Paul not only organizes and motivates others to contribute, but whatever he’s involved in, he’s an active participant,” explains Paul’s nominator.

One of Paul’s supporters explains that “as a true leader Paul has the innate ability to put others at ease, by ensuring they feel valued and significant.” For this and his tenacious efforts to lead by example it is the CIP Society’s honour to recognize Paul Martin as an Established Leader in 2016.