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On April 16, 2010, a Canadian private investor group, comprised of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and National Mortgage Guaranty Holdings Inc., acquired AIG United Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company Canada. At that time, this transaction created the only 100% Canadian-owned private mortgage insurance company, known as Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company (“Canada Guaranty”).
The introduction of Canada Guaranty benefits lenders, mortgage professionals and consumers by fostering a competitive market dynamic and creating more choice among mortgage insurance providers. With a comprehensive suite of products, mortgage insurance from Canada Guaranty protects lenders and investors from losses related to borrower default and foreclosure.
Canada’s leading private mortgage insurer.
Service Excellence Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated, passionate and committed to delivering solutions and service excellence to our mortgage and lending partners throughout Canada.
Prudent Risk Appetite Partnering with high quality lenders and combining superior analytics with sound underwriting to ensure borrowers have the willingness and ability to stay in their homes, long term.
Financial Strength Canada Guaranty is a strongly capitalized Canadian-owned company supported by the superior financial strength and commitment of its ownership group.
About Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers’)
Ontario Teachers’ is responsible for investing the pension fund and administering the pensions of Ontario’s 336,000 active and retired teachers. With $249.8 billion in net assets, Teachers’ is the largest single-profession pension plan in Canada.
Recognized as an innovator and leader among pension investors, to learn more about OTPP’s diversified investment strategy, please click here.
For more information, please visit www.otpp.com.
About National Mortgage Guaranty Holdings Inc.
National Mortgage Guaranty Holdings Inc. is a family owned, private holding company of Mr. Stephen Smith.
In addition to being the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of First National Financial Corporation, Mr. Smith is also the Chairman and co-owner of Duo Bank of Canada, formerly Walmart Canada Bank, whose subsidiary Fairstone Financial Inc. is Canada’s largest non-bank consumer finance lender. Mr. Smith is the largest shareholder in Equitable Bank, Canada’s Challenger Bank™ and is Chairman of Peloton Capital Management, a North American focused private equity firm. Mr. Smith is a member of the Board of Directors of the C.D. Howe Institute, E-L Financial Corporation Limited and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He is also Chairman of Historica Canada, which produces the Heritage Minutes and publishes The Canadian Encyclopedia. In 2019, Mr. Smith was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Queen’s University announced the naming of The Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in honour of Mr. Smith and his historic $50-million donation to the school.
Mr. Smith holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University and a M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Canada Guaranty’s executive team consists of proven leaders with industry experience, knowledge and expertise in structured finance, product development, risk management and mortgage lending.
Andy Charles
President and Chief Executive Officer
416.640.8931
1.866.414.9109 ext. 8931
andrew.charles@canadaguaranty.ca
Andy Charles is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Guaranty serving in this capacity since 2005. Prior to Canada Guaranty, Mr. Charles was an executive in CIBC’s residential mortgage business for 15 years. In 2005, he joined AIG United Guaranty as President and Chief Executive Officer to establish a third mortgage default insurer in Canada and ended a longstanding market duopoly. Mr. Charles guided the Canadian operation through the global financial crisis and facilitated a successful transition to Canadian ownership under the Canada Guaranty brand. Canada Guaranty has provided high ratio mortgage default insurance to over 350,000 Canadians representing $68 Billion of residential mortgage volumes.
In addition, Andy is a Board Director with Fairstone Bank of Canada serving as the Chair of the Conduct Review Committee and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
In 2012 Mr. Charles was inducted into the Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame.
Maria Pimenta
Chief Operating Officer
416.640.8937
1.866.414.9109 ext. 8937
maria.pimenta@canadaguaranty.ca
As Chief Operating Officer, Maria leads the Underwriting, Information Technology, Portfolio Insurance, and Claims and Loss Management teams. Maria joined Canada Guaranty at its inception in 2006 (then known as AIG United Guaranty), and from the beginning was involved in critical startup responsibilities, integral to growing the organization. Her more than 25 years of progressive experience and extensive accomplishments in the financial services industry have contributed to effective leadership throughout her career.
Prior to joining Canada Guaranty, Maria managed the Specialized Sales Force at RBC Royal Bank where she oversaw strategic planning, training, analysis, and program development for this team. During her time at RBC, she held various management positions in sales, market planning, and operations.
Maria holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers.
Curtis Gergley-Garner
Chief Risk Officer
416.640.8935
1.866.414.9109 ext. 8935
curtis.gergley@canadaguaranty.ca
As Chief Risk Officer, Curtis has more than 20 years of financial services experience. Having worked in both Canada and the United States, his diverse background includes customer and risk analytics, capital and portfolio management (including pricing and risk management for capital markets and consumer loan portfolios), economic and regulatory capital allocation, financial software development, customer up-lift and response analytics, and credit cards portfolio management.
Prior to joining Canada Guaranty, Curtis served as the Director of Risk Methodology and Analytics for Consumer Banking at BMO Financial Group where he led a team that developed and maintained all areas of credit risk and capital analytics, models, strategy, and methodology for more than $190 Billion of consumer loan exposures in Canada and the U.S. Curtis holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Calgary and an MA in Economics from Simon Fraser University.
Ben Eaves
Chief Financial Officer
416.640.8942
1.866.414.9109 ext. 8942
ben.eaves@canadaguaranty.ca
With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ben Eaves has held increasingly senior finance positions with insurance companies in Canada and Australia after training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and is a CFA Charterholder.
Geoff Scott
Senior Vice President, Operations
416.640.8934
1.866.414.9109 ext. 8934
geoff.scott@canadaguaranty.ca
Geoff Scott brings over 25 years of Canadian banking experience to the Canada Guaranty team. Beginning in retail branches at Canada Trust, then moving to e-commerce at Bank of Montreal and mortgage banking at CIBC, he has contributed to every aspect of retail credit. Geoff has led successful mortgage approval teams in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Leading the Underwriting and Technology groups, Geoff is focused on delivering a superior service experience to his customers.
Mary Putnam
Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
416.640.8936
1.866.414.9109 ext. 8936
mary.putnam@canadaguaranty.ca
With more than 30 years of mortgage industry experience, Mary’s dedication and appreciation for developing lifelong client relationships began early. Mary’s career started in the branch network at Meridian Credit Union (Formerly HEPCOE) where Mary learned the value and importance of customer service. Mary also sold Real Estate and obtained her Certified Financial Planning designation in the 90’s. In 2006, Mary joined Canada Guaranty and played a key role in creating a successful new default insurance entrant, while overcoming significant barriers. Throughout the years, Mary has ensured Canada Guaranty established a strong service culture, while overseeing the critical growth of important industry relationships and strategic integrations with Lender partners.
As Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mary is responsible for all aspects of Canada Guaranty’s growing customer base. Mary is the quintessential champion of the customer and is consistently able to galvanize organizational support for her solutions. Her focused, hands-on, no-task-is-too-small leadership style consistently demonstrates the importance of building a strong, collaborative culture, holding herself and others to the highest standard. Recognized for her energy, positivity, and consummate professionalism, her compassion and ability to inspire and motivate others are exemplary. Her ability to recognize opportunities that create value for customers is complemented by her thoughtfulness, integrity, and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of each partner. Mary has always been focused on ensuring Canada Guaranty supports mortgage professionals with quality information to support their business and, ultimately, Canada’s first-time home buyers.
Mary has continued to share her time and industry knowledge, providing guidance and support to individuals, charities, and organizations within our industry. Her adaptability, determination, and superior work ethic have helped shape Canada Guaranty’s successful trajectory. Mary’s contributions and commitment to excellence were recognized by the industry in 2023 when she was inducted into the Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame.
Canada Guaranty’s Regional Sales Team is committed to providing you with the personalized service, information and training you need to better assist your clients. Please contact a regional Account Executive for more information about our mortgage insurance products and services. Let us help you find the right solution for your borrowers’ unique needs.
Darren Kirk
Vice President, Regional Sales
403.473.8482
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7003
darren.kirk@canadaguaranty.ca
With more than 30 years of mortgage lending and insurance experience, Darren Kirk brings a wealth of industry expertise to Canada Guaranty. Born, raised and educated in Calgary, for the past 18 years Darren has helped build a dedicated team of Account Executives and continues to help lead the successful growth of Canada Guaranty’s National Sales Team.
David Napoleone
Director, National Accounts
647.287.8545
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7086
david.napoleone@canadaguaranty.ca
As Director of National Accounts, David is responsible for establishing new partnerships and managing all facets of the customer relationship with executives and key stakeholders at national banks and lending institutions across Canada. Prior to taking on the role of Director, David worked as an Account Executive with Canada Guaranty since 2013. David joined the team with a proven track record of success, reflecting a passion for delivering exceptional service. Applying his diverse industry experience, David continued to develop his career by supporting a growing customer base in the GTA North and Northern Ontario regions.
David began his career 18 years ago at ING Direct (now Tangerine Bank) where he gained valuable skills and financial services expertise working in progressive roles within the Lending, Mortgages, Marketing and Mortgage Broker Sales channels. Focused on improving the service and creative solutions available to his clients, David is continually recognized for his ability to build and maintain strong relationships in the industry.
Jason Neziol
416.564.7236
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7162
jason.neziol@canadaguaranty.ca
Jason brings more than 23 years of financial services experience, including a history of Retail Banking, Default Mortgage Insurance, and Sales Management. His career began at RBC Royal Bank, where he worked within the Retail space. Prior to joining Canada Guaranty in 2020, Jason enjoyed a 19-year career working in mortgage default insurance where he held a number of diverse and progressive positions since 2000. His extensive experience spanned roles in Sales Management in British Columbia and Ontario, and most recently as the Vice President of Loss Mitigation.
In his current role as Director, National Accounts, Jason looks forward to developing national and regional relationships with our valued Lender and Credit Union partners. His continued desire to understand the individual needs of each partner is critical to Jason’s commitment to ensuring they receive personalized service and effective solutions to successfully support their customers.
Liz Sanchez
647.278.3536
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7070
liz.sanchez@canadaguaranty.ca
Liz has over 21 years of industry experience, including a history of creditor insurance, default mortgage insurance, and Sales Management. After graduating university, Liz gained valuable experience working in mortgage default insurance where she held a variety of progressive positions over her eight-year tenure. Following that, she held a leadership position in the RBC Mortgage Specialists channel, gaining valuable insight within a mortgage lending environment. Since joining Canada Guaranty in 2013, Liz has enjoyed exposure to different roles within the organization, most recently leading the Ontario Sales Team. Her current position as Director, National Accounts, puts her front and centre with our valued customers, establishing and managing national relationships for our key lender accounts. Understanding what is important to our customers’ business, and how Canada Guaranty can continue to provide exceptional support and service, is always top of mind. Liz maintains a strong commitment to creating long-term partnerships with our customers, rooted in her desire to provide meaningful interactions at every opportunity.
Brad Checknita
Director of Sales, Western Canada
778.389.4072
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7125
brad.checknita@canadaguaranty.ca
Mike Klassen
Director of Sales, Eastern Canada
902.403.8086
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7058
mike.klassen@canadaguaranty.ca
Jamie Woods
Director of Sales, Quebec
514.476.6849
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7134
jamie.woods@canadaguaranty.ca
January Bakker
Account Executive, Edmonton
780.224.0723
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7075
january.bakker@canadaguaranty.ca
Chloé Bélanger
Account Executive, Quebec
514.298.3571
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7179
chloe.belanger@canadaguaranty.ca
Petra Evans
Account Executive, GTA North & Northern Ontario
437.860.8425
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7094
petra.evans@canadaguaranty.ca
Alexandra Gardner
Account Executive, Atlantic Canada
506.998.1890
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7015
alexandra.gardner@canadaguaranty.ca
Trish Hall
Account Executive, BC – Greater Vancouver & Sea to Sky
604.365.2415
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7037
trish.hall@canadaguaranty.ca
Chelsea Hammell
Account Executive, Southwestern Ontario
226.338.8513
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7059
chelsea.hammell@canadaguaranty.ca
Edward Kim
Account Executive, Edmonton & Northern Alberta
587.926.1133
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7187
edward.kim@canadaguaranty.ca
Sophie Lafortune
418.561.8865
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7172
sophie.lafortune@canadaguaranty.ca
Kim Lentowitsch
Account Executive, Manitoba & Saskatchewan
204.781.9551
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7090
kim.lentowitsch@canadaguaranty.ca
Michelle Ma
Account Executive, Greater Toronto Area
416.671.8369
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7112
michelle.ma@canadaguaranty.ca
Annie Maurais
514.298.9824
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7018
annie.maurais@canadaguaranty.ca
Jamie McCarthy
902.401.2266
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7140
jamie.mccarthy@canadaguaranty.ca
Kevin McGuire
Account Executive, Ottawa Region
613.716.7346
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7081
kevin.mcguire@canadaguaranty.ca
Lisa Nikiforuk Bell
Account Executive, BC – Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley
604.807.7545
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7004
lisa.nikiforukbell@canadaguaranty.ca
Nicole Raknes
Account Executive, Vancouver Island & Central BC
604.318.1582
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7161
nicole.raknes@canadaguaranty.ca
Jennifer Rathbone
Account Executive, Calgary
403.681.5380
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7096
jennifer.rathbone@canadaguaranty.ca
Melissa Safadie
Account Executive, GTA West
437.220.3209
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7077
melissa.safadie@canadaguaranty.ca
Casey Siena
Account Executive, South Central Ontario
437.220.2368
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7032
casey.siena@canadaguaranty.ca
Gina Spiridigliozzi
514.594.9281
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7007
gina.spiridigliozzi@canadaguaranty.ca
Julie Thomas
Account Executive, Alberta
403.390.2742
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7062
julie.thomas@canadaguaranty.ca
Amanda Wind
Account Executive, Calgary & Southern Alberta
403.390.9899
1.866.414.9109 ext. 7127
amanda.wind@canadaguaranty.ca
Our experienced team of professionals can help you find the right solutions. For questions regarding the submission of an application or for more information about the products and services available through Canada Guaranty, please contact your dedicated regional Account Executive.
Toll Free: 1.877.244.8422 Toll Free Fax: 1.877.244.8448 E-mail: underwriting@canadaguaranty.ca
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (ET) Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ET) Sunday: Closed
Unless otherwise noted, regular business hours remain in effect. The National Underwriting Centre will be closed on the following dates:
Log in to submit an online application through Canada Guaranty’s Vantage underwriting system.
We’re proud to say it’s our people. We know we’re only as successful as the professionals we employ, which is why we continually seek the best and the brightest to join our team. Dedicated, honest and hard-working individuals are instrumental in making us a leader and trusted partner throughout the markets we serve. To ensure we can continue to develop better solutions and provide the highest level of service to our partners, we continue to attract leading mortgage industry professionals who uphold our values and share our vision. If you thrive in a challenging environment, supported by opportunities for growth and encouraged by a team inspired by excellence throughout the organization, then you belong with us.
Please click on the following link(s) to learn more about each position and how to apply.
MARKETING
RISK MANAGEMENT
OPERATIONS
INTERNAL AUDIT