We are proud of the Executive Team leading Mutual Fire Insurance. Read on to learn a little more about them.
As President and CEO, Darin Lord Nessel provides direction and leadership to the executive team at Mutual Fire Insurance. Darin guides the Company towards successfully implementing long and short-term strategic goals and acts as the direct liaison between the Board of Directors and Management. Darin is actively involved in the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and the Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (CAMIC), representing MFI among other Canadian and American members in the areas of insurance advocacy and education.
Prior to 1994, Darin worked in construction and sales, and happened upon the insurance industry when he took a job as an insurance adjuster. Each job offered him unique experiences and provides insight into his role today; the chance he took on the insurance industry has greatly led to MFI’s success today. Darin holds both a Chartered Insurance Professional and an Associate in Reinsurance designation. When not at the office, Darin can be found on the golf course or travelling. He loves spending time with his wife Maria and enjoying BC summers at Mabel Lake with their friends and neighbours.
After studying at the University of Calgary, Jason Christopherson’s Bachelor of Accounting Science degree and Chartered Professional Accountant designation led to various finance leadership roles in retail, the restaurant industry, and BC’s own Pacific National Exhibition. Jason joined Mutual Fire Insurance in 2009 as Chief Financial Officer. After joining MFI, Jason obtained his Associate in Reinsurance designation, complementing his role in reinsurance placement and relationship management. As CFO, Jason is responsible for strategic finance initiatives, investment management, and regulatory management at Mutual Fire Insurance. Jason provides direction to the finance and human resources leaders, working closely with them to achieve company targets.
In the community, Jason volunteers at the Vancouver Police Museum, which preserves the history of the department, and at the Surrey Cares Community Foundation, which provides grants to non-profits and scholarships in Surrey, BC. To wind down, Jason enjoys karate, fishing, biking, and camping with his family.
As the Chief Operations Officer, Clare Stewart oversees the entire day-to-day operations at Mutual Fire Insurance. Throughout her career in insurance, she has held several senior leadership roles including contact centre management, sales, underwriting, and business development. Each role provided her with valuable experience which she draws on to this day as a leader at MFI. Clare’s passion for insurance is evident in her deep knowledge and contagious energy for understanding perils and how to protect policyholders. In partnership with the Company’s legal team, Clare wrote, developed, and launched the innovative farm product, Mutual FarmPROTECT™, a forward-thinking fresh approach to better protect Canadian farmers. This significant achievement marks the first major product launch for the Company and cements MFI as an industry leader in farm insurance.
On a personal level Clare is passionate about giving back. One of her personal initiatives is collecting clothing and blankets during the winter, spending weekends handing out items to the less fortunate. She inspires the Company’s staff members with her generosity. As an advanced meditation and mindfulness teacher, Clare works with first responders and various community groups helping manage personal stress. Clare is also an avid traveler, enjoys a nice glass of wine, and spends her days with family and friends.
From privacy management to infrastructure planning to product and rating development, as Chief Information Officer, Pete Smith runs all aspects of information technology at Mutual Fire Insurance. Before joining the MFI team, Pete spent several years working in the broker side of the insurance industry, succeeding in key roles at one of BC’s largest credit unions. As his career unfolded, Pete transitioned into IT at a global financial institution, where he was also a member of the crisis management team. His experience working with staff from multiple countries and departments to ensure minimal downtime for technology brought a wealth of knowledge to MFI and the Company continues to innovate and provide insurance solutions to members and policyholders under his guidance. When not at work, Pete enjoys sipping on craft beer in Fort Langley, BC, travelling the west coast, and spending time with his family.
Pamala Louttit is responsible for managing Mutual Fire Insurance’s claims services for all lines of business throughout all provinces. She is a passionate supporter of people and relationships as well as a strong believer in the value of mentorship. Pam leads the Claims team by example, modelling open communication, encouraging innovation, and promoting collaboration to ensure exceptional customer service where it is needed most – during a loss. Since Pam’s beginnings with MFI over two decades ago, her ability to reframe challenges and offer creative solutions has gained her respect from both colleagues and industry partners alike.
Pam is involved with the Donations Committee at MFI and is a keen supporter of giving back to the community. When she is not at work, Pamala enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities like nature walks and kayaking.
Nirmal Binnag joined Mutual Fire Insurance in 2015, bringing extensive experience in broker management, underwriting, sales, and senior leadership. Her invaluable approach to coaching and mentoring has led MFI through multiple Company initiatives. As Vice President Underwriting, Nirmal leads more than half of all staff at MFI, providing front line service to partners. Personal and professional development is important to Nirmal and she supports her passionate team with in-depth knowledge and mama-bear level of care—adding to the positive company culture at MFI.
Nirmal’s passion to help people extends beyond the walls of MFI. Her family consistently contributes in meaningful ways through donations and volunteerism in the community. On her days off, you can find Nirmal and her husband busy with their sons and visiting with friends and family.
Christine Young began her insurance career at a small, family owned and operated brokerage in Surrey, BC. As the preferred agency in the town centre of Cloverdale, Christine was part of the go-to team for the community’s insurance needs. Her experience there established her roots in the community and fueled her passion to help others. After the agency sold, Christine joined the insurance division of a large provincial credit union in a senior leadership role. Over the years, Christine has held various roles in senior management, underwriting, and internal and external training; the latter being her greatest passion. As the Vice President of Business Development, Christine oversees Mutual Fire Insurance’s partner relationships, social media presence, and company marketing, among many other small details which keep MFI connected to members and broker partners. Her passionate team shares corporate values outside the walls of MFI, establishing and nurturing relationships with key partners across all lines of business and in the community.
Volunteerism and giving back are part Christine’s personal core values. Christine is an avid supporter of the Surrey School Meal Program. This program works with community donors to provide nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to as many hungry children as possible. When not at work, Christine and her husband love to fire up their Mustang GT and go for a cruise while listening to tunes. When not rolling along in the GT, you can find Christine travelling to concerts, and spending time with family and friends.
© 2023 The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
Design & Development by NAMIC MarketTech.