Nominations

2026 Insurance Person of the year

Aly Kanji

InsureLine

Aly Kanji’s career has been shaped by a clear and consistent purpose: strengthening the insurance profession while creating meaningful opportunities for others.

Before entering the insurance industry, Aly began his career as a lawyer, a foundation that has informed his thoughtful, principled approach to leadership. In 2006, he joined a leading BC brokerage as General Counsel, and in 2015, he co-founded InsureLine, a national brokerage network designed to help independent, community-based brokerages across Canada compete and grow while preserving local ownership.

Aly’s impact extends well beyond the growth of one organization. He has long advocated for the insurance industry, broker independence, industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and modernization. As a past President of IBABC, and through his continued involvement with MOUC, ICBC committees, IBAC, CSIO, and other industry initiatives, he has contributed time, perspective, and leadership to issues affecting brokers across Canada.

His professional accomplishments are matched by a genuine commitment to service. Aly has supported charitable and community initiatives including hands-on volunteer efforts connected to charity fundraising, schools, youth sports, and his faith community.

Since receiving Salute BC’s Rising Star Award in 2013, Aly’s influence has only deepened. For his leadership, advocacy, service, and lasting contribution to the Canadian insurance industry, Aly Kanji is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Insurance Person of the Year Award.

Previous Winners

2026 Rising Star

Hans Choi

SPG Canada

Hans Choi began his insurance career at Cansure, recently rebranded to SPG Canada, in July 2016 after graduating from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in finance and human resources. Starting as an underwriting assistant, he has progressively held various positions in underwriting and management over the years and now serves as Vice President, Construction at SPG Canada.

In his current role, Hans is dedicated to positioning SPG Canada as the premier provider of construction insurance nationwide. Along the way, he has earned a reputation for technical expertise, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to brokers, carrier partners, and clients. His successful leadership through organizational growth, acquisitions, and a major national rebrand reflects both his strategic vision and ability to inspire high-performing teams. During a challenging period for the MGA sector, Hans distinguished himself through extraordinary dedication, working tirelessly to protect clients and reinforce trust in the industry.

Hans holds the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation, which he earned in 2022, receiving British Columbia’s Top Graduate Award. He also holds the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation. His professional excellence has been recognized by the industry, having been named Canada’s 2025 Rising Star by Insurance Business Canada, as well a finalist for Underwriter of the Year in 2023 and Young Achiever of the Year in 2024, also by Insurance Business Canada.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Hans is committed to community service and youth development. Since 2019, he has been actively involved in developing young leaders through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Program. As a commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, he mentors youth aged 12–18, fostering leadership, discipline, and personal growth while serving as a positive role model to youths who have gone on to excel in their post-secondary education and careers, underscoring his dedication to both professional excellence and community enrichment.

A respected mentor, accomplished leader, and community volunteer, Hans exemplifies the talent, character, and promise that define the recipient of the 2026 Rising Star Award. Outside of work, Hans will be seen hitting balls on the golf course, chasing that elusive birdie while his scorecard quietly files for bogey after bogey.