KANJI CONSULTING - Key Persons
Aly Kanji is a forward thinker and visionary who understands the changing dynamics in the business world. New technologies and emerging economies are reshaping the face of business and Aly speaks to their impact on entrenched industries and the new challenges facing these industries. Aly is regarded as a thought provoking speaker and facilitator.
Aly is a lawyer by training and obtained his Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia and his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta. Aly was an associate with Miller Thomson LLP, a prominent national law firm, and appeared before all levels of the B.C. Courts. Although Aly acted for both insurers and insureds as a lawyer, he was first exposed to the business of insurance when he acted for Sussex Insurance on a commercial litigation claim. Like many in insurance, what started out as a short term involvement with the insurance industry has turned into a passion and a way of life. Aly obtained his CAIB designation within a short period of time and has since become fully immersed in the world of insurance.
For nearly a decade, Aly was the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Sussex Insurance, a franchisor of insurance brokerages. When Aly left the organization it had 60 locations throughout BC and Alberta. Aly was instrumental in building the Sussex Insurance brand and the franchise model, and helped to more than double the size of Sussex Insurance in terms of locations and insurance premium. While at Sussex Insurance, Aly also owned and operated 3 Sussex Insurance franchised locations.
Currently Aly is heading up InsureLine, a new insurance start-up which he co-founded in 2015 (www.insureline.com). As President & CEO, Aly is at the helm guiding InsureLine from concept to becoming one of Canada's largest property & casualty insurance brokerages. InsureLine is an insurance brokerage franchise that is building Canada's leading insurance brand through an online and brick-and-mortar presence across Canada. (see www.joininsureline.com). In 2016, InsureLine was awarded the Top Brokerages award by Insurance Business Magazine.
A passionate advocate for the insurance industry, Aly is often invited to various community events, conferences and trade shows to speak about industry trends. Aly has helped many insurance agents purchase their own brokerage and become successful entrepreneurs. In October, 2013 Aly was honoured with the Rising Star Award by Salute BC (view acceptance speech), which honours a person from the next generation whose professional contributions and dedication to excellence have already made them a leader and role model in the insurance industry in British Columbia. (www.salutebc.org)
Aly is actively involved in the community and is generous with his time, holding various positions on boards and committees of community groups and non-profit organizations.
Seema Kanji has extensive experience including expertise in banking, law, and operating insurance brokerages.
Seema obtained her Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia after completing her Bachelor of Administration. While at law school, Seema also completed the Canadian Securities Course through the Canadian Securities Institute. Seema worked in the banking industry for over 10 years and practiced law for 13 years specializing in insurance related litigation
Most recently, Seema was Associate Counsel with Dolden Wallace Folick LLP, one of Canada's top insurance defence litigation boutique firms. Her practice focused on providing insurers with coverage advice relating to a wide range of insurance policies: from professional liability, directors and officers liability, errors and omissions, to homeowners and private auto. Seema also defended claims against architects, engineers, strata corporations, property managers, home inspectors, commercial landlords, homeowners, and contractors. In addition, Seema prepared subrogated claims on behalf of insurers and has appeared before the Provincial and Supreme Courts of B.C. and the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.
Seema owned and managed three insurance brokerages over the last ten years. She worked as an insurance broker for several years and obtained her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation in 2010.
Seema is an integral part of Kanji Consulting Inc. providing legal and insurance expertise, reviewing and drafting contracts, advising on ICBC policies and procedures, and providing administrative support. Seema was retained as a consultant to prepare an extensive employee handbook for a large insurance brokerage with over 300 employees. Seema is available to act as a consultant on litigation or insurance related matters for the insurance industry.
In her spare time, Seema is an avid Kathak dancer (a classical Indian dance form) and is the secretary of the Gujarati Society of British Columbia, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to preserve and promote Gujarati culture and linguistic heritage.