Dennis Craig of RBC Insurance to Receive 2023 Alexander S. Melvin Award for Inspirational & Ethical Leadership in Financial Services
TORONTO, April 13, 2023: Dennis Craig, vice president, managing general agents & national account relationships at RBC Insurance, has been selected as the winner of the 2023 Alexander S. Melvin Award for inspirational and ethical leadership in financial services. The award will be presented on April 18 at the CAILBA National Conference in Quebec City.
Craig was selected by the award committee for the role he has, and continues to play, in representing and advocating for both clients and the industry through his leadership on a broad range of industry boards and committees. He has served on the Canadian Reinsurance Conference (CRC) and the CLIEDIS (Canadian Life Insurance EDI Standards Association) boards, and is a member of the FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario) L&H Stakeholder’s Advisory Committee and APEXA’s Strategic Advisory Committee. At the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association, Craig chairs the CLHIA FTC (Fair Treatment of Customer) Steering Committee, developing guidelines for client best interest standards and product suitability, and has served on numerous other committees.
“Dennis has an exceptional ability to effectively engage with colleagues, firms, and regulators to advance Canada’s insurance and financial services marketplace,” said Doug Paul, principal, Jennings Consulting, and a member of the award nomination committee. “He is in many ways an unsung hero, whose expertise, passion and commitment have demonstrably made the industry better for participants and clients.”
Craig’s ability to inspire others and passion for the industry has defined his 40-plus year career. Those nominating him for the award cited his professional expertise, honesty, friendship, and character. They noted his ability to represent industry and client interests among the reasons why he is so respected and called upon to serve.
“The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the financial industry in innovation, technology, entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative leadership, and mentoring,” said Lowell Aronoff, CEO of CANNEX, which underwrites the award and who co-founded the company with Melvin. “Dennis knew Alex Melvin well. He embodies Alex’s legacy of inspirational and ethical leadership and is a deserving winner of the 2023 award.”
Craig has chosen the Thornbury, Ontario-based Events for Life Centre Inc. as the beneficiary of a $5,000 charitable donation that will be given in his name by the Alexander S. Melvin Award Committee. Events for Life provides day programs for individuals with special needs, including social, recreational, and healthy living skills so they can live, learn, and work in an integrated, inclusive community.
“Alex was an extraordinary leader and example for others, I could not be more honored to be the recipient of this award,” said Craig. “Committees made up of representatives from insurance and financial services firms have a critical role to play in making the industry better for the clients we serve. This is not the sort of work that you do to get recognition, so when it comes it is both unexpected and appreciated. I hope it is a source of inspiration for all those willing to give their time and expertise to make a difference through their engagement in these groups.”
Dennis Craig
Dennis started his career in the insurance business in 1979. He has held senior management positions with both domestic and foreign insurance companies and has worked with career, brokerage, and direct distribution systems. His experience has included marketing, underwriting/new business, operations, and distribution management. In his current role with RBC Insurance, he is responsible for the MGA, National Account, and Intercorporate relationships in the brokerage channel.
About the Alexander S. Melvin Leadership Award
Since 2016, the Alexander S. Melvin Leadership Award has recognized individuals in the Canadian financial services industry who, through their inspirational and ethical leadership, have changed the industry for the better. Named after industry leader Alex Melvin, who passed away in 2015, the award is given to outstanding professionals who embody his inspirational and ethical leadership and who demonstrate a collaborative spirit and willingness to help others succeed.
Each year a winner is selected based on how their actions have influenced change and positively impacted the banking or insurance marketplace as demonstrated through their dedication to the industry and encouragement of other professionals. Any professional from the banking or insurance industries in Canada is eligible to be nominated. The award committee is made up of independent representatives from the banking and insurance industry along with past winners of the award. The award is underwritten by CANNEX.
For more information about the award visit the Alexander S. Melvin Leadership Award website.
About CANNEX
CANNEX Financial Exchanges Ltd. supports the exchange of pricing and data for annuities and bank products including term deposits/guaranteed interest contracts (GICs). Transactional data for GICs are also supported through the CANNEX Financial Network (CFN). The firm’s data gives financial institutions the ability to evaluate and compare various guarantees associated with savings and retirement products.