DEEPU VENUGOPAL
Dubai
Summary
Seasoned insurance executive with over 20 years of international success across Canada and the Middle East, combining deep market insight with strategic leadership. Former Managing Partner of a leading Canadian brokerage, recognized for architecting high-growth strategies, cultivating robust broker networks, and delivering risk-aligned insurance solutions across commercial, personal, and group lines. Adept at translating complex risk into opportunity, leading cross-functional teams, and driving bottom-line impact through data-driven decisions and customer-centric innovation. Proven ability to scale operations, unlock new revenue streams, and position organizations for sustainable, long-term success in dynamic and competitive markets.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Partner
Aaxel Insurance Brokers
Toronto
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Spearheaded strategic direction and operations of a full-service insurance brokerage, delivering tailored risk management solutions across personal, commercial, and specialty lines.
- Oversaw business development, key client relationship management, and corporate partnerships, resulting in a 35% growth in annual revenue over the years.
- Handled and processed a variety of personal and commercial accounts and assisted the client with policy change, renewal, sign-offs, billing, and claim counseling within the industry guidelines.
- Directed licensing, compliance, and regulatory requirements across provincial and federal jurisdictions, ensuring full adherence to FSRA and other governing bodies
- Built and led cross-functional teams including sales, underwriting, client servicing, and claims support, fostering a high-performance, client-centric culture.
- Designed and executed go-to-market strategies and digital transformation initiatives that improved operational efficiency by 40% and enhanced client experience.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with insurers and reinsures, securing competitive rates and broad coverage options for diverse client portfolios.
Sales Broker-Lead
HUB International
Toronto
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Led the sales team for commercial and personal lines, driving business development strategies and achieving over 120% of annual sales targets consistently.
- Played a pivotal role in developing customized insurance solutions for high-net-worth individuals, SMEs, and large corporations across various industries.
- Cultivated and managed key client relationships, resulting in a 40% increase in client retention and a strong base of referral business.
- Trained, mentored, and supervised junior brokers and account executives, creating a results-driven and service-oriented sales culture.
- Collaborated closely with underwriters and carriers to negotiate competitive terms, optimize policy structures, and ensure comprehensive coverage for clients.
- Conducted in-depth risk assessments and coverage gap analyses, enabling clients to better manage their exposure and insurance costs.
Head of Broker Relations
Al Khazna Insurance Company, PSC
Dubai
07.2014 - 02.2021
- Directed the broker relations channel across the MENA region, overseeing strategic planning, broker performance management, and channel development to drive sustained premium growth.
- Developed and executed broker engagement strategies, including growth initiatives, target risk programs, and rehabilitation plans for underperforming partners.
- Successfully managed and expanded the broker network—local and international—by fostering strong, collaborative relationships and delivering tailored solutions that aligned with the company’s underwriting appetite and service standards.
- Accountable for business development across both broker and direct channels for the Employee Benefits portfolio, significantly increasing regional market share.
- Played a pivotal role in sales and underwriting, negotiating complex deals and delivering profitable growth while maintaining risk discipline and compliance.
- Led cross-functional coordination with underwriting, claims, and actuarial teams to ensure consistent broker satisfaction and policyholder retention.
- Achieved a record-breaking AED 200 million in gross written premium through the broker channel and personal lines—the highest in the company’s history.
- Maintained a robust direct sales portfolio exceeding AED 50 million, showcasing strong individual performance and client engagement.
- Represented the organization at industry forums, regulatory meetings, and broker summits, strengthening Al Khazna’s brand reputation in the regional market.
Account Manager
Takaful Emarat Insurance Company, P.S.C
Dubai
06.2012 - 06.2014
- Played a key role in expanding profitable business through both existing intermediary relationships and the acquisition of new broker accounts, with a strong focus on sustainable premium growth.
- Successfully developed and executed strategic annual account plans for each assigned intermediary, aligned with overall company sales targets and distribution objectives.
- Onboarded and managed over 30 new broker partners, including leading multinational brokerage firms, resulting in a significant increase in new business acquisition and diversified channel strength.
- Defended and grew renewal business across multiple lines, including life, medical, and general insurance, maintaining high client retention and satisfaction levels.
- Conducted in-depth competitive analysis of product offerings, market rates, and competitor positioning to inform product development and pricing strategies.
- Gained comprehensive knowledge of the UAE insurance landscape and evolving customer needs, enabling tailored solutions that resonated with brokers and end clients.
Customer Service/Operations- Supervisor
AXA-Green Crescent Insurance Company, P.S
Dubai
03.2009 - 06.2012
- Part of the founding team responsible for launching Green Crescent’s operations in the Middle East, gaining hands-on experience in end-to-end startup functions including product development, channel strategy, operational setup, and regulatory readiness.
- Played a critical role in shaping internal processes and systems for policy administration, service delivery, and client communication during the company’s foundational phase.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations and service delivery for both broker and direct business channels, ensuring seamless policy issuance, renewals, and servicing.
- Managed a portfolio exceeding AED 200 million, delivering strong results through efficient process management and exceptional customer experience.
- Led and coached a team comprising administrators, team leaders, and customer service representatives, creating a performance-driven culture with a focus on service excellence.
- Acted as the primary operational liaison for cross-functional coordination, working closely with underwriting, claims, medical approvals, finance, and administrative teams to ensure timely policy and claims servicing.
Customer Service Specialist/Group Administrator
American Life Insurance Co, MetLife Alico
Dubai
12.2005 - 03.2009
- Maintained and strengthened relationships with a portfolio of multinational corporate clients and insurance brokers across the Middle East, with a focus on ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and policy retention.
- Acted as a key point of contact for clients and brokers, efficiently handling complex queries related to policy contracts, benefits administration, billing issues, claims, and service complaints.
- Provided end-to-end administrative support for group medical policies, ensuring accurate implementation, policy issuance, member endorsements, renewals, and reconciliations.
- Managed the daily operations and underwriting activities of assigned group accounts through both broker and direct channels, ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines, policy terms, and turnaround times.
- Ensured strict compliance with internal administrative protocols and regulatory standards related to health insurance operations and group policy servicing.
Education
CII - Certificate
Chartered Insurance Institute - UK
RIBO
Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario
IPGD - General Insurance -
Institute of Insurance And Risk Management
ACII - Pursuing
Chartered Insurance Institute - UK
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of Madras
Skills
Client acquisition
Business development
Client relationship building
Financial foresight
Profit and Loss Analysis
Strategic leadership
Stakeholder negotiations
Market analysis
Operations management
Professionalism
Timeline
Managing Partner
Aaxel Insurance Brokers
01.2024 - 05.2025
Sales Broker-Lead
HUB International
10.2021 - 12.2023
Head of Broker Relations
Al Khazna Insurance Company, PSC
07.2014 - 02.2021
Account Manager
Takaful Emarat Insurance Company, P.S.C
06.2012 - 06.2014
Customer Service/Operations- Supervisor
AXA-Green Crescent Insurance Company, P.S
03.2009 - 06.2012
Customer Service Specialist/Group Administrator
American Life Insurance Co, MetLife Alico
12.2005 - 03.2009
CII - Certificate
Chartered Insurance Institute - UK
RIBO
Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario
IPGD - General Insurance -
Institute of Insurance And Risk Management
ACII - Pursuing
Chartered Insurance Institute - UK
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of Madras
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