Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Laura Blythe is Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at CWB Group, where she leads with a vision rooted in the dynamic intersection of people and strategy.
With over 25 years of progressive experience spanning insurance, healthcare, and public safety, she is recognized for driving innovation, organizational development, and excellence in strategic planning and HR management.
Laura holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an MA in political science from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Project Management Professional (PMP) – credentials that underpin her ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver measurable results.
8260 Parkhill Drive, Milton, ON L9T5V7
226 314 2260
laura.blythe@cwbgroup.org
linkedin.com/in/lauradblythe
cwbgroup.org
Laura Blythe
Chief Human Resources Officer/Chief Strategy Officer CWB Group - Industry Services
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2001–2011
2011–2012
2012–2015
2018–2022
2023–Present
Progressively senior roles at WSIB
2004–2018
Earned her Executive MBA degree from Ivey Business School
2010–2011
First VP role at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph
2018–2020
Chief HR Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at CWB Group
2020–Present
2023: Top 50 Women Leaders Toronto, Top HR Leader in Canadian Tech
2024: Corporate Social Responsibility Award, Nominee for Canada’s Most Admired CPCO Award
2024: Nominee for Canada’s Most Admired CPCO Award
Current role: chief people officer at PureFacts, driving organizational transformation, growth, and cultural change while advising boards, startups, PE/VC firms, and mentoring the next generation of HR leaders
2023–Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.