Ken Crerar

Crerar is CEO of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. Under Crerar's leadership, The Council has expanded six-fold and solidified its position as the leading representative of the most successful insurance brokers in the nation and globally. The Council is currently home to 75 of the Top 100 largest brokers of U.S. business. Crerar's initiatives include The Council Academy, which provides leadership and talent development resources to CIAB member firms; The Council Foundation, which supports industry research and assists in attracting and developing the brokerage workforce of the future through internships and scholarships; and the creation of Leader’s Edge. Crerar also spearheaded The Council's efforts to create The World Federation of Insurance Intermediaries. A graduate of Connecticut College, Crerar began his career in Washington as special assistant to Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.
A Leader to Emulate
Brokerage Ops A Leader to Emulate
A Tribute to Tom Motamed, Former Chairman and CEO, CNA
May 29, 2023
Chatter in a Box
Industry Chatter in a Box
Generative artificial intelligence has a ways to go before it catches up to smar...
April 30, 2023
The Upside of Decline
Brokerage Ops The Upside of Decline
Combining the innovation of youth and the sagacity of age, the industry could b...
April 2, 2023
Shaping the Future
Industry Shaping the Future
The Council’s leadership will be undergoing a transition in 2023, and we could...
January 17, 2023
Midterm Mania
Industry Midterm Mania
Stakes were high, and people showed up. That, in and of itself, is a victory.
December 1, 2022
A New Pilot for Your Pipeline
Brokerage Ops A New Pilot for Your Pipeline
The Council is launching a new RMI certificate program in partnership with the U...
November 1, 2022
Ode to the Interns
Brokerage Ops Ode to the Interns
This year’s group was smart, lively and dynamic. If we’re lucky, we’ll be ...
September 1, 2022
Taking Pride in DE&I
Brokerage Ops Taking Pride in DE&I
Meaningful support for your employees and colleagues should be all-encompassing.
July 6, 2022
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Brokerage Ops Where the Rubber Meets the Road
The challenge of keeping up can put companies in a tailspin. Focus on your core ...
May 31, 2022
Call Me, Maybe?
Industry Call Me, Maybe?
While it has been a lifesaver for businesses worldwide, spending all day videoco...
May 1, 2022
The Great Reset
Brokerage Ops The Great Reset
A new spin on today’s biggest business dilemma.
April 1, 2022
Expect the Expected
Industry Expect the Expected
Today’s way of transacting business within the commercial insurance sector nee...
February 28, 2022
Days Go Slow, Years Go Fast
Industry Days Go Slow, Years Go Fast
In looking at the worthwhile changes we gained from the pandemic, there is much ...
November 30, 2021
Recall Your Purpose
Industry Recall Your Purpose
Moving forward with ILF was an impossible decision, but leaning on our mission m...
November 1, 2021
A Lion, an Oak Tree, and a Dash of Spice
Brokerage Ops A Lion, an Oak Tree, and a Dash of Spice
Culture is critical to any environment. We set out to capture ours.
August 31, 2021
There’s No Secret Sauce
Brokerage Ops There’s No Secret Sauce
The sand is changing under your feet every day. That’s life as a leader.
July 20, 2021
Same World but Different
Brokerage Ops Same World but Different
Technological innovation has forced the need for business transformation. It’s...
June 1, 2021
All Eyes on M&A
Industry All Eyes on M&A
At the end of the day, some may gain, others may lose, and the result is bound t...
May 2, 2021
Being Our Whole Selves
Industry Being Our Whole Selves
Our differences should be celebrated…especially in the workplace.
March 26, 2021
A Shot in the Arm
Industry A Shot in the Arm
We can help normalize work with vaccine support.
February 28, 2021
Full Steam Ahead
Industry Full Steam Ahead
Strong leaders reflect on the past to prepare for the future.
January 15, 2021
In the Ring
Industry In the Ring
Here’s to a brighter, lighter 2021.
November 30, 2020
Stuck on Pause
Industry Stuck on Pause
Will this fall’s election be accepted, or will we remain at loggerheads? Or wo...
October 30, 2020
The Polls Are Open
Brokerage Ops The Polls Are Open
The most important message I have this month is to vote.
October 14, 2020
Aim High
Industry Aim High
As distrust surrounds our major institutions, our industry has an opportunity to...
September 24, 2020
Autopilot...Off
Industry Autopilot...Off
It’s time for leadership to mean something different than beating ourselves up...
August 25, 2020
It Starts with Us
Industry It Starts with Us
We need to listen with open hearts, commit to educating ourselves, and show comp...
June 18, 2020
Walk This Way
Brokerage Ops Walk This Way
Prioritizing your employees’ well-being helps improve your company’s well-be...
May 31, 2020
Bolero!
Industry Bolero!
I’ve had my fair share of time to think about leadership over the past few wee...
April 27, 2020
Balancing Act
Industry Balancing Act
It takes a new level of EQ to lead in times of crisis.
March 25, 2020
Let’s Get Creative
Industry Let’s Get Creative
There’s no better time to show your value.
March 1, 2020
The Gift of Resilience
Brokerage Ops The Gift of Resilience
A holistic approach to leadership at the perfect time of year.
December 1, 2019
365 Days
Industry 365 Days
...and counting until the next presidential election.
October 29, 2019
It Doesn't Hurt to Be Human
Brokerage Ops It Doesn't Hurt to Be Human
This is a time for the industry to do good to do better.
October 1, 2019
Do the Math
Industry Do the Math
It's time organizations practice what we preach.
August 20, 2019
Making Strides and Planting Stakes
Industry Making Strides and Planting Stakes
Our industry is making progress on technology. No, really. It is.
July 12, 2019
Build It and They Will Come
Brokerage Ops Build It and They Will Come
We must grow, wander and innovate to keep pace with business transformation.
May 24, 2019
Moral Compass
Brokerage Ops Moral Compass
It’s time to set the integrity bar higher.
April 22, 2019
M&A 101: What “Right” Looks Like for You
Brokerage Ops M&A 101: What “Right” Looks Like for You
Take the time to fully understand the culture of each organization at the table.
March 28, 2019
Building a Culture That Works
Brokerage Ops Building a Culture That Works
Our biggest issue is not the attraction of talent. Our biggest issue is culture.
March 1, 2019
Come On In, The Water’s Fine
Brokerage Ops Come On In, The Water’s Fine
Untapped pools of talent could make a difference in your firm.
November 29, 2018
Stand Up and Be Counted
Brokerage Ops Stand Up and Be Counted
Politics and D&I are not easy topics, but they shouldn’t be difficult to talk ...
October 31, 2018
At Your Service
Brokerage Ops At Your Service
Societal changes are requiring firms to keep up, especially in the hunt for tale...
September 27, 2018
Today’s Leadership Challenge
Brokerage Ops Today’s Leadership Challenge
Take a step back and reflect…on you.
August 30, 2018
New Beginnings
Industry New Beginnings
Our dynamic magazine is under the direction of new blood.
July 18, 2018
Uncover Your Friction Points and Gaps
Brokerage Ops Uncover Your Friction Points and Gaps
Diversity accountability achieves a competitive business advantage.
May 22, 2018
From Abstract to Action
Brokerage Ops From Abstract to Action
Diversity and inclusion initiatives are not the same thing.
May 1, 2018
The Uphill Battle
Industry The Uphill Battle
We’re past due on moving diversity and inclusion initiatives forward.
March 27, 2018
Your Customer Consort
Brokerage Ops Your Customer Consort
Client demands are changing the reigning delivery model.
February 27, 2018
Bring It
Lifestyle Bring It
Your 2018 leadership challenge
December 4, 2017
The Road to Recovery
Industry The Road to Recovery
Answering the call.
October 30, 2017
The Texan Way
Lifestyle The Texan Way
Have a plan and execute it.
September 29, 2017
Defining Leadership
Brokerage Ops Defining Leadership
It took nine drafts of this column before I finally surrendered to the printer.
September 5, 2017
Office Exposé
Brokerage Ops Office Exposé
Every organization has valuable data to lose.
July 18, 2017
All Eyes on Health Insurtech
Industry All Eyes on Health Insurtech
The time is now for brokers to get educated and engaged so they can be proactive...
May 25, 2017
Don’t Miss the (Customer Service) Boat
Brokerage Ops Don’t Miss the (Customer Service) Boat
It’s win or lose with every interaction.
April 26, 2017
Employee No. 97642
Brokerage Ops Employee No. 97642
Don’t forget the employees during a deal.
March 29, 2017
Customer for Life
Brokerage Ops Customer for Life
My own journey through the claims process.
February 27, 2017
The Great Divide
Brokerage Ops The Great Divide
The most troubling election in recent history calls for a united response.
November 28, 2016
Listen. Adapt. Excel.
Brokerage Ops Listen. Adapt. Excel.
The art of communication
October 24, 2016
Tough Times Call for Tough People
Brokerage Ops Tough Times Call for Tough People
In this new world, authenticity and true leadership will prevail.
October 6, 2016
Appreciation Is Forever
Brokerage Ops Appreciation Is Forever
We all share in the responsibility of shaping the future.
August 28, 2016
Ode to the Underdogs
Brokerage Ops Ode to the Underdogs
The world of employee benefits is bypassing its own funeral procession and diggi...
July 27, 2016
It’s all about the hustle, baby.
Brokerage Ops It’s all about the hustle, baby.
Adapting over time is essential to corporate success.
July 26, 2016
Going Global, at Home and Abroad
Industry Going Global, at Home and Abroad
The Council strives to give you a voice in global industry affairs.
May 2, 2016
What If We Don’t?
Brokerage Ops What If We Don’t?
Don’t let the talent challenge become the reason you don’t move. The future ...
March 29, 2016
Ch’ch’ch’ Changes
Brokerage Ops Ch’ch’ch’ Changes
Look around you. They may not be at your front door, but have you checked your b...
February 23, 2016
Take the Risk
Lifestyle Take the Risk
What would you accomplish if you weren’t afraid? Who would you be?
November 24, 2015
Ideas Aplenty
Brokerage Ops Ideas Aplenty
This issue will pile more suggestions in your in-basket.
October 30, 2015
Business Unplugged
Brokerage Ops Business Unplugged
Give yourself the gift of stepping away.
September 23, 2015
Old Men, Shady Characters, Dull Cubicles
Brokerage Ops Old Men, Shady Characters, Dull Cubicles
A good summer read: opening eyes, putting minds at ease and changing millennial ...
August 27, 2015
Making Technology Fit
Brokerage Ops Making Technology Fit
Our biggest opportunities are our own vulnerabilities as an industry.
July 27, 2015
When Pigs Fly
Industry When Pigs Fly
The Cadillac tax would be the first tax on employee benefits in U.S. history. Bi...
June 1, 2015
The Black Hole
Brokerage Ops The Black Hole
Growing demand for cyber-risk protection increases coverage complexities, highli...
April 29, 2015
Holacracy. Really?
Brokerage Ops Holacracy. Really?
We owe it to ourselves to at least understand how it works and what its impact m...
March 25, 2015
Information Rich, Knowledge Poor
Brokerage Ops Information Rich, Knowledge Poor
Data affects your firm top to bottom, left to right, and it’s not just an IT i...
February 23, 2015
No Looking Back
Brokerage Ops No Looking Back
It’s the disrupters who made a real impact on our business, our lives and the ...
December 1, 2014
My Turn
Industry My Turn
If nothing else, our cover story will confuse you, frustrate you and have you ch...
October 27, 2014
We Have Completely Lost Touch
Brokerage Ops We Have Completely Lost Touch
In a meeting, you are everything that doesn’t come across in texts, tweets and...
September 30, 2014
The Council’s Got Talent
Brokerage Ops The Council’s Got Talent
Jargon intimidates most young adults and cause many to shy away from pursuing in...
August 28, 2014
Goodwill Hunting
Industry Goodwill Hunting
Property-casualty FATCA reporting is absurd, but we were forced to make a choice...
July 17, 2014
Managing the Unknown
Brokerage Ops Managing the Unknown
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
May 29, 2014
Good, Better, Best
Brokerage Ops Good, Better, Best
We provide some of the tools for you to get there.
April 24, 2014
The Coffee’s Moving in the Right Direction
Brokerage Ops The Coffee’s Moving in the Right Direction
Tiny steps can improve your value and direction.
April 1, 2014
Got Talent?
Brokerage Ops Got Talent?
Own your future. Don’t rely on our industry for support.
March 1, 2014
After Six
Lifestyle After Six
Have all of the gentlemen and ladies left the building?
January 27, 2014
Charting Your Course
Brokerage Ops Charting Your Course
Learn to question what’s crucial while always staying afloat in uncertain time...
November 25, 2013
Changing Winds
Industry Changing Winds
McKinsey study shows the small-agent landscape is being swept away, altering our...
October 30, 2013
Day One All Over Again
Brokerage Ops Day One All Over Again
Leading the way through 100 years of change, we pause briefly, then move on.
October 1, 2013
Lead by Example
Industry Lead by Example
In this political climate, there is need for change.
September 1, 2013
Being Fluent in Technology
Brokerage Ops Being Fluent in Technology
Differentiators put many of our members at a market advantage.
July 15, 2013
Educate and Empower
Health+Benefits Educate and Empower
Let’s take on the challenge to create a better future for our industry and our...
May 22, 2013
It’s Not About New
Brokerage Ops It’s Not About New
We enable collaboration to empower competitors to become disruptors.
April 22, 2013
Dirty Little Word
Brokerage Ops Dirty Little Word
What exactly is it that makes people so uncomfortable?
March 27, 2013
Diversify Your Thinking
Brokerage Ops Diversify Your Thinking
Your clientele is more diverse than ever, yet your office looks like it did a ge...
February 27, 2013
Older & Wiser: The Council at 100
Lifestyle Older & Wiser: The Council at 100
It takes leadership and smart thinking to be sustainable.
January 24, 2013
So What Have  We Learned?
Lifestyle So What Have We Learned?
The 2012 election is behind us. The world hasn’t ended, our legs haven’t bee...
December 11, 2012
No Magic Bullet
Brokerage Ops No Magic Bullet
It’s not what keeps you up at night but, rather, what gets you up in the morni...
November 11, 2012
A Check, Then a Stalemate
Industry A Check, Then a Stalemate
Writing a check to a Super PAC hasn’t added substance to the political discour...
September 12, 2012
Digital Disruption
Industry Digital Disruption
The blazing speed of technological change is forcing you to change the way you d...
August 11, 2012
Pull Up a Chair
Brokerage Ops Pull Up a Chair
Is your competition comfortable with you speaking up for them?
June 11, 2012
Disruptive Change Jumpstarts Innovation
Lifestyle Disruptive Change Jumpstarts Innovation
Don’t let what you know limit your imagination.
May 11, 2012
Innovation Demands Speed
Industry Innovation Demands Speed
A buggy whip regulatory system can’t keep up.
April 1, 2012
Simple Does Work
Industry Simple Does Work
We are running in circles while states muck it up.
March 11, 2012
Compete and Thrive
Industry Compete and Thrive
As The Council enters a new century, we embrace change because that’s what bre...
February 11, 2012
Think Different. Think Forward.
Industry Think Different. Think Forward.
Let’s turn our industry upside down and shatter the status quo.
November 1, 2011
A Ding in the Universe
Industry A Ding in the Universe
Great leadership strives to be a force for disruptive change in this industry.
October 1, 2011
Reckless and Risky Behavior
Industry Reckless and Risky Behavior
Your firm’s financial future depends on you being politically engaged. Just lo...
September 9, 2011
Change Is  Never Easy
Industry Change Is Never Easy
Replacing inconsistency and conflict with a single state regulatory system for s...
July 9, 2011
Yes, I Rant
Industry Yes, I Rant
The industry needs this to remain competitive. Distribution is critical.
June 1, 2011