Our
Leadership

Rich Williams leads all business operations, management and growth at Combined Insurance and its three business units: Combined U.S., Combined Canada and Chubb Workplace Benefits. He joined in 2021 after serving as President of Aflac Group Benefits. An actuary by training, he has extensive leadership experience in the insurance industry. 

Joel Schwartz oversees Combined Canada’s business operations, management, and growth strategies. He has 35+ years of experience in sales, finance, and marketing, and joined the company after serving as President of CNO company Colonial Penn Life Insurance, a Top Five direct-to-consumer life insurer. 

Earlier, Joel held a series of leadership positions, including as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President at Lincoln Financial Distributors. He is a graduate of Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Vince Iozzo was appointed to the position of Chief Distribution Officer and Chief Agent for Canada in 2022. Prior to his appointment, Vince has held several internal leadership roles which include Controller, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. 

Previously, Vince held a senior leadership role at AFLAC Canada. An accountant by training, he holds a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant designation (CPA, CA) and an insurance designation with the Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI). Vince holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Math for Commerce at York University, Ontario Canada.

Kevin Chen is a key member of the executive leadership team and oversees Finance, Field Compensation, and Risk Management. He joined the organization nearly a decade ago, previously serving as Assistant Vice President and Controller. Prior to Combined, Kevin managed the financial reporting and tax area at Munich Reinsurance. 

Earlier, Kevin was a member of the audit practice at Deloitte & Touche. He holds Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant designations and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Toronto.

Christine Houghton joined Combined Insurance in March 2019.  She has 25+ years leadership experience with nearly 30 years within the North American Insurance Industry. 

Christine had previously held a number of positions at Desjardins/State Farm Canada, State Farm and most recently,  VP-Human Resources with Canadian Premier Life.  

In her role, Christine has responsibility for the leadership, day to day operations and strategic direction of the Canadian Human Resources team. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and has earned her CCP, CBP, GRP and her CHRL.

Gourami Kakhadze oversees compliance, legal, regulatory, and fair treatment of customers matters for Combined in Canada. He joined the company in 2021 from Business Development Bank of Canada, where he was a core member of its Legal and Compliance team. 

Earlier, Gourami served as legal counsel at public utility Hydro-Québec, and worked at financial services cooperative Desjardins Group. He earned his bachelors and law degree from the University of Montreal. He is a member of the Bar of Quebec.

Clifford Martz is Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for the Canadian Branch of Combined Insurance, where he leads Operations and Sales Enablement. He is responsible for operational performance, client experience, and building the organizational capabilities needed to support the company’s continued growth.

With more than 30 years of financial services and operational leadership experience, Cliff has led complex operations and large-scale transformation initiatives across Canada and North America. His leadership approach is grounded in creating clarity, strengthening accountability, and developing people. He believes one of a leader’s most important responsibilities is helping employees reach their potential, grow their capabilities and marketability, and prepare for opportunities both within and beyond their current roles.

Throughout his career, Cliff has focused on building high-performing, people-centered organizations that deliver strong results while developing the leadership and bench strength needed for the future.

Prior to joining Combined Insurance, Cliff spent 18 years with Pitney Bowes Inc., holding several senior operational leadership roles across North America with responsibility for domestic and outsourced operations, client experience, risk management, and business performance.

Cliff began his financial services career as a licensed insurance agent for Combined Insurance of America, giving him a perspective on the business that spans from serving customers in the field to leading operations at the executive level.

Outside of his corporate responsibilities, Cliff is co-founder of Ryan’s Rays Foundation, which supports inclusive education and recreational opportunities for children with disabilities.