Assurant, a global provider of risk management solutions, has made a series of senior management appointments and outlined a new operating structure within both technology and risk, effective 1 January 2019.
The company says these changes support its commitment to drive sustainable, profitable growth across the enterprise.
Firstly, the company’s Management Committee will be rounded out to add three new leaders to its most senior leadership body. The new members are: Kathy McDonald, President, Global Specialty, Keith Meier, President, International, and Tammy Schultz, President, Global Preneed.
“As the needs of our customers change, we will continue to evolve how we operate as a global organization,” said Alan Colberg, Assurant President and Chief Executive Officer.
“That means innovating to add value and continuing to enhance the customer experience, while finding efficiencies and opportunities to leverage the size and scale of our global operations.”
Gene Mergelmeyer, Chief Operating Officer, will assume leadership of the company’s Global Technology organisation, building on his previous experience leading Assurant’s corporate technology team.
Mergelmeyer will transition his business segment oversight responsibilities to Keith Demmings, President of Global Lifestyle; Michael Campbell, President of Global Housing; and Tammy Schultz, President of Global Preneed, all of whom will now report to Alan Colberg.
Mergelmeyer will also have oversight for operations transformation and other large strategic initiatives with a focus on driving greater efficiencies through standardisation and deployment of technology, while also helping deliver an enhanced customer experience.
Reporting to Gene will be Joe Surber, who will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Global Technology Officer, effective January 1.
Ajay Waghray, Chief Technology Officer, as a result of these changes, will be leaving the company.
“Ajay championed the integration of our global technology organization and we thank him for the many ways he has contributed to framing our roadmap for the future,” said Colberg.
In addition, Assurant also announced that Christopher Pagano, Chief Risk Officer, will retire on 1 April 2019, after 23 years of service.
“Chris has been an invaluable asset to Assurant through the years, and I have appreciated his partnership and all he has done to drive value in our organization,” added Colberg.
“The new management committee appointments underscore the strong bench of talent within Assurant, while also recognizing the benefits of additional perspectives and experience as we look to further capitalize on growth opportunities.”
