Zurich North America has appointed Jason Meador, currently Head of Zurich’s crop insurance business, Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS), to lead the Direct Markets business. The appointment is effective February 1st, 2024, and he will continue to report to Kristof Terryn, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich North America as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
The Direct Markets business serves auto dealers and rental operations, and the appointment follows the impending retirement of the Head of Direct Markets, Vince Santivasi.
Santivasi will stay on through April 5th, 2024 to assist with Meador’s transition. Santivasi’s retirement comes after two decades with Zurich. During this time, he solidified Zurich’s position as one of the largest Finance & Insurance and Property & Casualty insurance providers to franchised auto dealers across the United States.
Terryn commented, “In honoring Vince’s remarkable twenty-year tenure with Zurich, we express gratitude for his exceptional leadership. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the automotive industry, Vince has fostered invaluable customer and industry relationships that have been instrumental in our success within the franchised auto dealer space.
“As Vince moves on, Jason, who currently leads our Crop business, will take over as leader of the Direct Markets business. We extend our appreciation to Vince for his exemplary service and anticipate continued success under Jason’s leadership.”
Meador has deep expertise in the insurance industry. Most recently, he served as the Head of RCIS, leading the crop insurance business at Zurich.
Meador joined Zurich over 10 years ago and has held several leadership roles since that time, including Head of Strategic Execution for North America, Chief Operating Officer of the former Alternative Markets business unit, and Head of Captives. Before joining Zurich, Meador was a Principal with The Boston Consulting Group serving clients in the Insurance and Financial Services industry.
The company has also announced that Dalynn Hoch, currently Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Zurich Insurance Group, will rejoin the North America arm to succeed Meador as the Head of RCIS.
The appointment is effective February 1st, 2024, with Hoch reporting to Terryn and serving as a member of Zurich North America’s Executive Committee.
Terryn concluded, “We’re fortunate to have strong leaders across North America and our Group, which ensures seamless transitions. We’re thrilled to welcome Dalynn back to North America. With her background growing up in the family agriculture business and the wealth of finance and transformation experience she gained during her 14 years at Zurich, Dalynn is a strong fit to lead our Crop business.”
