About the position
Zurich North America is seeking a seasoned and dynamic Executive Vice President to lead our Direct Markets Business Unit. This critical role demands extensive expertise in the automotive industry along with robust sales and relationship management experience. As the Head of Direct Markets, you will lead a team dedicated to providing Property & Casualty (P&C) and Finance & Insurance (F&I) services to the auto dealer industry. This team operates across three strategic business units (SBUs): F&I, P&C Retail, and P&C Rental. Collaborating closely with Sales and Support teams, your leadership will drive the strategic vision, direction, and performance of the Direct Markets Business Unit. You will be responsible for reviewing and approving business unit plans and objectives, overseeing operations, and achieving strategic goals. We seek a strong leader capable of influencing and effectively communicating with clients, fostering relationships to propel the growth of our Direct Markets business.
Responsibilities
- Conduct business, book, and segment analyses to ensure profitability and growth.
- Build relationships to achieve profitable growth, market, product mix, new business, and account retention.
- Ensure consistent implementation of underwriting and processing practices and standards.
- Develop and execute business strategies to meet and exceed goals and objectives.
- Provide clear and consistent communication to employees regarding business strategies, profitability objectives, priorities, and accountabilities.
- Develop and maintain product density efforts to promote synergies with other businesses and SBUs.
- Evaluate and communicate key underwriting and marketplace issues to peers and senior management.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree and 15+ years of experience in the P&C Commercial Insurance sector
- 5+ years of management experience
- Auto Industry experience
Nice-to-haves
- Proven track record in managing a complex business unit with P&L responsibility and growing and retaining a substantial book of business.
- Experience leading a nationwide direct sales force that sells P&C insurance to automotive dealerships and rental operators, facilitating the sale of F&I products to consumers through these dealerships.
- Expertise in strategy setting, operations, and process execution.
- Proficiency in distribution management.
- Exceptional skills in relationship building, active listening, and win-win negotiating.
- Strong executive presence with the capability to interact with the C-Suite.
- Ability to manage vision and purpose, leading the organization through innovative and creative thinking.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 50%
- Ongoing career development opportunities
- Comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents
