Bill Jeatran Named Chairman of the Board of Assurex Global
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Assurex Global Names RJF Agencies CEO as Chairman While Emphasis on International Business Continues
RJF CEO Bill Jeatran will focus on growth, values and people development in new role
MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 17, 2007)—Assurex Global, a selective worldwide network of independent insurance brokers representing $23 billion in premium volume, has named its newest and 52nd chairman of the board. Bill Jeatran, the chief executive officer of Minneapolis-based RJF Agencies, succeeds Paul J. Hering, who is the managing principal and chief executive officer of Barney & Barney LLC in San Diego.
Jeatran’s RJF Agencies, a risk management and employee benefits agency, serves middle-market companies throughout the upper Midwest from five offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Jeatran is a founding partner of the agency, having purchased the then one-person business in 1986. Under Jeatran’s leadership, RJF Agencies has since grown into a $25 million full-service risk management, employee benefits and commercial insurance firm.
“Bill’s leadership ability and the tremendous growth enjoyed by his own agency make him the perfect choice for our dynamic organization,” explained Jim Hackbarth, Assurex Global’s president and CEO. “He understands that aggressive growth needs to be tempered with strong core values and a commitment to developing our people and the organization to reach our full potential.”
Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Assurex Global has approved just 117 independently owned and locally managed firms as Partners. “It’s an honor to have my own firm as an Assurex Global Partner, and now, to serve as chairman, is really humbling,” said Jeatran. “With over 20,000 insurance professionals making up the ranks of Assurex Global, we’re an organization that brings incredible industry knowledge and diverse experience to both our existing and new clients. We bring the flexibility of an independent, local broker together with some truly impressive global clout.”
Also named during the recent election is new board member, Gautam Boda, managing director of J.B. Boda & Company Pvt. Ltd. in Mumbai, India; and two returning board members: Tom Cornish, president and CEO of Seitlin in Miami, Fla, and Johnny Pitts, co-chief manager of Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance, LLC of Memphis, Tenn.
The election of Boda continues the organization’s emphasis on worldwide service. “As a representative of Partners from the Asia/Pacific region, his viewpoint will be key in maintaining Assurex Global’s commitment to international business development,” explained Hackbarth. “We continue to expand the amount of business our Partners develop across borders and recognize that a board which reflects the true international nature of our organization is vital to our ongoing success and expansion. Gautam’s experience and vision will bring value to all our Partners regardless of their location.”
Added Boda: “Having an independent broker with a real commitment to and an understanding of a local market comes best from individuals who live and work in that market. They know the unique conditions which may affect a particular risk management program. What makes Assurex Global so unique is that we’ve organized such in-depth market knowledge into an easy “one-stop” shopping process for the client. On literally six continents, clients are directly connected to every local region through each broker involved, but because efforts are guided by Assurex Global standards, the process is unified and seamless.”
About RJF Agencies
RJF Agencies is the 57th largest private agency in the United States. Its values-driven approach facilitates growth and strengthens companies using comprehensive programs that reduce the cost of risk for more than 5,000 corporate clients serviced from five offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Its process includes employee benefits, commercial insurance, alternative risk programs, loss prevention, claim management, human resource consulting, wellness management and financial services. The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal named it as one of the fastest growing private companies in Minnesota six times in the past nine years and a Great Place to Work in 2005 and 2006. CEO Bill Jeatran was an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in 2007. More information is at www.rjfagencies.com.
About Assurex Global
Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Assurex Global combines the experience and expertise of 20,000 professionals in every major city on six continents. The 117 independently owned broker Partners comprise the world’s largest privately held risk management, commercial insurance and employee benefits brokerage group, placing annual premiums of $23 billion. Assurex Global Partners—only one per market—are selected by capability, integrity, growth potential, quality and breadth of services. For a complete list of Assurex Global Partners or for more information, visit www.assurexglobal.com.
