American Family makes Westrate president
American Family Insurance executive Bill Westrate has been named company president, the Madison-based insurer said Wednesday.
Westrate, who has been chief operating officer, will assume the president title from Jack Salzwedel, chairman and chief executive officer of American Family.
Salzwedel has held the president title since 2014. He will remain chairman and CEO.
“Bill’s built terrific relationships with our agents, has exceptional knowledge of our company, and is a successful advocate of proactive change and innovation to benefit our customers,” Salzwedel said in a statement announcing the promotion.
Westrate has been American Family COO since 2014. He started with the company in 1996 as an actuarial analyst and earned promotions to actuarial manager, homeowners lines director and risk pricing director. In 2006, he was elected actuarial division vice president. In 2008, he was named personal lines vice president. In 2011, he became an executive vice president before becoming COO.
The board of directors of American Family Insurance Mutual Holding Co. elected Westrate to his new position on Salzwedel’s recommendation.
Jessie Stauffacher moves from chief administration officer to COO to succeed Westrate, the company said.
Stauffacher will oversee operations of American Family brand products and services offered through the agent channel.
Stauffacher began her American Family career in 2004 as a senior financial analyst. Her positions have included planning and metrics manager, executive administration director, internal audit director and vice president/chief of staff for the CEO. In 2016, she was named chief administration officer. The company said Fabian Fondriest is president of American Family Direct, the company’s direct distribution arm, and chief executive officer of Homesite Group, a national direct propertycasualty insurer based in Boston, Mass.
“These changes strengthen our unique position in the industry — one with a talented and exclusive agency force and a leading multiline, direct offering,” Salzwedel said.
American Family is the largest insurer of homes and autos in Wisconsin.
It is the nation’s 13thlargest property/casualty insurance group. The company sells American Family brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates — The General, Homesite and AssureStart — also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the internet or by phone.