Programs Leadership News
Celebrating Greg Massey
On May 2, Greg Massey officially retired, ending a distinguished career of over 38 years in insurance, including more than 12 years here at Zurich North America. Since March of 2018, Greg has been the Head of Programs, leading the Programs team to impressive expansion and profitability. He leaves us in a strong position for further growth, but even more importantly, he has done so by forging great and lasting relationships inside and outside of Zurich.
Greg held several leadership roles at Zurich before coming to Programs, including time as Head of Property and Casualty, Director of Technical Underwriting, Chief Underwriting Officer for the former Commercial Markets business unit, and Head of Field Operations, overseeing Integrated Products in the Western U.S.
Greg began his tenure as Head of Programs within Zurich’s former Alternative Markets unit and continued in the position when Programs transitioned to being part of the U.S. Middle Market team. In a fitting honor, Greg was named a 2017 KAMP Leadership Award honoree, given to those demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities, spirit and dedication.
There is not enough room in the entirety of this magazine to fit all the good wishes and accolades Greg’s colleagues have sent his way to celebrate his career, but we want to share just a few below.
“Greg has been a highly valued and trusted member of my Senior Leadership Team since he and the Programs team joined U.S. Middle Market last year. His leadership and business acumen are exceptional, and I have personally come to think of him as both a confidant and friend. I will miss him, and I know that his Zurich family will miss him as well.”
Alex Wells Head of U.S. Middle Market
“While I am disappointed for what we will lose at Zurich with Greg’s retirement, I am very excited for how he is going to live his life with his family moving forward. Greg is one of the most accomplished insurance professionals that I have met in my career. He is a great leader and a great friend, building deep and caring relationships throughout a broad organization, demonstrating empathy and creating a common cause for success.”
Ryan Whitney Vice President, Head of Programs and Rental Sales
“Greg is one of the most direct, authentic people I’ve ever worked with — a real role model. He’s also the most efficient communicator I’ve ever met. He could cover more topics in 15 minutes than anyone I know. He will definitely be missed.”
Denise Olson Head of Programs (formerly Vice President, Technical Director for Programs)
“Greg has been a wonderful leader, challenging us to think more broadly, keep intense focus on the customer, simplify processes and maintain and improve profitability. More importantly, he is a champion of people challenging themselves to do more, learn more, be more. He will be deeply missed.”
Rosemarie Rogers Vice President, Programs
“Greg has been a tremendous leader, not only for our Programs team but also in several other leadership capacities across the Zurich organization, for well over a decade. His business knowledge, expertise and commitment to the insurance industry are second to none. I want to personally thank Greg for his leadership and guidance, and I wish him all the best as he prepares for the next phase of his life.”
Eric Cittadino Vice President, Programs
Zurich North America names Denise Olson Head of Programs
The longtime Zurich leader and insurance industry veteran succeeds Greg Massey in the role.
This past April, it was announced that Denise Olson had been named Head of Programs for Zurich North America, succeeding Greg Massey. She reports to Alex Wells, Head of U.S. Middle Market, and she will continue as a member of the Zurich North America Leadership team.
As Head of Programs, Denise is responsible for the executive management of Zurich’s Programs business and fostering and maintaining strategic relationships with our Program Administrators.
“With her extensive knowledge of the Programs business, strong underwriting acumen and exemplary leadership skills, I am confident that we will continue to maintain our top-tier position in the Programs space and build on this critical business,” Alex Wells said in announcing the appointment.
Denise joined Zurich in 2003 and has held several leadership roles in underwriting, product development and actuarial. She most recently served as the Technical Director for Programs, working with the Line of Business and Pricing & Actuarial teams to lead technical underwriting for Programs. She also continued her responsibilities for new program selection and the due diligence process. Denise was also named a Zurich KAMP Award honoree in 2020.
Denise earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Actuarial Science at the University of Nebraska. She also holds Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), Certified Property and Casualty Underwriting (CPCU) and Certified Program Leader (CPL) designations.
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