PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

at  The Carlisle Group

One of the premier providers of legal malpractice insurance in the country has retained The Carlisle Group seeking to hire their next President & CEO. The client, rated “A” Excellent by A.M. Best, is seeking a talented executive for this role who has strong demonstrated experience in building, growing, and driving a profitable P&L. The role, reporting to the Board of Directors, will be the face of the organization to all internal & external stakeholders.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in insurance, business administration, sales and marketing, or a related field. MBA, graduate degree, or advanced insurance certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Significant senior executive experience in or relating to the insurance industry, along with other necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities. Ten+ years of progressively increasing executive responsibilities with demonstrated leadership abilities. Expertise in legal malpractice insurance desired, but not required. Successful experience in building teams and developing people. Success in developing the trust of a board of directors.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• A commitment to total customer satisfaction and enhancing a customer focused culture.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills and senior level skills in managing ambiguous situations and issues.
• Strong expertise in and knowledge of activities, practices and terminology of the insurance industry, preferably legal malpractice insurance, and highly educated on relevant legal and administrative procedures.
• Strong strategic planning, program development and project management skills. Ability to think ahead and plan over a 3-to-5-year span.
• Thorough knowledge of budget preparation and financial management.
• Ability to develop and implement effective and efficient recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated drive, determination, and persistence to achieve annual revenue targets.
• Comfortable working in a personable, entrepreneurial, small-company environment with large-company needs and expectations.
• Track record of garnering the trust and respect of others quickly and building lasting professional relationships.
• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor other executives and staff.
• Sound personal character.
• Commitment to having an organizational culture that is aligned with Company’s core values - including integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect and empowerment.
• Passion toward leading with an open-door policy focused on transparency, communication, and relationships.
• Experienced at championing change and innovation.
• Decisive – while employing flexibility as warranted.
• Seasoned management skills to motivate and inspire optimum performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Board Reporting: Advises and informs Directors on issues, concerns and progress of the organization as the latter pertains to strategic goals, reporting regularly on Company financial developments and Works closely with the Board Chair in scheduling and planning Board and Executive Committee meetings, including annual Director educational opportunities. Implements policies established by the Board of Directors; assists and advises Chairs of Board Committees concerning the agenda, projects and meetings of their respective Committees.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborates with the Board of Directors to define and articulate the organization’s vision and strategic goals, and to develop strategies for achieving those objectives.
• Program, Product and Service Delivery: Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of all programs and oversees design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of all programs, products, and services. Emphasizes the importance of outstanding customer service.
• Financial Management: Recommends annual budget for approval of the Board of Directors, and prudently manages the organization’s resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and Develops, with Board approval, and monitors strategies for maintaining the long-term financial viability of the Company. Ensures that accurate and complete statutory: financial statements are filed with regulatory authorities on a timely basis.
• General Management: Effectively manages Company’s human resources according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations. Develops and maintains an organizational structure aligned with the Company’s strategic plan. Develops future leadership within the organization. Establishes a culture fully consistent with the organization’s Mission, Basic Beliefs and strategic goals and objectives.
• Business Acumen in Insurance: Provides depth of knowledge of insurance operations and products to effectively oversee the claims, underwriting, investment, reinsurance and marketing functions. Effectively manages relationships with, and distribution of information to, the Company’s reinsurers, regulators and rating agencies.
• Company Ambassador: Assures that the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented accurately to relevant stakeholders. Represents Company to regulatory agencies, reinsurers, policyholders, bar associations, and community and civic organizations and, along with the Chair of the Board, to the Bar Association.
• Company Insurance Agency, ("Agency") - Serves as President and as one of several Directors. Oversees Agency in its marketing, promotion and sale of numerous insurance products that meet the needs of Ohio lawyers. Manages, trains and supervises Agency staff to accomplish its goals and objectives. Regularly reports to Agency’s Board of Directors regarding operations, financial condition, other business developments, and annual budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strategic and operational business and financial plans designed to meet the short & long-term goals and objectives of the company and which align with the vision of the company.
• Passionately present the external face of the company and effectively communicate the important work and direction of the company.
• Establish and manage organizational structure that supports efficient and effective implementation of strategy and operations.
• Interface with board members regularly and lead effective board governance.
• Deliver targeted long-term financial results.
• Develop and maintain a high-performing executive leadership team, utilizing personal and team development, compensation, and benefits programs.
• Create and maintain a highly productive and -collaborative work environment, while aligning with the company culture.