American Family Insurance, one of the largest insurance companies in the US, has confirmed that it has reduced its staff across its five companies as part of its ongoing transformation and adaptation to the changing market and customer needs. The company did not disclose the exact number or location of the affected positions, but said that the reductions were made through a combination of voluntary resignations, retirements, and terminations.
The company said that the staff reductions were necessary to align its resources with its strategic priorities and to improve its efficiency and agility. The company also said that it was facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted its business operations and customer behavior.
The company said that it has offered severance packages and outplacement services to the affected employees, and that it will continue to support them during this difficult time. The company also said that it has many open positions across its five companies, and that it will encourage the displaced employees to apply for them if they are interested and qualified.
Leadership changes and new structure
The staff reductions come amid a series of leadership changes and structural adjustments that the company announced earlier this year. The company said that these changes were aimed at creating a more customer-centric and innovative organization that can leverage its scale and diversity.
The company named Bill Westrate as its new president and CEO-elect, who will succeed Jack Salzwedel on Jan. 1, 2022. Salzwedel will remain as executive chair until his retirement in 2023. Westrate has been with the company since 1996 and has held various leadership roles, most recently as president of American Family Insurance.
The company also promoted Jessie Stauffacher and Telisa Yancy to top leadership positions reporting directly to Westrate. Stauffacher will serve as the exclusive and independent agency president, overseeing sales and products through American Family agents and Main Street America products sold through independent agents. Yancy will become president of American Family Direct, leading the companies that sell directly to customers through partners, call centers, and online – CONNECT, The General, and Homesite.
The company said that these changes will bring more alignment and consistency across its five companies, while allowing them to maintain their autonomy and distinctiveness.
Future outlook and vision
Despite the staff reductions and the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company said that it remains optimistic about its future prospects and growth potential. The company said that it has a strong financial position, a loyal customer base, a diverse product portfolio, a talented workforce, and a clear vision for its transformation.
The company said that its vision is to be the most trusted and valued customer-driven insurance company in the US. The company said that it will achieve this by providing customers with insurance products and services that meet their needs and preferences, by investing in innovation and technology, by supporting its communities and partners, by fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity, and by living up to its values of caring, honesty, integrity, respect, service, excellence, innovation, courage, diversity, inclusion, equity, sustainability.
The company said that it is grateful for the contributions of all its employees, past and present, who have helped shape its legacy and success. The company also said that it is committed to serving its customers with excellence and compassion during these unprecedented times.