Startup insurance provider Branch Insurance has announced two key appointments. The company has named Thommy Guerrero (pictured above left) as its first chief financial officer, and has appointed Joseph B. Anderson Jr. (pictured above right) as an independent director.
Guerrero joins Branch from MediaAlpha, where he served as head of finance and corporate development. He has also served on the finance and capital markets teams at Starwood, Ares Management, Morgan Stanley and PWC. Guerrero is also an investor and advisor to several organizations, including Acrew Capital, Cap Table Coalition, Mundial Media, and Functional Finance. He serves as a mentor at Black Ambition and as a SELF fellow at Management Leadership for Tomorrow.
“We could not be more excited about Thommy joining our leadership team,” said Steve Lekas, co-founder and CEO of Branch Insurance. “His comprehensive understanding of insurance distribution models and his experience as a leader, mentor and investor will be essential to our continued growth.”
“Branch is in a class by itself, combining best-in-class technology with a deep core competency in insurance, creating an exciting runway for continued growth,” Guerrero said. “I am thrilled to be joining Steve and the Branch leadership team on this exciting journey. I look forward to helping Branch build lasting relationships with customers and financial partners as the company continues to expand into new product and geographic areas.”
Anderson joins the Branch board of directors with extensive experience in leadership and business management. After serving two tours of duty with the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam, Anderson began his business career with General Motors at the Pontiac Motor Division, and eventually rose to become a general director in GM’s Fisher Guide Division.
After 13 years with GM, Anderson left to become president of Composite Energy Management Systems, Inc. He is currently the majority owner, chairman and CEO of TAG Holdings, which owns several manufacturing, service and technology-based companies. Since its founding, TAG Holdings has engaged in 15 acquisitions and joint ventures.
Anderson’s past board and upper-management positions include chairman and director roles at multiple companies including USAA, RiteAid, the Business Leaders for Michigan, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Detroit Branch, and the US Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council.
“Big goals require big talent, and we could not have found a better fit with what we’re doing than Joe,” Lekas said. “With his years of experience, in the short time he has served on our board of directors, Joe’s counsel and experience have proved essential to both me and to Branch. Joe is aligned with Branch’s goals and his leadership strengthens our board and brings valuable perspectives to our growing company.”
